Now made in Brazil, there are differences between the newer versions of the German-designed classic.  They are now water-cooled rather than air-cooled and they are powered by 1.4 Polo petrol engines.  The nose has been modified to take a radiator grille which does give the front-end a slightly different look.  However, if you are a true VW Geek, you can get a dummy spare wheel cover to hide the modern look.  It’s full of holes, so as to still let the air to the radiator, but from a distance it does look the part!

Inside are the usual motorhome mod-cons and the engine deliver a mighty 80bhp. Okay…not mighty, but the Type 2 is for cruising not overtaking!

The Polo engine is located in the back, as it should be, and is quieter than the classic engine.  It is claimed to give 31mpg on slow roads but don’t expect to do more than about 60mph unless you have the grip of a Titan to stop the van diving into the verge.  And don’t ask about gear changes…they are difficult to say the least!

Now, this isn’t the van for the serious VW enthusiast nor is it the van for someone who wants to take the family on a touring holiday, but it is fun and for the unitiated it is the classic VW Type 2 Campervan.

These were:

• Larger and higher bay window
• 12 volt electrics
• Improved suspension and handling
• From 1972 the type 4 1700-2000cc engines provide more power
• Some models had servo brakes

The pre-67’s differ from the Bay Window Campers thus:

• Expect to put up with the quirks and limitations of a 40+ year old vehicle including…
• 6 volt electrics
• Weaker 1200-1500cc engines
• Smaller and lower split windscreen