The Volkswagen Type 2 is one of the most iconic models of all time. Also known as the VW Camper, Transporter, Microbus or Kombi, rarely has a vehicle symbolised an entire era or way of life. From the political and social symbolism it developed in the 60s and 70s, Campers have been associated with any number of things, including Flower Power, Woodstock, surfing, Cornwall, the American East Coast, hippies and all-round coolness for over 70 years. After numerous film appearances, song references and album covers by the likes of Bob Dylan and The Beach Boys, the VDub Camper has been solidified in the classic car hall of fame.
Debuting at the Geneva Motor Show in 1949, I’m sure few could have predicted the solid cult-following that the Type 2 has achieved. Starting out with a rear 1131 cc engine, bus-like style and nothing in front of the windscreen (yes, your knees are the crumple zone), the original German-built Camper had a colossal 24 bhp. By 1953 this was upgraded to the T1, with an air-cooled 1192 cc and 30 bhp. This first generation is nicknamed the ‘Splittie’ by fans, due to its infamous split screen. German production of the T1 stopped after 1967, but continued in Brazil until 1975. The T2 launched in ‘67, and was called the ‘Bread Loaf’ or ‘Bay Window’, due to its distinctive shape and the removal of the split windscreen design. The vehicle was larger and far heavier than its predecessor, but it also received an engine upgrade to 1.6L and 47 bhp, with 4-speed manual transmission. Lasting until 1979, the first four-wheel drive T2s were tested in the late 70s as a new move for the Type 2. The T3 was then introduced in 1979 and remained in production until 1992. Larger and heavier than the T2, it replaced the VW trademark round corners with square ones, earning its nickname ‘The Wedge’. In 1983, the air-cooled engine was replaced by a water-cooled system, beginning the precedent for all future versions. Since then, we’ve seen a T4, T5 and the current T6, which looks somewhere between a Ford Transit and a security vehicle. The beautiful 60s curves are long gone, cementing the vintage vehicles as the firm favourite in the market.
The cult following that has arisen around the VW Camper (Ts 1 to 3) is unsurprising when you consider its aesthetic. The eye-catching colours, enlarged VW signage, and endless interior possibilities allow the Camper to be a fashionable choice. Usually, the decision to sleep in your van is shunned by society, however if you do it in a Sage Green VDub, it's something entirely different. The malleable interior can be DIY-ed into every setup under the sun, moving the table, bench, sink, adding shelves, more beds, an electric hob - it’s really up to you. You can kitsch-it up with plaids and 60s fabrics, strap your surfboard or bikes to the back, install a stereo system. Your van is a direct reflection of you; how many cars can say that? This in turn means that the overall lifestyle the vehicle offers appeals to a whole host of people, attracted by the laidback freedom of driving their house. For the nomads, the roamers, the hippies, the musicians, the surfers and the families opting for this off-the-grid way of life, the VW does it in style. One site lists an incredible 93 different fan clubs just in the UK. It’s fiercely loved by owners across the world, and the subject of dreams for many. This is in part due to the history these vans represent. The very first versions are still being used to travel around Australia and Europe. Modifications have of course been made, yet in the disposable world we live in, this consistent upcycling feels like a bygone concept. For many, the beauty of the Camper is the life it had before it came to you, like a slightly-injured stray. It’s been on decades of adventure, which in turn inspires the travels the owner envisages with their loved ones. It’s also lived through the defining moments of the 20th and 21st centuries. In all likeliness, it was there for Maggie Thatcher, for Clinton’s impeachment and probably even the Vietnam war.
The community surrounding Campers is also a force to be reckoned with. Part of the
appeal for new owners is to join a well-established community of others like them, who stand for all of the things I’ve just listed, offering them advice and support on their new hobby. Clubs meet to show off their vehicles and celebrate the unique spins the owners have put on them. They share engine knowledge, help with fixes, offer advice for long-distance travel and the best places to park up for the night. There’s a real family aspect to these clubs, complete with love, guidance and sibling rivalries. The final draw for VDub fans is the self-serviceability of the vehicles. I'm not advocating you skip your MOT, but if you do break down on the side of the road, there’s probably something that can be done. With fewer electrical components, sensors and an all-round simpler engine model, you can fiddle around under the bonnet until you find something that gets her going again. None of the confusion of today’s cars, and all of the 'keep calm and fix it', back on the road to get to the beach before sundown. But please, don’t mistake ‘self-serviceable’ for reliable. I’m sure campers of all generations break down constantly across the country - but the beauty is that you’ll get it going in no time, without a trip to the VW garage. So whatever version, colour, layout or screen-type you prefer, VW Type 2 lovers are a special kind of people. They’re after the adventure, the history, the fashion and the lifestyle of a bygone era - but that’s the point. By clinging on, they’re keeping it alive. And I say, good on ‘em
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