The VW Camper started out with a simple, practical idea. Just after World War II, a Dutch Volkswagen salesman named Ben Pon noticed a rickety wagon used to move parts around the VW factory in Germany. From that, he sketched a design for a small van based on the Beetle’s chassis. That sketch became the Type 2, the original VW Camper, launched in 1949.
The early model, known affectionately as the "Split Screen" or "Splittie," featured a distinctive two-piece front windscreen, a small 1.1-litre air-cooled engine, and a top speed around 60 mph. It wasn’t flashy, but it was versatile—used as vans, minibuses, and campers. A neat touch? Early models had semaphore-style indicators, little arms that popped out of the sides to signal a turn.
In the 1960s, the VW Camper got a facelift with the Bay Window model, which ditched the split screen for a single curved window. This version had a bigger engine, better handling, and introduced features like sliding side doors and optional pop-top roofs. The camper became a symbol of freedom and outdoor fun, especially popular with surfers and the counterculture movement.
An interesting tidbit: the first official camper conversions came about when a German army officer asked Westfalia, VW’s trusted conversion partner, to turn his van into a mobile home. This sparked decades of camper innovation with fold-out beds, tiny kitchens, and smart storage.
Through the 70s and 80s, the vans grew bigger and boxier. The T3 or “Brick” model added water-cooled engines and improved space. Some came with four-wheel drive, making them tougher off-road campers. The T4 introduced a front-engine layout and modern features like air conditioning and power steering.
More recently, VW launched the T6 and its upgrade the T6.1, blending retro charm with modern tech like touchscreen infotainment and driver assists. And in 2024, VW released the ID. Buzz, an all-electric camper that nods to the original design while taking a big step into the future.
Our latest VW Camper inspired design at Forty&Deuce celebrates this rich history and the feeling of hitting the road with everything you need.
