There are few more iconic vehicles from yesteryear than a vintage campervan and thanks to the love and attention of a number of enthusiasts, there are a number of examples of old classics still on the road today. Jane Field-Lewis and Chris Haddon's book My Cool Campervan compiles plenty of great examples and we can see a selection below, with photographs by Tina Hillier. |
1. VW Westfalia Campmobile |
First produced in the 1950's, the example in the picture is a 1967 classic Type 2 model. Optional extras included the pop up roof seen in the photo, as well as a chemical toilet, a camping stove and even air conditioning. |
2. Dodge Xplorer 21 |
These timeless, American Campers were the first self-contained motorhomes that could fit comfortably inside a standard garage. The example in the photo made its way to England from the States via a member of the American Air Force. The current owner bought it when the airbase was taken out of commission in 1993. |
3. Ginetta Car Camper |
It doesn't get much more unique than this Ginetta Car Camper, because the one in the picture is apparently the only one ever made! Finished in classic brown and featuring space for two beds and even a stove, it is a shame that the design was not widely produced. The owner is understandably proud to have it and is only too happy to display it at classic car shows whenever possible. |
|
4. Citroën Nomad |
The Citroën Nomad is a true traveling home, offering pop ups at both the back and on the top of the vehicle to create extra space that defies its tiny size. All the Nomads were produced in the classic Citroën blue and feature a unique, flat windscreen. The owner of the example in the picture calls it his 'little snail shell'. |
5. VW High Top |
Another classic model from Volkswagen, the van in the picture was previously used by a draper who needed the extra height to hang longer items of clothing for delivery. The current owner has remodelled it and added a few modern touches to turn it into the perfect vehicle to house his surfing equipment when driving around the coast. |
6. BMC Princess |
This unique camper appears in the picture as it looked when it was built in 1967. It includes a number of features not seen in other vehicles of the same period, including power steering and automatic transmission. The current owner purchased it in 1976 and has maintained it beautifully until the present day. |
7. Citroën H-Van |
The Citroën H-Van was first designed by Pierre Franchiset in 1947 and went on to become one of the most iconic vans of its own or any other era. Over 473,289 H-Vans were manufactured over 34 years of production, all featuring the distinctive corrugated body work and large, functional back window as seen in the photos above. |
8. Skoda Camper Van |
This classic Eastern European van varied very little in design over several decades of production - the example in the picture is a 1992 model but could have come straight out of 1976 when the vans were first produced! Famed for its reliability and solid build, the interior was finished in a brown, cream and terracotta design, with a series of shelves separating the driver's cabin from the rest of the van. The current owner has even given it a name - Daisy! |
I Have No Idea What These Drivers Were Thinking...
These crazy car drivers are off the chart wacky!
These Cars from the 40s and 50s Are Still Beautiful to Me
These classic US Cars of the 40s and 50s will make you feel nostalgic.
These Jaw-Dropping Photos Reveal the Surprising Scale of Things
When you see just how the size of a person compares to these massive natural wonders and human creations, you'll be utterly surprised!
14 Mind Blowing Photos From Car Repair Shops
These are some of the most bizarre and unexpected things car mechanics ever encountered on the job!
14 Beautiful Old Cars and Their Fascinating Stories...
These photos bring us the stories of some of the most exquisite car designs of long ago.
Old Cars VS. New: Click the Photos to See the Difference!
The design of cars has change hugely over the years. Our photo series lets you to compare old and new with one click!
These Stunning Cars Were Sold at Unbelievable Prices
These classic cars are beautiful, but you need very deep pockets if you ever fancy getting hold of one of them.
A ROYAL History of the Rolls-Royce Car
For 119 years, Rolls-Royce has exemplified a unique blend of creativity, invention, and luxury.
When People Messed With Their Cars… With Bizarre Results
Sometimes people make the weirdest modifications in their cars. Take a look.
Meet the World’s Most Advanced and Lethal Fighter Jets
These fighter jets are masters of the skies.
14 Pics of Old Cars Being Restored To Their Original Glory
It’s so satisfying to see these classic cars being restored to their original glory.
Discover the Delights of the Darjeeling Line In India
The intrepid explorer, Mark Twain, took this train journey on his travels through Asia during the late 19th Century. Come and explore this enchanting railway.
Takeoff to Touchdown: The Science of Flight Explained!
Ever wondered how do planes actually fly? This video explains it all in the simplest way possible.
I Wish They Still Made Cars Like These Classic Hot Rods
Hot rodders spend their spare time fixing and transforming classic cars. See the stunning cars their dedication has produced.
The Great Lakes Claimed Many Ships - Here Are 7 Of Them
The Great Lakes used to be America's busiest highways. Unfortunately, it wasn't always smooth sailing. Here are the stories of 7 shipwrecks haunting the lakes.
"Rare & Expensive" Doesn't Do These Muscle Cars Justice...
Rare and expensive are terms that don't do these muscle cars justice. Some are completely unique, while others actually started legends. Here they are!
These Fascinating 1950s Cars Should Have Been Released!
Amazing cars that were made in the 50s, but were never released to the general public.
These Gadgets Will Make Your Car a Lot More Fun
Wouldn’t it be awesome to have one of these cool car accessories?
20 Most Unusual Vehicles You Won't Believe Actually Exist
So, which one of these weird cars would you like to drive?
The Eighth Wonder: How the Panama Canal Works
The Panama Canal is an engineering wonder, see how it was built and how it works here
Only One Car Was Ever Named 'The Ghost'. This is Why...
This may look like some modern re-creation, but this plexiglass Pontiac 'ghost car' model was created in 1939...
It's Incredible That These Weird Planes Ever Took Flight...
Some very clever men have created some extremely weird vehicles in the past century. In fact, these are probably the most bizarre aircraft ever. Take a look.
This Subway Train Has a Beautiful Secret Inside...
What looks like a regular subway from the outside, offers a suddenly luxurious experience inside!
Crazy! I Have Never Seen Vehicles Loaded Like This Before
I thought I had overloaded my car before, and been on some crowded buses and trains. But I have never seen anything like these overcrowded vehicles!
All Aboard the Fastest Steam Trains in Locomotive History!
Who doesn't feel a child-like nostalgic thrill when encountering a great, big steam engine? And these are the 18 fastest in locomotive history. Enjoy!
The Very First Models of Famous Car Brands
Photos of the first models of these 10 well-known car manufacturers, so you can get an idea of where they came from and where they are now...
These Classic Beauties Are Unbelievably Pricey and Rare
Each year, many a beautiful car changes hands, but some are the creme de la creme of the entire world. Here they are for your viewing pleasure, all in one place
These Are the Strangest Vehicles I've Ever Laid Eyes On.
From a five person bike to giant monstrosities, these are some of the wildest designs for vehicles we've ever seen! Take a look!
This is What Happens to Your Car When You Hit Speed Bumps
Ever wonder what happens to your car when you go over speed bumps? This video will show you using a transparent car.
This Might Have Been the Strangest Aircraft Ever Built
The Fairey Rotodyn was a remarkable aircraft that could have transformed air travel forever. What happened to it?
Tupolev Tu-16: The Most Dangerous Soviet Passenger Plane
In the 1950s, the Soviet Union converted their popular bomber Tu-16 into a commercial airliner - a move they paid a heavy price for.
These Cars are Completely Bizarre and Hilarious!
From cars that look like other things to cars that look like they are about to fight zombies to cars that are half a motorcycle!
Exploring 5 of the Most Famous Pilots in History
The fascinating stories of men and women who dared to explore flight when it was still a young technology.
The Germans Really Knew How to Build Fine Supercars...
The Germans are renowned the world over for their engineering, but sometimes they just go completely mad. Here are 11 of the most incredible German supercars.
Hyperion XP-1: The Electric Car of the Future is Here
Hyperion XP-1 is a prime example of the potential of electric vehicles and is considered one of the most impressive and unique cars available.
13 Lesser-Known Car Facts That May Surprise You
We're so used to cars that we sometimes forget that their history is incredibly interesting.
Lost in Time: The Forgotten Flying Wing…
Let's take a look at the forgotten flying wing aircraft that was decades ahead of its time.
Each of These Rare Cars is More Beautiful Than the Last...
Each of these rare cars is more beautiful than the last.
These Remarkable Cars Broke the Land Speed Record!
Having broken the speed of sound, designers are developing a car designed to travel at 1000 mph. Here are the other cars that have broken the land speed record.
HMS Queen Elizabeth Redefines the Word "Gargantuan"
HMS Queen Elizabeth is the largest ship ever built for the Royal Navy. At a length of 920 feet and capable of carrying 40 aircraft, she is a formidable sight.
Ancient Wheels: 15 of the Oldest Vehicles in Human History
Check out these amazingly cool retro automobiles.
24 Beautiful Vintage Cars That Make Me Pine for the Past
Who wouldn't love to ride these early motor cars?
Oh Dear! How Did THAT Happen?
35 Awesome photos of people with no parking skills what so ever...
Watch: See the Terrifying Ripsaw Tank in Action!
Have you ever dreamed of owning an outstandingly unique vehicle? If so, then a Ripsaw tank might turn out to be just what you've been looking for!
Step Inside the Cockpits of These Amazing Planes
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to get behind the controls of some of the most exciting planes and helicopters ever built? Well wonder no more!
The Fighting Elite: 10 Modern and Dangerous Tanks!
These are the 10 most advanced war machines you can find on the battlefield around the world.
Everything You Wanted to Know About Your Car Tires
This short article will cover everything a car owner needs to know to maintain tire performance year-round - both in rain and drought.