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.

Beautifully designed, this large-format book of 400 pages is the most complete and extensive telling of the Volkswagen Camper story from its very beginnings over 60 years ago to the latest factory models and conversions being produced today. This lavish book makes extensive use of contemporary brochures and modern day photography, supported by an informative text focused on the much-loved Campers and the various companies that were responsible for converting them. This is a very special book about a very popular subject.

The Volkswagen Transporter is one of the best-loved and most recognisable motor vehicles of all time. The preferred transport for surfers and hippies everywhere, the Volkswagen Type 2 'bus' was born in 1950, and became the first of a new breed of vehicle, the ancestor of today's people carrier. Available in various versions, including panel van, pick up and minibus, Transporters were often converted into campervans for a newly motorised class of holidaymaker. This book looks at the development, production and use of the class first, and second, generation Transporter. With archive illustrations including many colour photographs from old brochures this book is also a great evocation of the 1950s and 60s.

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.

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.

This revised and expanded third edition updates the story across six generations of the VW Bus and includes additional information and pictures, including more conversions, as well new information about the very early years and the latest models. Using archive and period brochure images, and photographs of original-condition models still surviving to illustrate the detailed text, it documents the various specifications, layouts, fitments and optional equipment of over forty different conversion companies, from well-known names like Devon and Westfalia, to lesser-known or unusual models such as Slumberwagen and Arcomobil. Since publication of the first edition in 2005, followed by a revised, expanded edition in 2012, VW Camper - The Inside Story has been acclaimed by enthusiasts and lovers of the VW Camper, and has become a definitive guide to the many different camping conversions built on the VW Transporter and Microbus.