US Volkswagen Camper Vans

The Volkswagen van or caravan is one of those rarefied vehicles that seems to transcend mere transportation. Everyone, it seems, has a soft spot in their heart for these old VWs that date back to a bygone era: From the very young to the extremely old, very few people, regardless of color, creed, or social position, will stop. do it. note the presence of a Volkswagen pickup. These things simply demand attention!

This writer has been involved in exporting vehicles from the US to the UK for just over 20 years. However, he has recently been exposed to the wonderful world of the VW van in all its various forms. The old classic split-window model (or 'Splitty' as it is affectionately known) has found competition in recent years for the affection of the many fans of his in the form of his more modern brother, the bay window van. . In the US, the ที่เที่ยวในอเมริกา represents the iconic four-wheel travel companion. So popular was the 'Westy' that its resulting limited availability to Volkswagen dealers led an enterprising Oregon company to produce its own conversion, the 'Riviera', based on the slowest selling VW panel van. it disappeared once the quality of its workmanship and the intelligence of its design became apparent. Today the Riviera has its own very strong and specific following and although it is less well known in the UK than the 'Westy' it is becoming a popular choice with motorhome enthusiasts.

It is a sad but inescapable fact that although many Volkswagen motorhomes were sold new in the UK, the ravages of wet weather have left only a limited number surviving. Although US vans are not without their problems, for the most part the levels of rust, rot, and general neglect are low enough to make them a much better proposition. In many cases, it is possible to find VW campers in the US that are still wearing their original paint. While it is true that some work may be required to restore them to their perfect condition, the effort that goes into doing so is not that overwhelming. For this reason, more and more UK enthusiasts are looking to imported US vans - the slight downside of having the steering wheel on the 'wrong' side is seen as worth it against the benefit of having a solid frame.

Perhaps the reason for the enduring charm of the Volkswagen Caravan is the sheer efficiency of its interior design, making it a smart choice for a small family on the road without the bulk and impracticality of a true RV. Many owners use their caravan as a daily driver, thus eliminating the need to have a specific vehicle solely for travel.

While split window pickups and early bay window pickup trucks were at one point only perceived to have "classic" status, their popularity has spread in recent years to include later model years. The appeal of a late '70s VW Westfalia or Riviera with its practical four-berth sleeping arrangements and more powerful 2000cc fuel injected engine has become apparent with enthusiasts.

What is certainly not in doubt is the affection that VW owners have for their vehicles. During the writer's travels across the United States in search of suitable vans for his clients, he rarely encountered an owner for whom the loss of his pride and joy was not a disturbing experience. More than one person changed their mind about the sale and, for two owners, the parting was literally filled with tears.

The great demand for these old Volkswagens is also very clear: on many occasions, the writer was disappointed that he had lost a particular truck due to a queue of other eager buyers. The search for decent vehicles led to an odyssey that spanned a significant part of the United States. Buying a particular Riviera motorhome involved a plane flight from Miami to Salt Lake City, Utah, followed by a wonderful trip to snow-covered Idaho. The subsequent purchase (of a wonderfully rust-free 1972 'Kombi') drove from Idaho through Nevada to Lake Tahoe, and from there to Northern California. The thick snow, which required the use of chains to keep moving forward, gradually gave way to glorious sunshine and beautiful scenery.