Company installs 100 vehicles in 7,000 square meter premises

Hannover, March 29, 2012. Hardly any other automobile has such a high cult factor as the Volkswagen Bus. Today, 65 years after its first appearance, it stars in cinema films and commercials and stands – more than any other vehicle – for freedom, travel and fun. At Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles this legendary VW Bus has its own department dedicated to preserving its heritage: Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Oldtimers. Formed in 2007, the team has expanded fast over the five intervening years. Not only have the experts purchased and restored about 100 vehicles – from now on, they are offering the restoration of historic Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles ex works for external customers, inclusive of detailed documentation.

For this purpose, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Oldtimers moved to a new building in Hannover at the beginning of this year. An area of approximately 7,000 square meters now not only accommodates the historical treasures, but also houses a machine park which includes everything from a sheet metal bending bench, lathes and milling machines to its own paint shop. The department now has a staff of 13, from mechanics to a technology historian and an event planner.

Owners of a historic Volkswagen Commercial vehicle can now have it restored here, at its place of origin. No matter whether a full or partial restoration is required, or a Bus is simply to be made roadworthy, the ‘Bulli’ workshop team will undertake any assignment. Paint renovation or an inspection is also possible. The staff talk through all personal restoration wishes with the customer before preparing an individually tailored offer.

The unique feature: only here does the customer receive certificated ex works restoration. In addition, for each customer the team of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Oldtimers provides comprehensive documentation of the restoration of the vehicle, in which every step is photographically documented and described in detail. Thus the work performed by the specialists from Hannover is recorded for posterity, and customers can leaf through their folder whenever they wish. Some of the replacement parts needed when working on oldtimers are even taken from Volkswagen’s original stock.

Here Volkswagen Classic Parts supports the VW Bus workshop as a partner.

Article source: http://www.autoblog.com/2012/03/30/volkswagen-commercial-vehicles-opens-oldtimer-division-for-the-c/

BMW MINI goes camping

It is summer and it is camping season for all those who love spending time with the bears and mosquitoes. Now, if you are headed to the great outdoors in your MINI you take all the comforts, well some of the comforts, of home with you with MINI’s new camping add-ons.

MINI has announced its arrival among the ranks of European camping outfitters. An appointed caravan with two sleeping bays and a roof-top tent (also designed for two) in the classic John Cooper Works color scheme will wet the appetite for do-it-yourself summer vacations peppered with spur-of-the-moment detours along the way.

When vacationing in a MINI and having found that perfect spot, campers were lacking a suitably MINI with an impromptu way of bedding down for the night. Enter the “Cowley” camper, offering everything you need to pitch camp in comfort: two welcoming sleeping berths, a twin-burner gas-stove, a water tank with pump and dish-washing facility, a solar module to charge the on-board battery and a 230-volt power connection to supply the refrigerator, TV/DVD and hi-fi stereo system.

“Maximum touring pleasure on a minimal footprint” is the formula for this exclusive pied-à-terre on wheels, very much in the spirit of the creative use of space for which MINI is renowned. The silhouette of the Cowley brings to mind the sweeping circular curves of the door trim inside a MINI. Plus, both side doors have sliding windows, as was the way of things in the Classic Mini up to 1969. The eye-catching trailer is only 12 centimeters (under five inches) wider than a MINI Clubman mirror to mirror and weighs just under 300 kilograms (661 lb). Indeed, with its outstanding agility and fleetness of foot, there’s no danger of the hallmark MINI driving fun being left behind over long journeys.

For cars like the John Cooper Works top sports models where a trailer coupling is not an option, the “Swindon” roof-top tent provides a neat solution. The tent can be fitted easily to the roof of a MINI, MINI Clubman or MINI Countryman, and likewise offers sleeping space for two people. All of which makes those stressful last-minute searches for accommodation “so last holiday”. Having found a fittingly dreamy place to catch a stylish night’s shut-eye, it’s just a case of climbing up onto the roof of the MINI, lifting up the upper half of the roof-top tent box and plumping your pillows ready for impact. The roof-top tent works a treat, whether the location for your beauty sleep is the English shires or the foothills of Kilimanjaro. Indeed, should you have chosen one of nature’s livelier spots to spend the night, the elevated sleeping position will keep passers-by from the animal world at arm’s length.

The design of the roof-top tent box allows it to blend in seamlessly with the MINI when closed. Its lower shell is painted Midnight Black, the upper opening section in Chili Red – a combination previously the preserve of John Cooper Works models.

There is no word on pricing or it these neat little MINI add-ons will be made available in North America.

4/2/12

Article source: http://www.sportscarillustrated.com/News_2012/C/news12_0233.html

The gleaming 2004 SL600 convertible show car customized by RENNtech reached $155,000, the bidders roused by the onstage appearance of Marine Corporal Michael Jernigan who was blinded and terribly injured in an Iraq roadside bombing in 2004. The St. Petersburg Marine stood with his guide dog, Brittani, to promote a charity that provides guide dogs for blinded military personnel.

Another charity sale for a 1957 Chevy Bel Air hardtop, which benefited a Florida Boy Scouts Council, cruised into the second highest result with a $55,000 while a group of Scouts polished it up on stage.

The results for both sales went totally to the charities, the auction waiving all fees as always.

The highest non-charity sale, and the third-highest overall, came late in the day when a nicely finished 1972 Ford Mustang custom convertible sold for $42,900, including bidder fee.

All told, $2.742 million worth of cars sold on Thursday, and an alert bidder could have picked up some striking bargains. A beautifully restored 1950 Plymouth two-door sedan was a steal at $9,350, including fee. Or if your taste tends toward the exotic, how about a very-low-mileage 1988 Ferrari Mondial convertible, a two-owner car with complete records, that went for just $28,300, with fee.

Handy hobbyists were picking up some rare American vintage iron from the Riley Hogan collection, cars that needed restoration work but were essentially complete and presentable. How about a really straight 1957 Lincoln Premiere hardtop that needs restoration but it’s all there, including its impossible-to-find chrome and aluminum trim parts. A steal for a rare car at $5,500. There were quite a few others at four-figure or low five-figure prices.

Auction goers were surprised by the high number of late-model European cars, particularly convertibles, at the sale. Lots of Mercedes-Benz sedans and roadsters are going over the block, including many SL-Class cars, as well as Jaguar XK convertibles and plenty of others.

Auction CEO Craig Jackson said the South Florida bidders’ interest in drivable classics prompted the auction company to add so many late-model cars, as well as resto rods, to the docket.

“What we found in our niche here is that people want drivers,” Jackson said. “We have adapted to what the customers want.”

The bidders found that some of the low-mileage modern cars were going for very reasonable prices, such as a low-mileage and essentially pristine 1997 SL500SL for $29,150, with fee, or a very nice low-mileage 1997 Jaguar XK8 convertible for $20,350. A 1997 SL320 was a great buy at just $8,250. How could you go wrong?

More of the modern drivers are crossing the block today and Saturday.

Some other Thursday highlights:

• A good-looking 1959 Austin-Healey 3000 customized with a Ford 302 V8 went for only $22,000, with fee. The performance may be much improved, but the Healey would have been worth a whole lot more if it was original.

LOT 45.1, 1970 VOLKSWAGEN WESTFALIA BUS — Last summer, mid-1960s Volkswagen buses exploded in value, and it will be interesting to see if the enthusiasm carries over this year. This 1970 Westfalia bus was stripped to the frame and shell and completely customized and restored. Among the myriad upgrades are custom wood paneling, seating, air conditioning, flooring, table and drapes. Mechanically, it’s gotten a full going over as well, with a rebuilt engine with dual Weber carbs.

• After last year’s startling values on restored Volkswagen microbuses, a very nice 1973 VW Westfalia camper bus with some agreeable updates seemed like a steal at $23,100, with fee.

• And yet another 1949 Crosley hook-and-ladder-firetruck amusement ride sold for a fairly stout $35,200, its value no-doubt enhanced by the beautiful models from the local club Rachel’s who were along for the ride over the auction stage.

Bob Golfen, Automotive Editor for SPEED.com, is a veteran auto writer based in Phoenix, Arizona, with a passion for collector cars, car culture and the automotive lifestyle. SPEED.com fans can email Bob Golfen at

Article source: http://automotive.speedtv.com/article/autos-barrett-jackson-results-so-far/

On a beach, at a farm, or on the grounds of a country house, all the world’s a bubble (when you’re in France).

Les Bivouacs de la Reine are space-age accommodation capsules on the grounds of a chateau that was built for Josephine, wife of the Emperor Napoleon, just outside Paris. These chic white-and-clear spheres (the smaller bubble can be used as a bathroom) offer a cozy spot for star-gazing, and some open intimacy – you can see everything, but only the animals can see you. French chateaux are certainly leading a revolution in avant-garde accommodation styling.

But as well as being pretty to look at and offering a pretty unparalleled experience in terms of reconnecting with nature, the bubbles are also low-impact and eco-friendly. The four-meter diameter room is made of recyclable plastic and consumes minimal energy. As a self-enclosed inflatable structure, it has no frame; the sphere maintains its shape by having air constantly pumped into it.

This means your environment is clean and allergy-free, with no humidity or condensation. Besides, who wants their bubble view obscured by water droplets? Watch out with sharp instruments, though, or your bubble will be definitively burst.

In the south of France, near Aix-en-Provence, Attrap’Rêves (Catch Dreams) has bubbles, dotted about in woodland, with names like Zen (Japanese: comprised of bamboo, wood, earth tones), Glamour (decked out in romantic red) and Mille et une Nuits (Arabian: in rich jewel tones).

Another bubble locale is on a river in the Loire. This summer, you’ll be able to stay in one on an Atlantic beach in the Medoc, called Au Clair 2 la Bulle (By the Light of the Bubble).

These bubbles are available in other guest houses and on gîtes (farmhouses) all over France, and come in various models, as seen here: the CristalBubble, totally transparent; the Bubble Room, which has a white bottom half and transparent top section; and the Bubble Lodge “hut” with a second, non-see-through room measuring 2.7m diameter, which can be used as a bathroom.

Rates vary from site to site, but start at around $140 including tax, and the chance to rekindle your interest in astronomy, and to observe your surroundings at close quarters.

Photos: BubbleTree, Zankyou/Margot Trivoire

Places Spaces is a travel guide that will inspire you to carve out a vacation on your calendar. All of the gorgeous locations and accommodations in our guide share our concern for the environment. From tent glamping to lavish built environments, fair warning, you’ll feel compelled to pack your suitcase.

Article source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Ecosalon/~3/PJZB7ujKF1A/

(credit: Yvonne Condes)

There are so many beautiful places to go camping in Southern California it can be hard to choose. Just a few short hours from downtown Los Angeles campers can wake up to the sounds of gentle waves or ride bikes in the cool mountain air or the climb rocks in the dry desert. Here is a list of the best camp sites that are close to (or not too far from) Los Angeles. Some of these spots are popular and reservations must be made months in advance.

(credit: Yvonne Condes)

Lake Casitas is a fun campsite for the beginning camper. It’s close to civilization and there is plenty to do. Kids can ride bikes, play on the playground, and there’s even a water park with a lazy river close by. Make sure to get tickets to the popular water park in advance of your trip. The lake doesn’t allow swimming, but you can boat, water ski, and fish. Keep in mind: because it’s close to civilization it can get crowded on the weekends.

(credit: Yvonne Condes)

Getting a spot close to the beach requires a reservation months in advance, but all of the campsites are lovely at El Capitàn State Beach. There’s hiking, biking, and the beautiful beach. The campsites are close enough to the water that you can hear the waves as you rest. It’s a short drive to wine tasting and the historic Old Santa Barbara Mission. If pitching a tent isn’t your thing, you can go across the road to El Capitan Canyon Resort, a private campground where you can stay in a safari tent or cabin and enjoy a swimming pool and planned activities.

(credit: Yvonne Condes)

This campground has spots near the beach or inland near Camp Pendleton. There’s a 1.5 mile trail that connects the inland spot to Trestles Beach and it’s great for hiking and jogging. The beach is a popular surfing spot and families can enjoy miles of beach to play in the sand. There’s no camping at the beach, but it’s available to use all day. The campsite has beautiful views and nice bathrooms and showers.

(credit: Yvonne Condes)

Sequoia is for the more seasoned campers. It’s located in the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range and it’s a beautiful, but long drive. The campground is at 6,700 feet and it’s nestled along the Kaweah River. There is so much to see. There are 40 miles of hiking trails that include the incredible Big Trees Trail where visitors can see giant Sequoia. Visitors can also see Black Bears, wildflowers, and waterfalls. Peak camping season is June to September. Make reservations early and come prepared. All food has to be stored in bear-resistant containers and there’s no water or electricity hook ups (and spotty cell service!).

(credit: Yvonne Condes)

When people think of Mammoth they think skiing. But there are some amazing campgrounds around the area. New Shady Rest Campsite is close to shops in Mammoth, but nestled in the Jeffrey Pine Forest. Kids can ride bikes along a paved trail that leads to a city park with a playground. It’s close to both easy and strenuous hiking trails and a short drive away from the beautiful June Lake, waterfalls, and incredible Sierra Nevada views. If you get the chance, visit the gold rush ghost town of Bodie State Historic Park. The buildings that are left are filled with supplies as if the inhabitants thought they were coming back. Peak camping season at New Shady Rest is May through early November.

Yvonne Condes is Editor and co-Founder of MomsLA.com She is a veteran family camper – see her recent write-up about camping at Joshua Tree.

Article source: http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/top-lists/best-camping-spots-near-los-angeles/

3:30pm Friday 20th April 2012 in News

Bridgett Drummond and Mark Cave from Peterborough, with their van

It was perishing cold, there was a bone-chilling wind teasing the lower slopes of Gordale Scar, yet there was a smile on every face.

They couldn’t help it. Even the stalwart walkers making for the waterfall beamed as they passed.

They were surrounded by a pod of about 30 VW camper vans and their custodians who had arrived, mostly on the Friday evening, for the first meeting of the year of The Late Bay, an organisation specifically for lovers of the bus, or van, depending of your preference, built throughout the late 1970s They were corralled randomly next to the trickling beck with one interloper – a fine looking circa 1968 cream coloured split screen model – but nobody minded.

“It’s all for one and one for all,” said social worker Bridgett Drummond, who had trundled up from Peterborough with her partner Mark Cave in their 1971 Early Bay cross over. “It’s called a cross
over because it has bits of the Late Bay and bits of the earlier model, but it doesn’t matter because we all love these camper vans.”

It may have been built in 1971, but there’s is 2012 living with such mod-cons as a ventilated central heating system and television.

“We looked and researched for a long time before we bought it last June and now we’re hooked. We can’t get enough.”

And that’s the danger.

Just speak to 34-year-old Louise Alexander, who fell under the spell last July and bought her 1974 model and has spent every spare moment, with the help of her six-year-old son Callum, beautifying
the interior.

“I love it. I’m constantly doing stuff and adding bits. It’s compulsive,” said Louise who also travelled up to Gordale from Peterborough.

Luckily her husband Graham, 35, a trained fabricator, is a dab hand with the welding gear and a spanner and has re-built the air-cooled engine.

They had all arrived for the weekend challenged to get there by Helen Venus and her partner Steve Domeney, who run a VW restoration, hire and service business called Freedom Campers. They are
moving from their base at Austwick into new premises in Clapham.

“We’re pleased with the turnout. It’s great. We have examples of early bays, late bays, T25s, there are pop tops and dormobiles and they’ve arrived from all over the country,” said Helen.

Like Ian and Cathie Forbes who turned up all the way from Worth in West Sussex in their 1978 Westfalia model with their dogs Max and Patch.

“Life’s at a completely different pace in one of these,” said Ian. “You take things slowly, there’s no blasting along. We went over Snake Pass in the Peak District. It was up hill in first and down
hill in second to save the brakes.”

Anyone interested in learning more about Freedom Campers should email steve@freedom campers.co.uk.

Comment now! Register or sign in below.

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Article source: http://www.cravenherald.co.uk/news/9659010.Campers_united_at_Gordale_Scar_by_love_for_their_VW_van/

You may remember seeing one of the old VW Westfalia popups, which were once quite common, based on the iconic VW Microbus. This is remarkably the first enhancement of that original camper concept, adding a two-meter module that electrically extends from the rear of the van that levels off via retractable legs. Once extended the back still opens as a liftgate.

The DoubleBack is intended to emulate the space of a motor home in a compact vehicle with a kitchenette, fold out bed and other refinements. Still it reportedly retains the functionality of a daily driving van. Interior photos show a remarkable hominess and Tardis-like interior room.

“Stunning,” remarked Peter Gange, head of sales at VW Sinclair in Cardiff, Wales where a press introduction was held today.

The Volkswagen T5 Transporter DoubleBack can carry up to three passengers in bench seats or captain’s chairs. The modifications are based on the VW Transporter 2.0 TDI 140PS Long Wheelbase, priced at slightly over $87,000.

We should note the fifth-generation T5 is sold in the UK, Russia, Germany, France and Turkey due to its classification as a light truck, which requires a 25 percent import tariff on the vehicle.

When Volkswagen last sold the Transporter van in the U.S. in 2003 it turned out to be the worst selling vehicle in the country – a distinction not easy to achieve. Remarkably the one-millionth model of the T5 rolled off the assembly line during 2009.

The 2-liter I4 diesel engine produces from 138 to 179 bhp, depending on whether it is the version with dual turbochargers on not.

“The DoubleBack has been inspired by a desire to see a truly spacious, comfortable camper with all the practical advantages of a smaller vehicle,” said Craig McCormack, founder of Overland Motorhomes Ltd.

Our European readers can see the DoubleBack at the VW Sinclair dealership in Cardiff as of tomorrow, where a public viewing will be held on March 24.

Article source: http://www.torquenews.com/397/overland-announces-vw-t5-transporter-doubleback-ultimate-camper-van

Four things were particularly noteworthy about this annual sale, which, once again, was held within a pair of separate halls to the main exhibition complex occupied by the Race Retro show, but was run for the first time by Silverstone Auctions rather than previous incumbents Bonhams and HH.

Firsly, there were buyers for nearly all of the more expensive kit.
Secondly, although statistically the most difficult sector of all to shift, a higher proportion of the competition cars than is the norm did sell here.
Thirdly, and even more pronounced than at last weekend’s Historics at Brooklands sale, there appeared to be more on-line participants than I can remember at a classics auction and, as a result, the i-bidding process took considerably longer and the cars session nearly crashed through the four hours barrier.

And fourthly, after 7 out of 8 bikes sold amounting to £30k and £180,000 of automobilia had been taken into account, the premium-inclusive sale total for the day came to £1.83m, a record gross for an auction during Race Retro weekend.

There were buyers for 71% of cars at Stoneleigh

Rebuilt from crashed in period remains by John Tojeiro himself between 1989 and 1994, an originally 1958-dated Tojeiro-Jaguar with D Type engine, which was raced at Spa and Portimao last year, raised £286,000 and applause. Having run out of puff at £160,000 under marathon auctioneer Jonathan Humbert’s whirling gavel, a 1960 Aston Martin DB4 Series 2 was sold immediately afterwards for £170,000 and £54,017 was also accepted for a 1954 DB2/4 Mk1 with 3-litre motor. A 34,000 miles since 2000 vintage DB7 Vantage with 6 manually-selected gears to play with cost £24,750.

Based on a right-hand drive 1976 911 Type 930 Turbo 4-speed donor, a now Type 934 Evocation in ‘Jagermeister’ orange livery with 450bhp under the right foot surged to an applauded £78,870 result. An Alec Poole raced 1973 Carrera RSR Rep with model correct 2.8 crankshaft, twin-plug heads and a recorded 265bhp at the wheels attracted £51,700. Whilst a 1961 356B Super 90 Rally Coupe with autographed roof by none other than 8 times WRC Sebastian Loeb was surely a gilt-edged buy for the £25,300 paid.

Celeb provenance was also on file for a £102,300 1966 Shelby Mustang GT-350 Fastback that had passed through petrol head DJ Chris Evans’ motor house and a £42,900 1968 Proteus C Type with ali-tub and doors had been previously owned by car collecting musician Jools Holland.

A 1934 MG PA had faithfully served Lancaster bomber pilot Len Miller for 62 years and infamously survived an attack by hurricane (of the 1987 great wind variety) that resulted in a roof collapsing on it found £40,150. An old-style 1962 Ford Consul Capri had form, having played a supporting role in an armed robbery. Following incarceration in Met Police storage, the mortal remains, by now in boxed component form, were rescued, restored and, 50 years and 55,000 miles after leaving Dagenham, raised £9900 on a Saturday afternoon in Warwickshire.

Volkswagen Camper Vans continue to be cool with the Glastonbury addicted or chilled out paddock overnighters. For both examples crossing the block here hooked new keepers prepared to pay £23,760 for a restored 1967 S042 1500cc Westfalia left hooker and £16,800 for a 3-owner 78,000m 1970 Devon Tourette in period-correct Savanna Beige with Type 4 2.1 engine on disc-braked 356 wheels. Rock on Tommy!

One of the most viewed lots in the sale, however, was a beautifully presented 1965 Austin Mini Cooper 1275S Mk1 ‘Twini’ that had been skilfully converted to twin-engine configuration to ape the BMC works/Downton 1963 Targa Florio entry and which therefore deservedly made £29,150. And after several over-estimated Group B MG Metro 6R4s have failed to sell at auction in recent months, the Peter Lloyd and then John Brodie rallied 1987 ‘A16 PLR’ with Goodman fettled 2.5-litre engine on throttle-slide injection did change hands here for £46,200.
Quite clearly, some of the awards season coverage that increased awareness of ‘Senna – the documentary’ was also responsible for boosting pre-sale interest for memorabilia with Senna provenance. Not such a surprise then that a race-worn Shoei full-face helmet donned by the Ayrton when driving for McLaren in 1992, for which up to £50,000 had been forecast, raised £74,750 with premium and a further £35,650 was invested in the Brazilian World Champ’s OMP fire-proof race suit with Honda and Marlboro badges. Investors would surely have been re-assured that both F1 collector items had authenticating certification from TAG/McLaren International.
After the successful conversion of some of the provisionally logged bids, 49 of the 69 cars changed hands, a 71% sale rate, for £1,615,560 with premium, an average spend per car of £32,971.
This was the first of two away games on the Silverstone branded enterprise’s 2012 calendar that will be held away from their home ground, the second being scheduled for the Classic Motor Show at the NEC in Brum 17 November. Before then, their next three sales all take place at the Northamptonshire circuit, the Spring Sale set for 18 May, the Silverstone Classic 21 July and the Autumn Sale 19 September.

Coming up next

In this spot next week, I shall review movers and discuss the prices paid for them at the first Barons fixture of the year at Sandown Park, where 21 or 48% of the 44-cars on the floor had sold by the time I had to press the go-button on this commentary – including a 1968 280SL Merc minter with Pagoda-top sold for £39,600 including premium (£40,320 with the dreaded VAT!). By then, too, some more vital stats can be digested from this weekend’s Bonhams Oxford sale at Shipton on Cherwell on the Banbury Road just outside Kidlington Saturday 3 March.

In the meantime, the resilience of market and buyers will be further tested by three more auctions at Coys in Westminster next Tuesday 6 March, Brightwells at Leominster on Wednesday 7, and Richard Edmonds at Castle Combe on both Friday 9 with automobilia and spares followed by classic vehicles Saturday 10. On your behalf dear surfers, and fueled by a regular intake of bacon butties, I shall ‘attempt’ to attend all three gigs.

And do watch out for those missing and now politically incorrect man-hole covers. On auction patrol the other day, I so nearly popped a costly alloy into an uncovered chasm, which is where the scrap metal pirates should end up! RH-E

Article source: http://www.classiccarsforsale.co.uk/news/classic-car-auctions/800022538/latest-market-commentary-from-ccfs-auction-analyst-richard-hudson-evans/

Dub box USA offers a new solution for nostalgic folks yearning for a camper as cool as the Volkswagen Type 2 of the 1950s and 60s. Its line of camping trailers is inspired by the classic VW buses, and is offered without the expense and headaches of restoring an old Type 2. You get out-of-the-box convenience with timeless, retro looks.

It may not be the largest, most useful camper, but the converted Volkswagen Type 2 van – or Bulli, Transporter, Microbus, etc. – is definitely among the most iconic. Everything about the van just screams “open road freedom” … except perhaps for the fact that the first two generations of the Type 2 – the generations that made the model an icon – are now more than 30 (and even up to 62) years old. That type of age in a vehicle means all kinds of maintenance and restoration work, money and headaches.

VW may eventually create a reinvented Bulli cool enough to command the love and admiration of the original, but so far it’s been noncommittal. You could always go to Brazil where true-to-origin Type 2 vans are still built today, but in the United States and Europe, the options are largely to find and restore a classic Type 2 or buy a newer (not nearly as awesome) Type 2 camper.

Now there’s a new option that lets you get a brand new camper while enjoying timeless, decades-old looks. UK-based Dub box makes exactly zero effort to hide the fact that its line of campers was inspired by the VW Type 2. It even shows them being towed by same-colored Type 2s in its marketing photos, and the name “Dub box” (as in boxy V-Dub) pays homage. The camping trailers feature the same rounded-rectangle shape and square windows as the original Transporters. They also get two-toned exterior paint jobs. The only thing that might be missing for some nostalgic Type 2 fans is the split windshield of the first-generation vans.

Much the way the original Transporters were a symbol of freedom and individual spirit, the Dub box is designed to be completely customized by its owner. The company offers it in do-it-yourself models and completed campers, both of which offer the buyer plenty of say in colors, materials and equipment. Buyers can individualize their trailers with exterior and interior colors, flooring, blinds, upholstery and countertop materials.

The Dub box sleeps two with a double bed and offers a dining area large enough for four. It has kitchenette with two-ring gas burner, stainless steel sink, pump-action tap and retro fridge.

Dub box USA announced US availability this week and a rep said that the first models will arrive in May. The standard Dub box retails for US$17,990 and the DIY version, which requires you to assemble and paint it, costs $8,990. Dub box also offers the trailers in retail and food vendor configurations ranging between $14,990 and $22,990. A larger pop-top version with two bunk beds and a queen will launch in the future.

Article source: http://www.gizmag.com/dub-box-retro-styled-trailers/21623/

By Glen Woodcock

Because a new season of old car auctions is about to begin, I’ve been giving a lot of thought to the state of the hobby (if hobby is even the right word any more).

Today, it’s become more of a business than a recreational pursuit.

What triggered these dark thoughts were the promo ads on the Speed channel for its live coverage of the Barrett-Jackson auction in Scottsdale, Ariz. starting Jan. 17, 2012.

Because of its inflated prices, I think this annual televised event has done more harm than good to the average collector/restorer of vintage vehicles.

I’ve also been thinking a lot about a recent television documentary on how the fine art market has been transformed from one where knowledgeable collectors bought works for their intrinsic value to one where speculators now rule. Art is no longer bought for its beauty, but as something to be added to the wealthy investor’s portfolio. Not to be enjoyed for what it is, but for how much money it can bring a few years down the line.

I think the same thing has happened in the world of old cars. The investors have taken over and prices have gone through the roof. For those people, the term “it’s a driver” has taken on a pejorative meaning. The vehicles bringing astronomical prices are restored to an almost flawless level and to drive one, other than on and off its trailer, would instantly destroy its investment value.

But isn’t driving what cars are all about? Yes, they often can be considered works of art, but they’re also functional machines meant to be used.

There’s been a welcome backlash to all this by a growing appreciation of survivors – cars and trucks that have stood the ravages of time and travel and wear each stone chip and parking lot bruise like a badge of honour.

Maybe we’re becoming so used to high prices that we can’t see the forest for the trees – me included. Last year I wrote about a 1920 Detroit Electric that once had been owned by Margaret Haldane Gray, wife of the founder of Gray-Dort Motors in Chatham, Ont. It was sold at RM Auctions’ Hershey event in October for $44,000 – well below the pre-auction estimate of $80,000-$100,000. For this reason, I called it “a real bargain.”

That prompted an email from Stan Uher, of Blenheim, Ont., known as “Mr. Gray-Dort” because it’s his expertise that keeps many of these landmark Canadian cars (1915-24) running and on the road. “Was it a real bargain?” Stan asked, “Or was it a realistic price for that car? I know that the Michigan fellow who commissioned the restoration probably had $80,000 invested in it, but you could also invest that much in a Manic GT or a Gray-Dort. But that doesn’t make it worth $80,000!”

I wrote back that I thought the car’s provenance, being owned by such a prominent and pioneering Canadian automotive family, made it well worth the pre-sale estimate.

But I’ve been giving that a lot of thought, and now I’m not so sure Stan isn’t right.

Maybe the Detroit Electric would have been better off as a survivor – kept in the condition in which it was when Mrs. Gray last drove it – the seat cushions a little worn from use, and dirt from Chatham’s streets still on its undercarriage.

We’ve reached the point where many common cars such as 1955 Chevrolet two-door hardtops are now priced beyond the means of most collectors. For instance, at last year’s Barrett-Jackson event in Orange County, Calif., a 1963 Volkswagen Samba Microbus sold for $217,800 – more than the $159,500 a 1964 Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud brought at the same sale.

The Website Westfalia.org says the bus was restored “to much-better-than-new condition … We can only wonder where and when it will pop up for auction again, since for that kind of coin we don’t imagine it will show up at any Magic Bus Extravaganzas.”

Exactly. The new owners wouldn’t dare go camping in it, so what’s the point? The Samba has ceased to be a viable automobile, to be enjoyed for what it is, and has become just another item in an investment portfolio.

I despair.

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