The VW camper is one of the most sociable ways of enjoying a classic

Thought the people-carrier was a modern phenomenon? Think again; it’s more than half a century since the VW Microbus made its debut. The coolest people-mover ever devised, the Type 2 camper oozes style from every seam – but you need to experience the VW first-hand to see what all the fuss is about. Amazingly comfortable and spacious, the Camper is one of the most sociable ways of enjoying a classic – buying a Type 2 is like joining a global social group.

Karmann Konnection is among the UK’s biggest Type 2 specialists. The company’s Julian Hunt has a 1952 example of his own, and comments: ‘Any split-screen Type 2 is in demand, but it’s an odd market. On the one hand are the purists who demand total originality and expect perfection, usually insisting on right-hand drive. The other group don’t care about modifications
or which side the steering wheel is on – they’re more into driving the vans regularly, so don’t want something that is too good to use.

‘A separate division of this latter group has sprung up in recent times, driving VWs that don’t look roadworthy. Known as rat-look campers, these have been bleached by the sun before being imported from the US. They’re often fitted with bigger engines, along with disc brakes, independent rear suspension and flash wheels.’

Steve Saunders, of the Split Screen Van Club, echoes these thoughts: ‘The purists spend the most money on acquiring their vans, as the most valuable campers are those still to original specification and with right-hand drive. However, those who are
into rat-look vans often end up spending more because they modify their VWs so heavily.

‘We have reached a point where modified vans outnumber standard examples, which is why the latter are now worth a premium. It’s the same with imports: they’re now so common that right-hand-drive campers are in the minority – which, again, is why they’re worth more.’

Hunt says: ‘Left-hand-drive Type 2s are more affordable, especially in entry-level Kombi spec. Most sought after is the Microbus DeLuxe, nicknamed the Samba and plushest of all the Type 2s. A superb 23-window example (built 1951-1963) can fetch up to £30,000, while a later 21-window edition is worth nearly as much. Even a restoration project will cost up to £10,000, but roadworthy examples are only £15,000 – although usable Kombis and Microbuses can be had for up to 25% less.

‘The key is to immerse yourself in the scene, as the best campers change hands through word of mouth – it’s very rare for them to be advertised.’