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.

In his new book, well-known motoring writer Giles Chapman tells us the complete story of the VW Camper, from its origins to its enduring appeal. The history and development of the Camper is explored here, alongside ninety colourful images. This is a light-hearted romp through the world of Campers, and is full of juicy snippets and fascinating quotes which will be of great interest to anyone who loves this iconic vehicle.

"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.

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.

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.

One of the main attractions of the VW Bus, apart from its iconic looks and rugged reliability, is the way owners take the bus to heart and into their family, and set about personalizing them through both exterior and interior design and styling. Designing and building [or commissioning] an interior that will service your own needs is a daunting yet exciting task, and within these pages you will find many different sorts of interior to admire and inspire. Some have been built on a budget from scratch by the owner, some have been adapted and revamped, others are bespoke one-offs, built to the owner's designs. Whatever your taste in camper design, there will be something to amaze and inspire in the pages of VW Camper Inspirational Interiors.