Category: Campers

Volkswagen finally kill the T2

I’ll be honest, it brought a lump to my throat when I heard the news that the original VW Camper van is to have production halted.  Many people are unaware that you could still buy these from South America. Well, yes you can and I’ve seen them, they ain’t bad buses at all.

Also known as the VW Kombi or T2, this legendary vehicle will be no more. But thousands of old and new examples remain in what has to be the success story of Volkswagen’s business career (Beetle owners may put up a fight about this though…).

So why stop production of the T2?

When Europe decided that the original Kombi was no longer worthy, production moved to Brazil. They have been banging out these beauties since early 1979 and even purists say they are not far off the originals. They currently manage builds of more than 200 a day which means they are far from unwanted.

The unfortunate truth is that it’s South America’s newest safety legislation that has done the most to halt production and VW say it’s too costly to re-engineer this venerable platform. Damn shame.

I would like to bet that someone could do these safety adaptations in a third-party workshop and still make it a bargain buy. Apparently, amongst other modifications, there is a need for twin airbags and ABS.

They are currently to be made available from production until the end of 2013. Currently, here in the UK, you can get one for a shade under £25,000 ($37,000 US) which is for the 9 seater. There’s also a 12 seater option.

Yes they are basic but they are also iconic and you should even consider buying one just to shrinkwrap (although using it is MUCH better). You’ll get 50 percent more in 10 years for it, no problem, and you’ll be doing your bit for history. Now where did I put that chequebook?

 

 

 

 

VW type 2 T2

In 1968 we saw the first T2 camper. This broke from the earlier van by having a single windscreen, not a “Splittie” as before.

This one piece window led to the term “Bay window” being coined. Wish I had a pound for each person I’ve explained that to…..
A funnier although less endearing term is “Breadloaf” because the whole van resembles one of Kingsmill’s finest.

Nicer nicknames include Bulli (German for “Ox”) and Kombi. For this article I researched what Rugbrod meant as this is used by Danish owners. The answer? Well it’s Danish for a loaf of bread……

This model improved on load carrying, driveability and power with their 1.6 litre 48HP motor. Transmission and suspension is greatly improved over the older T1 with a half shaft axle instead of the previous swing axle giving better handling all round.

We saw the T2b in 1971 and this model’s production run carried on in Germany before finally moving to Brazil in 1996. I believe that there was also production of this van in Mexico for a few years before 1996.
Better brakes, stronger wheels, bigger bumpers, brighter lights and auto boxes were introduced on this model and a much more modern and powerful 2 litre lump was available in 1976.

The T2c came out in 1991 with a higher roofline and an optional front mounted 1.4 litre engine from the VW Golf. (Aaaarghh! Water cooled!!). They did keep the air cooled option though.

CamperAuctions verdict:

If you are considering a T2 then it may well be a sound choice. The T1 is lovely and more collectable but you can live with a T2. We’d say go with the aircooled T2 for authenticity and that classic engine note. The safety and comfort advantages it brings will make it a usable classic as opposed to a shrink-wrapped investment.  The T2’s legendary durability means you’ll have years of fun with it.

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Camper and motorhome seats

campervan seats for sale onlineWell we all have to have somewhere to sit. However, I’ve found that over the years I have done countless projects which required ripping out and modifying seating. Often the best place to start is with a decent quality secondhand unit. Prices are particularly good secondhand, but bear in mind that most units will be collection only so factor this in when buying.

Swivel seats (also known as Captain’s seats) are very desirable if you want to create a day van, mobile office or just add a touch of luxury. Swivel bases can be purchased separately so a standard seat can be modified if you find what you are after. Swivel seats for van conversion projects are quite sought after so if you see a set for sale, don’t waste time in getting to the seller to offer them money, there’s usually an eager buyer around the corner.

With jump seats, buddy seats, folding seats, swivel chairs, recliners, stools and good old fashioned cushions, the list is endless but the choice is there. Contact us if you have any seating projects, finished or otherwise, you’d like to share.