There’s something about a VW type 2 camper van that brings on a smile, even if you weren’t around in their heyday.
This iconic van was officially launched at the Geneva Motor Show in November 1949. It was an immediate success and by March 1950, they were producing ten vehicles a day. For the next four decades, the basic design remained the same and its split windscreen and v-shaped front spread around the world. They are very much associated with hippies in the minds of many, but there were multiple versions of this van – buses, pick-ups, fire engines, ambulances, beer wagons, refrigerated ice-cream vans, milk floats, mobile butchers’ shops and bread vans, to name a few.
Their history, image and functionality make them a popular choice to this day, with a strong second hand market. You can even have one upgraded to a Porsche 911 engine, though at well over £100,000 that seems more than a little crazy.
Beach huts at Broadstairs, Kent
If this beach hut in Broadstairs has put you in holiday mood, why not try out a moving version? In the South West of England, O’Connors Campers has a wide range of vdubs available for rental, each one lovingly named and cared for: Barbarossa, Kissinger, Norman, Rosie, Wolverine and their pals are waiting to show you a good time.
If you prefer the French Riviera to the English one, Joan Mary and Harry have been fully restored and are waiting to take you on your freewheelin’ hols.
Got other plans for your holidays? You can still get a bit of VW fun by buying a camper shaped toiletry bag at prezzybox.com:
Travel with Intent 
The Mother says – I love VW Vans. A friend of mine is doing one up and his photos are fab. I always look forward to the next instalment. Fab V 🙂 #alphabetphoto
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great take on letter v. Loving the colour of them too x
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They are somehow fun and homely – even though I’ve never been in one
On Wed, Jun 10, 2015 at 11:40 AM, Travel with Intent wrote:
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Eden House News and viewsApril 19, 2015 at 7:19 AM
Hi this is my first encounter with your blog . I have been following alphabet Thursday for a long time but only once managed to complete the whole 26 letters
I have been away from blogging for a while but now trying to catch up and keep up see you again
They are fab would love one also
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That is such a cute post on the letter “V”…love it…I have seen a few restored VW’s and a few beat up ones driving around town here…love them all !!!
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It’s amazing how they manage to evoke such happy feelings, even in pepole who don’t remember the originals
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I still wouldn’t mind having a VW camper.
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What a fun post! My aunt and uncle had a VW camper for awhile.
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Very clever finds! I am always so happy when I visit everyone and see what they are sharing. Have a great weekend.
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How cool is that????
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I’d like one myself!
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They need some people dressed with bell bottoms painted too
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Yes, that would be good
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They sure were iconic in the 60s. Remember them well even though I didn’t drive one.
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Love the beach hut. I am of that certain age and travelled around France with friends in one. In wet weather it required a push to get it going and it made the occasion metallic clicking noise when cornering which Dave (the owner) put down to a loose gaz bottle. Trundled around for some weeks returning to England, and home, where within a day it broke down. Turns out it was something rather more integral to the engine that was at fault. Ah the luck of youth.
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What an adventure 🙂 I actually followed one to the locxal railway station this morning. It brightened my commute
On Thu, Dec 11, 2014 at 12:53 AM, Travel with Intent wrote:
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Calling by for ABC Wednesday, love that Beach Hut!
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Woei 😀 gaaf gedaan
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Thank you. Glad you like it
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I love your photos!
Happy Wednesday!
Lea
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Thank you Lea
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I WAS around in their heyday, and I have odd affection for the VW.
ROG, ABCW
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It’s hard to put your finger on it, but it really has something special about it
On Wed, Dec 10, 2014 at 1:36 AM, Travel with Intent wrote:
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iconic message of a free lifestyle!
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The beach hut is wonderfully creative!
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Oh my goodness! I grew up in these! Had to pin this for later when I travel to Europe. Would be so much fun to travel in one! Thanks for the links to the rentals.
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I quite fancy it myself. I’ll be sure to blog about it if I do. The UK outfit had had se excellent reviews and recommendations by the UK press. I couldn’t vouch for the French company though it’s website looked good. And it’s in a fantastic location.
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