It was invented immediately after the war, in the factory a far-sighted English military man had set up to turn the German economy from making machines of warfare to more pacific products. By the seventies that dream had been amply fulfilled, as the VW Campervan became the conveyance of choice for West Coast hippies, Australian surf bums and Europeans taking the overland route to find enlightenment and good karma in India. It had also become – indeed, still is – the first choice for any couple, or family, seeking a cheap camping holiday with wheels attached. So never mind the oddly off-centre driving wheel, the vagaries of the aircooled rear engine – the VW Campervan had become more than a vehicle – it had truly become a way of life. Mike Harding’s first ride in a Volkswagen Camper Van was back in 1961, when it was the carrying around the gear and bandmembers of his rock band the Manchester Rainmakers. Finally, in 2009, he could wait no longer, and bought his own, a 2001 Type 2 bay window Brazilian import Danbury conversion in hot orange and off white. Add in the endless curiosity of the author of eight monographs on church architecture, and the hilarious sense of humour of one of Britain’s best stand-up comics, and you have a wonderful social history of the postwar years through the prism of a single transport icon.

VW Bus-Camper-Van 1954-67 R.M. Clarke Reprinted articles from major automotive magazines provide valuable and hard-to-find information on your favorite VWs. Contains road tests, specs, driving impressions, articles on model introductions,used car features, history, and tuning. Sftbd., 8x 1 3/4, approx. 1 pgs., 185 ill.

"A camper is not just a camper. It's whatever you want it to be." Introduced in the 1950s, the campervan has captured the hearts of people all over the world and become a much-loved symbol of travel and fun. Owners are extraordinarily passionate about their campers; some treat them as an extension of their home, others undertake epic journeys in them, across desert and sea, through Europe, Asia, and Africa. Some strap surfboards to the roof and head for the nearest beach, while others soup up the engines and take them drag racing. Many will spend hours restoring and customizing them, and even more talking about them with fellow bus owners. Campervan Crazy is a tribute to this passion, to the owners who have lavished time, effort, and inspiration on their vans, and, of course, to the campervan itself. It traces the cult of the campervan, from family runabouts, to holiday home and design icon. Above all else, the campervan is living history and you will find chapters dedicated to "births, marriages and deaths," "wide-eyed wanderers," as well as some "buses behaving badly."

The ultimate guide to converting your Volkswagen T4 or T5 into a camper van, at home or in the workshop. With step-by-step instructions and photography throughout, this book clearly demonstrates how to safely and effectively transform your VW van into a practical, affordable camper using DIY skills, and basic hand and power tools. Geared towards the home-builder, the book covers: buying guides and planning; tools, materials, costs and legalities; insulation, carpet lining and flooring; fitting a pop-top roof and windows; building interior units, doors and drawers; fitting a rock and roll bed, roof beds and swivel seats, and finally, installing water, gas and electricity, with safety at the forefront. Fully illustrated with 435 colour photographs and step-by-instructions.

Anyone who has ever driven a Volkswagen camper will appreciate the appeal of this unique vehicle with its styling and versatility. Over the years it has given joy to millions of people and is now synonymous with the surfing culture that has become so popular today. The origin of this legend dates back to a darker time in history when the determination of Adolf Hitler saw the birth of the equally iconic Beetle. By the end of the Second World War, stripped down Beetles were being used as trucks to ferry parts around the Wolfsberg factory, but Ben Pon - the first to sell Volkswagens outside Germany - saw its true potential and was instrumental in the arrival of the Type 2 T1 camper van (or bus as it was affectionately known) in 1950. The VW camper has seen many changes over the years but is still going strong today and, if anything, has seen a resurgence in popularity over the last few years. The Big Book of Camper Van takes you from the beginnings through to camper vanning in the 21st century. It is a 'must have' for anyone already in love with them, as well as for those who are new to the wonders of the VW camper van world and the joy it undoubtedly brings.

The original design was inspired by the flatbed vehicles used in the Wolfsburg factory. After initial problems with the cars were solved production of the Kombi and Panel Van began in 1950. Official variations began in the early 1950's and the Type 2 came in almost any shape a buyer wanted. To keep up with demand a new factory was opened in Hanover in 1956 and the millionth type 2 was produced in 1962. By the end of production in 1967 nearly 2 million had been built. This volume deals specifically with VW's Microbus, pick-up, Kombi, Transporter and Landmark models, and includes contemporary road and comparison tests, technical and specification data, touring, variations.

VW Bus: Camper, Bus, Van, Pick-up & Wagon Malcolm BobbittThe full and fascinating story of the Volkswagen Bus from the earliest split-screen types through the bay window models to the later generation vehicles. Filled with development history, technical appraisal, variants, customized buses, production figures and specs, plus a listing of clubs and specialists. Hdbd., 8x 9 3/4, 16 pgs., 143 b&w ill., 27 color.