Visit any VW show and what do you find? Correct - wall-to-wall Campers.
Interest in the numerous conversions offered over the years spirals
ever-upwards as do asking prices for even the most dilapidated examples
of the first three generations and 40-years of VW Bus conversions. But
are there books to match? No - not, that is, until VW Bus - 40 years of
Splitties, Bays & Wedges was conceived. As a direct consequence of the
lack of print available, author Richard Copping has collected a wealth
of contemporary brochures from all the leading converters, knitted them
together and produced a unique and vibrant story of the VW Camper from
the first and often rustic conversions of the 1950s to the sophisticated
homes on wheels of the late 1980s. Stripping out the original text,
Richard has carefully replaced it with his own lively yet informative
story - while carefully retaining both the popular look and nostalgic
feel of the age. From the untangling of the many stories that
contributed to VW Camper history to a restorer's dream of detailed
specifications and from the quirkiest of marketing strategies amazingly
and endearingly primitive in the 1950s to suavely sophisticated in the
latter days, if the word Camper is in it, it's covered. The meticulous
reproduction of advertising brochures, many of which can easily be the
best part of 50-years old, make this a hard to put down coffee table
volume for some - a book with very much in vogue nostalgic visual
appeal. For others, the lure of a lively and informative story peppered
with carefully detailed pictures will ensure the book is a useful
reference to visit over and over again. This extensive collection of
rarely seen advertising material provides a unique background to a
much-needed book, designed to delight the multitude of VW Camper fans
far and wide.
