Japanese Replica VW Vans

I thought these were exclusive to Japan, but I’ve found that there is at least one company in the UK selling these clever little VW van look-a-likes.  The irony is that most of these vans were inspired by the original Volkswagen vans of the fifties.  With flat nose design and engine tucked in the rear these critters already have a lot of VW spirit in them.  This car sales company is selling them for around 6,000 pounds or about US $12,000.  In looking through used car sites in Japan I’ve seen them for as low as US $2,000 used.  They’re very basic and modified from more than one make of Japanese minivan.  As Volkswagen has stayed out of the affordable van market for sometime it’s refreshing to see these colorful replicas, but are they legit with regard to VW and it’s copyright logo?  

Smaller than the originals and built with modern technology they’re quite practical.  The engines are only 660 cc and some models are 4 wheel drive!  Check out these Japanese VW van replica sites, Mini Bus Fan and Wagen Style.

Create your own VW Camper!

In anticipation of getting my van refitted I went over to Beetles UK to play around with their handy “Create-A-Car” feature that lets you choose the options you want on your new classic Beetle (I thought Mexico stopped making them a few years back) new Brazilian water cooled VW Van, or new Beetle.  I opted to go with the 2 tone “burnt orange” color scheme.  You click through a few sections in a pop-up window selecting everything from alloy rims to porta potties, and of course paint, then presto your imagination virtually comes to life!  My configuration would cost me 23,286 pounds or around $44,000 U.S.  I chose many of the sensible ad ons like pop up roof, anti-corrosion etc.  A good value in today’s RV market, these being specialty items and all.

Good interior layout, custom Riviera

I saw a great Riviera camper at a VW show this summer.  I talked to the owner who said the sink/stove combination was out of some non Volkswagen RV and that it just happen to fit perfectly.  That brings into question, should one strictly go for the original interior or what’s best for you?  I believe that since most interior conversions were made by third party companies you should make your van right for your needs.  This one came out so well he was able to get collector status with the auto insurance company which usually means having everything stock.  As there were so many variations I guess they just keep track of exterior body details and dash radios.

The Framptons have driven them all!

The Framptons have an interesting page that chronicles their long relationship with Volkswagen campers. From a modified beetle to the Eurovan they evolved with the company’s products touting the advantages of each new offering. However, I can’t help but notice 2 significant points on their Web site. One extols the virtues of their first bay window model, how it was better suited to long distance travel than the splitty before it. The other is a comment about giving up their Eurovan in 2002, quote, “Maintenance issues finally ended our relationship with the van. We just got tired of trying to resolve them.” It seems the Euros need some pretty specialized care. In fact a friend of mine who bought a used Eurovan told me how he had to pay $700 for what amounted to a tune up. The engine is at the front and really hemmed in there. The Type IIs on the other hand can still be repaired by anyone with do-it-yourself know how and a little elbow grease. I’m feeling better every day about my decision to go with a ‘74 Westy.

Calypso Campers custom fitted VW van interiors

It’s always great to find another dedicated business in support of the Volkswagen van, which to me means either a splitty or a bay window. In fact I’ve noticed while driving my ‘74 Westfalia lately that Vanagon drivers don’t wave back. I’ll still wave as the later models are fine vehicles too. However, I grew up like many people with a bay window in our family’s driveway. Calypso Campers is a family business located in Salisbury, Wiltshire in the UK. They have a standard interior with kitchen and all “Fully fitted for £1950 inc vat” or about $3,700 US. I plan to put up about $5,000 to have mine redone, but that will include a total strip down, paint inside and out, a new windshield, window rubber and a top of the line pop-up canvas. Admittedly Calypso are truly interior specialists just look at their site. This photo shows an interior they did for a splitty, amazing! Great motivation for anyone thinking of redoing a VW camper, unfortunately they only do the vans themselves and don’t sell DIY kits. I’m not in the UK, otherwise I might have ordered a kit.

Also, I’d like to thank Lisa for mentioning my site in her blog “Lisa’s Room.” She writes, “I’ve been enjoying these blogs and websites: Viva Westfalia and VWvagabonds” It’s nice when someone appreciates what you’re trying to do, in my case compile useful and sometimes hard to find information in support of aircooled VW campers.

Brazilian Kombi spotted in Tokyo

This Brazilian made aircooled Volkswagen Kombi was seen on the west side of Shinjuku station in the Japanese capital at the end of August 2006. It looks quite new. Not sure who’s importing them, perhaps specialty shops or avid VW fans. It’s interesting to see one in Japan, which has strict vehicle licencing laws, seeing as the U.S. and Canada blocked new ones years ago.

Book on Volkswagen camping conversion interiors!

I must have a copy of this book by David Eccles which details many of the conversions made over the years from 1951 through 2005. Though the Westfalia is the best known, there were many other innovators like Sundial, Adventurewagen, Riviera and more. Since I’m currently looking for a practical interior for my recently purchased 1974 Westfalia this book will be a great help. David also has a Volkswagen Camper magazine which I have to subscribe to. Just what is the best interior, one with all the mod cons or something more zen allowing for extra seating? Soon in this blog I’ll be looking at some of my favorite set ups. Having driven a 1973 Campmobile some years ago that had custom sink and cupboard that held a standard ice cooler, I have to say I’m leaning toward a simple approach for my Westy.

British company continues with new Type II VW campers

Danbury Motor Caravans is continuing with their camper conversions of Brazilian made Type II Volkswagen vans. In December 2005 the last air cooled boxer motors officially ceased production in Brazil. The new water cooled engines are more efficient, and there are no signs that the classic Kombi will be disappearing any time soon. I’m reasonably sure these cannot be imported to North America. I wrote to Danbury and they said they could send one across the Atlantic no problem, the government is another issue. However, Brazilian Kombis have been seen in Japan. More on that in a future post. Restoration is the best way to get yourself a Westfalia in the states or Canada, unless you’re lucky enough to find that dream machine that’s sat in a heated garage all these years.

Purchased! 1974 Westfalia

I’m now the owner of this fine 1974 VW Westfalia. It has the stove and fridge, but no sink, I suspect it was removed. I’ll either replace it or get a custom interior. The body is in really great shape, was repainted at some stage. Engine is good, 2nd gear is sticky, having that looked at. Lots of room, fewer cabinets in ‘74 means a bigger bed downstairs. 1974 was the first year of the double upper bunk so it sleeps 4 no problem. All the gauges in the cockpit are in surprisingly good condition. For 32 years old this vehicle is in respectable condition. Get ready for camping VW style!

VW Vans on the highway…

Click to start video

Here’s a video I came across on the net. A bunch of VW vans on an outing in Brighton. Quite cool, love the sound of the air cooled engines, almost like you were in a plane.