The Only Double Cabin Kombi Made in Brazil

If you are a fan of classic cars, especially the iconic Volkswagen Kombi, get ready to learn about one of the most curious stories in national motorsports. Although the Kombi is an incredibly versatile vehicle, with several configurations throughout its history, the version double cabin The famous “Corujinha” was never officially manufactured in Brazil. However, as every rule has its exception, a single unit of this model was created in Brazil in the 1960s and not by a Volkswagen factory, but by a dealership in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais.

The Birth of a Rarity

The creation of this Single double cabin Kombi It was the dealership's work Carbel, located in Belo Horizonte. The company, which is still in operation today, made this special modification to a passenger Kombi of the time. Although the model never left the assembly lines of the factory Volkswagen in São Bernardo do Campo, São Paulo, the work carried out by Carbel was so well done that the Kombi looks like an official factory model.

The project was recorded in photos by the renowned automotive journalist from Minas Gerais Raymond Couto e Silva, also known as Viscount of Ouro Preto. The images were preserved and are now part of the collection of MIAU (Automotive Press Museum), thanks to the donation made by the journalist's son, Raimundo Couto.

Exclusive Details of the Corujinha Double Cabin Kombi

One of the most intriguing aspects of this Kombi is that it was created from a passenger version known as the Standard, and not of pick-up, as would be expected. This choice resulted in several unique features:

• Absence of tilting side covers: Unlike the German double cabin, this Kombi does not have lids that lower to facilitate loading cargo.
• Body cut: The body was cut flush with the side crease, raising the access line to the bucket. This gave it a more robust and distinctive look.
• Inverted back cover: Part of the original rear lid was kept, but the opening system was changed to open from top to bottom, facilitating access to the cargo area.

Another interesting detail is that the curved glass rear sides were preserved, creating a unique and exclusive look. In addition, the paintwork in two tones, the moldings and interior linings suggest that the Kombi used was a luxury version, probably from 1968 or 1969.

The Eccentricity of Exhaust Outlets

Another curious detail of this special Kombi is the exhaust system. Instead of the traditional model used in Kombis of the time, this version used the Beetle dual exhaust. This unique element further contributes to the exclusivity of the model.

The Purpose of Creation

The project of the Corujinha Kombi double cabin It appears to have been an internal initiative by Carbel, as the vehicle was decorated with large dealership logos on its sides. This indicates that it was designed for promotional or internal use, and not to be sold to a customer.

Double Cabin: A Belated Official History

Although this double cabin Kombi is a single piece, the Volkswagen only officially offered the version double cabin in Brazil in 1981. These versions, known as Clipper, had air-cooled 1600 engines or water-cooled diesel options. Production of the national double cab was discontinued in 1986, leaving a gap in the market for fans of this style.

A Heritage That Deserves Recognition

The story of this Corujinha Kombi single double cabin It is a fascinating example of how creativity can transform an already iconic vehicle into something even more special. Unfortunately, there are no records of the whereabouts of this model today, but the preserved photos and history keep the memory of this rarity alive.

If you are passionate about classic cars, this Kombi is yet another proof of the cultural and historical impact that these vehicles have in Brazil and the world. So, the next time you hear about a Kombi, remember: there may be much more history behind it than you imagine!