There are literally hundreds of types of VW Camper vans, but for many people, the most popular and desirable by far are “Westfalias”. (If you’d like to know more about the history of VW campers, please look at “VW Campers, a potted history” at the bottom of this page)

Westfalia vans were the first to be approved by VW and from their initial conversion of a “splitty” in 1951, they continued to produce campers until 2004 when VW finally commenced production of their own camper vans. Of the many Westy types produced, the SO 76/1 “Berlin” of the late 70s is acknowledged as the benchmark for comfort, style and practicality in camper vans.

So that’s what we have! (See if you can guess the origin of their names. There are some clues dotted around our web site)

San Fran

San Fran was the first to join us.  Built in early ’77 for the US market, she spent her early life in sun-drenched California, but also managed time in New Mexico and Texas.  We think her last owner in the US was in the Air Force, but she's certainly had a varied life, judging by the stickers on her windows and doors! Imported to the UK in autumn ’08, we collected her in early December once she'd been brought up to UK specification and had had the engine rebuilt.

Powered by a strong 2.0 litre twin-carb engine, she’s finished in Sage green with an authentic green, gold and black plaid. (Well, she is American…) She also still has her original hammock for smaller children and the “Moskito net” for summer camping.  A true 1970’s time capsule!

For further images, please visit our photo gallery.

Monterey

One of the last “bays” ever made, she rolled off the production line in March ’79, only a few months before VW switched production to the T3/T25. She too was built for the American market and we think she spent her whole life in California before being shipped to the UK via Holland in the summer of 2008.  “Monty” still sports her original “Mexico Beige” paint (now with a lovely patina) and beige/brown/green and black plaid upholstery.

Like San Fran, she arrived with all her original ‘70s accessories (hammock, Moskito net) but being a little younger she has a fuel-injected engine.  During autumn and early winter she has been “anglicised”; her engine has been totally rebuilt and her interior refurbished ready for the new season. 

Looking and driving just as she did nearly 30 years ago, Monterey is THE iconic ‘70s camper!

For further images, please visit our photo gallery.

What You Get!

As well as the iconic ‘70s look, our vans have been restored to their former glory AND have some more modern touches to really make them practical, comfortable and fun!  We think they have everything you need to just get in and go!

So, each van has:

• The ability to carry up to 4 adults.  There are four seatbelts. Three belts are “3-point” and one is a lap-strap.
• The ability to sleep up to 4 adults in a “rock and roll” double bed, and a further “loft” double bed.  Kids and “singlies” tend to prefer individual sleeping bags!
• A cab hammock suitable for a small child.  Also great for storage when parked up!
• 4 pillows and pillow-cases.
• A “pup” tent.  This sleeps up to 2 people and allows you to empty the van for excursions or sleeping.
• 4 camping chairs and a camping table.
• A modern radio/CD player with MP3 connectivity.
• A 12v cigarette lighter socket for charging those games consoles and mobiles!
• A 2-burner gas cooker.
• A full tank of LPG and a refill adaptor. (This supplies the cooker only.)
• A removable 3-way fridge.  Holding up to 44 litres of stuff, it can be powered by mains electricity, the leisure battery, or bottled camping gas. (Please note, the gas is not supplied by us but can be purchased locally)
• An on-board 8-litre fridge/cool box powered by the leisure battery or the engine- ideal for a day’s picnic!
• A campsite mains power lead, 20m long with 3 shower-proof sockets to power the fridge, lights or whatever you want!
• A 25 litre water tank, sink and electric pump.  (As the vans are into their third decade, we recommend you use bottled water for drinking.)
• Cooking pans, utensils, crockery and cutlery, including the all-important corkscrew and bottle-opener!
• An electric heater in case of a chilly morning or evening.
• A pack of playing cards.
• Matches.
• Cleaning materials.
• A basic toolkit.
• A fire extinguisher, fire blanket and a first-aid kit.
• A torch.
• Comprehensive insurance.
• AA “relay” and breakdown cover.

We can provide at extra cost if required:

• A “starter pack” of basics; tea, coffee, sugar, milk, bread etc.  Please call to discuss your individual requirements.
• A selection of travel games

What we don’t provide:

• Bedding.
• Towels.

Our vans were built for the US and so are left hand drive. A little extra care is needed when parking or overtaking, but sitting higher than most other traffic is a great advantage.

VW Campers, A Potted History

Volkswagen Transporter vans have been produced in 5 main styles starting with the T1 in 1950.  Commonly known as the “splitty” due to its distinctive split front windscreen, one of the first adaptations to a camper style interior was built in 1951 by Westfalia in Germany for a US officer stationed there.  This lead to VW formally recognising and sanctioning the Westfalia conversions, and through to the end of the splitty era in 1967, campers progressed from a simple “camping box” lifted in and out of a stock minibus, to bespoke interiors fitted with all mod cons, including the kitchen sink!

Elevating roofs first made an appearance in 1960 and rapidly became popular by doubling the amount of useful sleeping space, although the optional awnings remained in high demand.

Production of the T1 ended in 1967 and the new generation T2 Transporter immediately became a focus for camper conversions.  Longer, wider and more spacious then a splitty, the curved one-piece “Bay” windscreen was one of the best known, recognisable and popular vans, converted in all corners of the globe.  But Westfalia products reigned supreme, and with demand in Europe and the US continually outstripping supply numerous clones appeared, mostly closely modelled on a Westy.

“Pop-Top” roofs and “rock-and-roll” beds became standard along with fridges, cookers and running water; some conversions also boasted toilets and showers! Over the life of the T2 the engines and electrics were constantly updated and improved as technology and regulations changed. The last generation of Westfalia bays, the Berlin model, innovatively had the cooker and sink unit along one side, creating a large eating or recreation area. Immediately popular, these models are now highly sought after and cherished as iconic yet practical campers.

The T2 in turn gave way to the larger T3, commonly known as the T25 or “Wedge”.  This was the last of the rear-engine Transporter series and marked a significant improvement in terms of luxury, space and fittings.  Unfortunately, most aficionados feel this was done at the expense of character, but the jump to ‘80s technology in design, engineering and materials ensured the VW marque remained hugely popular.

The T4, produced from 1990 to 2004, saw the move to front-engine power and interiors equipped with microwaves, ovens, TV, CD/DVD players and a host of other gadgets and features. Now recognised more as motor caravans than humble campers, the simple approach to camper life had given way to a more luxurious existence!

The current chapter in the Transporter story, the T5, opened in 2004 and saw the end of the agreement between VW and Westfalia (Westfalia had been recently bought by the Daimler/Chrysler group, rivals of VW!)  This did however prompt VW to produce their own in-house campers which have become market favourites ever since.