Should VW remanufacture the beautiful split screen camper van?

The Fiat 500 is a success so I say bring back the beautiful campers.Should VW remanufacture the beautiful split screen camper van?
Oh HELL YES!





I'd settle for a bay window Kombi though.





However, if they remanufacture it, it better bloody stay true to the original. Not too expensive, runs forever, looks funky and must be practical!





I'd prefer a rear mounted air cooled engine too like the original, but so long as it had the looks, reliability and practicality of the original I am SO there.Should VW remanufacture the beautiful split screen camper van?
The split screen transporter is an ancient design. The immediate consideration would be whether or not to revamp it or try to remain faithful to the original. In the case of the former option, enthusiasts would object (as illustrated by other comments posted herewith) in the case of the latter certain aspects would be in conflict with current safety requirements.





Personally, the traits of the split screen make it undesirable for it to be relaunched in its original guise; poor steering and handling and ludicrously poor brakes - repackaged and launched as they originally were, VW would have legal action invoked when the crash fatalities mounted up. Don't get me wrong, I have worked on these, Type 2 and T25 but none of these sold new today would really be up to scratch against their contemporaries on the marketplace.





It is quite a conundrum for VW to consider but given the current global economic downturn, it is true to point out two unassailable facts; camping / touring in the UK is a growth industry and the purchase of any VW camper is a very good investment opportunity. The Financial Times recently stated the purchase of a VW camper was a better bet than buying property, so safer than, 'safe as houses...'
I have no problem with them. There is no safety issue that concerns me because I don't treat driving like ';bumper cars';. Bumper motorbikes is not a healthy activity either.


If you think of it as a thin piece of foil between you and the telephone pole/ hummr bumper/ logging truck / or any other car you tend not to tailgate. Because you are the one who will get hurt.


I don't give a rat's hine about airbags or other safety things. Seat belt helps. But give me a tank anyday and then I will play bumper car with ya.


Now, the split window model looked like a geek in glasses. Nothing pretty about it. Also because of those flat panes -when a semi truck and trailer passed by, you had to fight getting sucked into the vacuum behind the trailer as it whipped down the highway. Also crosswinds on the flat lands was not enjoyable driving. Yeah, I had a 60 camper van. Was well outfitted. for 2 or 3. But definitely not a highway hauler.


The full screen vans had a dashboard(which the splits did not) and the f.s. vans handled so much better on the highway. They could be camperized as well. What I found was needing was the 2 door side opening rather than the sliding door(which seemed to wear out fast.).


Still not much in front of you so you did not push other cars or try to read their decal while doing 60. But they were built well. I headed a cuda at 60 and lived and even had the option to fix the van(front end was wasted) but, I think the trailer hitch was not damaged. I said nope.


Crumple zone???the whole car is a crumple zone.
They definitely should but it's never gonna happen, although you can still get the bay window camper brand new as they still manufacture them in Brazil. Another reason they should is because the rarer splitties get, the further they drift away from me ever being able to afford one!!





VW made a concept microbus a few years back but for whatever reason it didn't make it to production which is a shame as it looks so cool. Take a look http://www.seriouswheels.com/2000-2003/2001-VW-Microbus-Concept.htm
Oh, yes, I'd have one anytime. Only problem is they'd never get it crash approved now, if you think about it the ';crumple zone'; is your knees . . .





I'm convinced there's a good market for a small(ish), simple, pretty camper, rather than the mobile bungalows clogging up the roads now.
Yes maybe. I think with everything being so expensive, it would be a good idea to go and explore the country and not worry about high B%26amp;B costs and sleep in the camper van.
Maybe, my best friend collects them...bless her!