The iconic Volkswagen Micro Bus was No.12 in the Budgie Miniatures collection. It had a long life, first appearing as Morestone Esso Series No.12 VW Micro Bus in 1957 and continuing in production until 1970. It was manufactured by Modern Products Ltd and had an interesting clip-fit base which slotted into four holes in the sides of the body.

The Esso version had a tan body, a black base (mostly in a gloss finish) and unpainted metal wheels. Silver trim was added to the 'VW' logo on the front, to the headlights, and to the front and rear bumpers.

When Morestone merged into Budgie Toys in 1959/60, the usual base colour became matt-black and there was a gradual change to grey plastic wheels. Small variations to the body colour occurred which could be anything from pale coffee to light brown and occaisionally the silver trim was omitted.

Around 1962, Budgie decided to introduce a pale blue version of the Micro Bus. It continued to be finished with silver trim and had a matt-black base and grey plastic wheels. The tones of blue varied on these from quite bright to a greyish blue and like the tan variation, silver trim was sometimes omitted.

The next changes to the pale blue version involved a switch to black plastic wheels and later the ending of silver trim.

Finally, in 1967/68 a new metallic blue Micro Bus was introduced by Modern Products Ltd who had taken ownership of the 'Budgie Models' name after Guiterman collapsed. This version had black plastic wheels, no silver trim and a gloss-black base.

Having a long life meant that No.12 Volkswagen Micro Bus appeared in the complete range of Morestone & Budgie boxes and packs starting with the three types of Esso Petrol Pump Series boxes followed by yellow Budgie Toys blister-packs and both Gift Sets Nos.8 and 12.

All three Vehicle Series boxes were used, 'Mobile', 'Modern' (type 1) and 'Modern' (type 2), as well as both 'Guiterman' and 'Budgie Models' blue blister-packs, and in the US Toy House packs. 

Finally, the pale blue version was included in two of the Triple blister-packs, No.98a Utility Vehicle Set in 1965 and No.97b Truck Set in 1967.