Produced in large quantities, the VW T1 ranked among the most essential vehicles in the service of the German Red Cross (DRK) from the fifties and far into the seventies. In more cases than one, the Patient Transport Ambulances (PTA) lasted for many decades, but averaged only moderate mileage when they were taken out of service. To Volkswagen, the Spartan, yet utilitarian equipment relief organisations across the board required in the vehicles translated to gigantic profits - especially given that the vehicles could be ordered from and equipped at the factory directly. As a testimony to this success, VW used a 1:40 advertising model launched by WIKING to attract new customers. WIKING presents the model as a typical emergency vehicle of local DRK services.

Chassis with fan and warning light base light ivory, interior olive grey. Tail lights and head lamps as transparent red and transparent inserts, respectively, and hand-painted in silver underneath. Black steering wheel and chassis. Wheels light ivory. Front and rear bumpers light ivory. Transparent blue warning light inserted. Red cross on the front and chrome rings for indicators imprinted. Side imprint with red cross and “German Red Cross” lettering. Front round lamp at the front of the roof imprinted with a red cross on a white background. Glazing on the side and at the rear imprinted.