1966 Volkswagen Kombi 'EZ' Campervan (LHD)

Description

The Volkswagen Type 2 - better known as the Kombi - was introduced in 1949 with the same reliable running gear as found in the Beetle and soon carved a niche as a reliable, versatile and endearing workhorse. The Kombi's bodywork was of unitary construction and was available as a van, bus or pick-up, although as time went on these basic models were expanded into a bewildering array of offshoots, including the Microbus, the Samba bus and the Transporter. German company Westfalia also began converting Kombis into campers as early as 1951 and these became hugely popular, with numerous other firms stepping in as demand outstripped supply, particularly in North America. The 'E-Z' Camper was one such conversion from a company based in Littlerock, California that cleverly transformed the Kombi into a veritable house on wheels, with a folding bed, tables and chairs, kitchenette, 12-gallon water system and wardrobe. The 'E-Z' Camper appealed to the burgeoning leisure market of the 1960s whilst remaining an practical suburban runabout perfect for picking up the kids from school or doing the grocery shopping. With numerous neat touches, the 'E-Z' boasted seating for eight (assuming the kids sat in the back) and the whole interior was decked out in period style with timber paneling, including the door trims and roof. The Kombi's rear-engined layout not only provided the maximum interior space but endowed the Volkswagen with excellent traction and ground clearance, giving it a fantastic, go-anywhere ability. The original Type 2 remained in production until 1979 and today vehicles like the 'E-Z' Camper enjoy a cult following around the world, with few survivors left on the road.