IT’S HOLIDAY TIME VOLKS …

The annual VW Camper & Bus Show takes place at Eastnor Castle Deer Park, Ledbury, July 29-31.

One of the must-attend events of the Volkswagen calendar is set to take place on the last weekend of July, with fun and entertainment promised for VW Camper and Bus enthusiasts of all ages.

The Volksworld VW Camper & Bus show, sponsored by VW parts suppliers Custom & Commercial and specialist insurers Carole Nash, takes place from 29th – 31st July 2016 at Eastnor Castle Deer Park in Ledbury, Herefordshire and is a family and dog friendly event.

Among the weekend’s attractions will be one of the show’s traditional highlights, the Soapbox Challenge, with teams of up to four entering their home-made gravity-propelled four-wheelers in a downhill run against the clock. Entries are still open and anyone wishing to participate should email camper.show@kelsey.co.uk if they fancy a laugh-a-minute budget motorsport challenge.

In addition, the show promises live music all the way, with a mix of bands performing on stage throughout the weekend and a bar on site. The Friday night will be a Sixties themed event, with Sixties tribute band the Del Sharrons and Elvis tribute act Gordon Davis, plus a live DJ, while on Saturday the daytime will be taken care of with an Oompah band and fire performers, followed by an Eighties-themed tribute band and live DJ.

There will be prizes on offer for enthusiasts exhibiting their vehicles, be them Beetles, split-window campers, early and late bay-window vans, Type 25’s, T4’s, T5’s and other VWs. On Saturday, the awards will be in the Rust-and-Prime category for the not-so-shiny examples that are loved among the vee-dub scene, while on the Sunday there will be a more traditional Show’n’Shine.

Dogs are more than welcome at the Camper & Bus Show – indeed, they will be invited to participate in competitions of their own! Events will include dog agility, best looking pooch, doggy fancy dress and dog/ owner look-a-like competitions.

Meanwhile, family fun will be taken care of by the VW Bouncy Bus – a large inflatable ‘bouncy castle’ in the shape of the iconic van. Along with dedicated kids’ rides and entertainment, including the magical entertainer Van Man, the children’s attractions will all be free of charge.

There will be other family-themed events throughout the weekend, along with a thriving retail village offering all sorts of VW and camper themed goodies.

There’s still time to take advantage of Early Bird ticket offers, including a weekend adult ticket for just £39* to include an entire weekend’s camping (Under 16’s go free). More info.

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NEW WINDOWS PHONE APP - VW BUS EBG

VW Bus - The Essential Buyer's guide, our bestselling iPhone app has now been converted into a Windows Phone app!



NEW Features for Windows Phone!
- Checklist to keep track on what you should look for when viewing a Bus
- Vehicle Notes to add seller and Bus info to the app with an image. Contact the seller direct from the app instead of clogging up your phone's contacts.
- Recorded notes to take down voice memos when viewing a Bus.
- Consistent and familiar design which Windows Phone users love!

Many colour photographs taken especially for this guide
Informative text written by enthusiastic experts with the novice in mind
In-App videos which feature helpful voice-overs by your marque expert, Richard Copping
Three generations of VW Bus covered
Invaluable guide to avoiding pitfalls and getting real value for money
All aspects of buying a VW Bus covered

A unique App dedicated to three generations of VW’s legendary Transporter (almost universally known as the 'VW Bus', whether in Bus, Camper, Van or Pick-up form). Meticulously researched with many model-specific photographs reproduced to illustrate a genuinely informative text.

Covering all the collectable Buses produced by Volkswagen between 1950 and 1990, this App is unique in providing the full story of the high points and pitfalls of buying such models. Written by enthusiasts, the easily readable text is informative to the novice, while still being of considerable value to those who have already owned a Bus. More info

BUILD YOUR OWN DREAM CAMPER VAN FOR LESS THAN £1000

New! Build Your Own Dream Camper Van for less than £1000 - That’s including the cost of the van.
By Matthew & Stuart Ball.

Ever dreamed of owning your own campervan, but never thought you had enough money? Then this book is an absolute must ... Armed with a crazy idea and lots of enthusiasm, two brothers have achieved the seemingly impossible – building a camper you’d actually want to own, for less than £1000: or, as it’s now known, the ‘1k Camper.’ You don’t need to be a DIY expert. This book will take you by the hand and guide you step-by-step towards your dream, in as little as ten weeks. Full of never before seen money- and time-saving ideas, including how to kit out your interior for free, and how to source your van for peanuts. You don’t even need to use an LDV van like the project vehicle – the ideas in this book will work on any van. The 1k Camper revolution has begun! There’s a big world out there just waiting for you and your van to enjoy. So, what are you waiting for? Go on, treat yourself or someone else to this highly entertaining and informative read. More info.

VW BUS CAMPING TENT - THE BEST TENT EVER?

This unique camping tent is a full-sized replica of the iconic 1965 VW camper van. Comes in red, blue or yellow and will accommodate four.

Anyone looking to buy a real VW Bus should check out Veloce's Essential Buyer's Guide iPhone app. Available now on the iTunes App Store!

"RE-VAMPED EDITION IS A MUST HAVE GUIDE"

Thanks to Volkswagen Camper & Commercial magazine for this review of How to Modify Volkswagen Bus Suspension, Brakes & Chassis for High Performance – Updated & Enlarged New Edition by James Hale.

Click image to view full size

Click here for more info about the book.

CANSTRUCTION VW PEAS BUS

How awesome is this Canstruction VW Bus? Encompassing more than 8,500 grocery items, including peas, beans, applesauce, evaporated milk, bottled water, noodles and jello. Better still, the creation of these sculptures built of food, are later disassembled to feed the hungry! More information on canstruction.org

Anyone looking to buy a real VW Bus should check out Veloce's Essential Buyer's Guide iPhone app. Available now on the iTunes App Store!

VW BUS APP RECEIVES 5-STAR REVIEWS

VW Bus – The Essential Buyer's Guide iPhone App is reviewed in the App store.

Well-researched and well-written - ★★★★★

by HerbieSyufy - Version 1.0 - 10 April 2010 (US App store)

Someone obviously put a lot of care and thought into this app. My wife and I used it before buying our first VW bus. Now we have TWO buses!

Great app and a must for all potential VW camper owners - ★★★★★

by LardElvis - Version 1.0 - 25 March 2010 (UK App store)

If you are in the market for a VW van or just have a general interest in these vehicles then this is the app for you. I bought it as I am intending on buying a camper (yearning back to my youth before the kids arrived!) and I must say that Ken and Richard really know their stuff. The app is packed with lots of really useful information -everything from how much it is likely to cost and run a bus through to things to look out for when buying. If only i had this first time around and i wouldn't have had to replace the engine! There are several videos (actually still pictures with commentaries) but these too are packed full of information and great photographs and are delivered with both humour and authority. Okay, it does not contain as much information as the book, but as something you can just pick up and read through on a long train journey or just to look at the pictures and dream, it is good value for money. Well done guys. Now do you know where i can get a really cheap VW camper.....?

PHOTOS FROM DUBS AT THE BAY WEYMOUTH

The weather was kind on the first ever Dubs at the Bay held at Lodmoor Country Park in Weymouth, Dorset, yesterday. It made for a fantastic location with a turn out of some 2,500 people. Watch it grow over the coming years!

A total of £1029.75 was raised for the RNLI (Weymouth branch).

VELOCE AT DUBS AT THE BAY WEYMOUTH

Veloce Publishing is providing no less than 7 winner prizes at the Dubs at the Bay- Weymouth event on 11th April.

The event is being organised by VW Spririt Of Air Dorset, and will also be raising funds for Weymouth life boats (R.N.L.I). Weymouth council are giving their full support and have allowed the organiser's access to a fantastic area in Lodmoor Country Park. Access to the site is gained via the Weymouth Sea Life Centre car park.

VW Show & Shine
Class 1 - Beetle
Prize donated by Veloce: "How to restore a VW Beetle"
Class 2 - Splitty
Prize donated by Veloce: "VW Bus – 40 years of Splitties, Bays and Wedges"
Class 3 - Bay Van
Prize donated by Veloce: "How to restore a VW Bus"
Class 4 - Any other air cooled
Prize donated by Veloce: "Volkswagen, the Air Cooled era"
Class 5 - Type 25
Prize donated by Veloce: "VW Camper 40yrs of conversions"
Class 6 - Any other VAG
Class 7 - Golf
Prize donated by Veloce: "VW Golf – Five Generations of Fun"
Class 8 - Type 4
Class 9 - Type 5
Prize donated by Veloce: "VW T5 Van - How to Convert to Camper"

Veloce will be trading at the event from a VW Camper van selling specially discounted books. So if you're in the area, come on down!
More info.

HAPPY 60TH BIRTHDAY TO THE WORLD’S MOST POPULAR VAN

Production of the Volkswagen Transporter van officially started in March 1950 and during the 60 years since then it has become one of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ best-selling models globally, the number one imported van in the UK as well as one of the most iconic and popular vans in the world.

With over 10 million produced, the Volkswagen Transporter has evolved through five generations of functional and practical bodystyles, each representing the ultimate multi-purpose vehicle of its time and loved by business and private users alike for transporting goods or people for work or leisure. This unique heritage is the focus of the current ‘Evolution of Van’ advertising campaign for the new Transporter which was launched in the UK in January.

The first T1 ‘split-screen’ model was powered by a four-cylinder, air-cooled, 1.1-litre petrol engine mounted at the back of the vehicle. It produced 25 PS of power and had a top speed of about 60 mph. By comparison, the new Transporter enjoys the refinement of Volkswagen’s latest 2.0-litre, common rail, turbocharged diesel engine, available with power outputs ranging from 84 PS to 180 PS and a top speed of up to 119 mph, plus the latest stability control systems and braking technology that would have sounded like something from a science fiction novel 60 years ago.

Although the design has evolved over the years, the first and the latest Transporter share the same badge on the front and the same design principles of a generous loadspace and an enviable reputation for quality and durability.

Similarly, comparing the latest Volkswagen California with a T1 campervan shows that both make efficient use of the space available to create a vehicle equally suitable for daily trips to work or the shops, as for weekend escapes or continental capers.

Over the years, Volkswagen Transporters have endured challenging round the world trips by enthusiastic travellers, been used as the preferred choice of travel for rock bands since the 1960s to the present day, and been relied upon by many businesses needing a fleet of delivery or passenger carrying vehicles.

The first Transporter was imported into the UK in 1955, and the latest version of the van as well as today’s people-carrying and campervan versions, the Caravelle and California, arrived in the UK this January, 55 years later.
Source: Volkswagen.

Looking to buy a VW Bus? check out Veloce's new iPhone app!

VW BUS APP REVIEWED!

Thanks to VW Camper Van Blog for reviewing VW Bus - The Essential Buyer's Guide iPhone app.


"for ‘newbies’ the information is clear and concise and will definitely help when taking the plunge on your first van." - VW Camper Van Blog.

Click here to read the review in full.

We would love to hear what other people think about the app. Maybe you are in a position to publish a review? If so, get in touch!

SUNDAY TIMES INGEAR APPROVES THE APP

As featured in The Sunday Times, ingear (24/1/2010).

Click here for more info about the app or head straight to the app store!

REVIEW OF VW BUS - ENTHUSIAST'S RESTORATION MANUAL

Thanks to Australian Classic Car for this great review of How to restore Volkswagen Bus – Enthusiast's Restoration Manual by Mark Paxton.

A restoration is not for the faint-hearted – and after reading this book, it’s clear that applies doubly for the venerable VW Bus. The publication focuses purely on the VWs built between August 1967 and October 1979 – what are now called Bay versions due to the curved, single-piece front windscreen. This includes the Microbus, Camper, Kombi and Transporter. As with all publications in the Veloce ‘Enthusiast’s Restoration Manual’ series, it centres on an actual restoration. It starts with a brief history of the VW Bus before letting the reader know what to look out for when buying one. As an English publication, it focuses a lot on rust – which is less of a problem in Australia. Appropriately, the first chapter is also the largest and deals with body repairs. There is an amazing amount of rust in the example shown. However it’s comforting to know the necessary spares are available somewhere in the world – probably South America, where production continued well after 1979. There is a separate chapter on what’s called ‘Closures’, (doors, engine bay cover etc.). Next comes painting, followed by the mechanicals. The front and rear ends are treated separately and the book includes information on the brakes and how torsion bars can be replaced. There are tips on whether an original engine and gearbox should be repaired or replaced – and full repair details are provided. Towards the end, the fuel, exhaust, electrical and ignition systems are covered, as is the trim. I particularly liked the appendix on post-restoration maintenance. For anyone involved with Volkswagens, and the Bus in particular, this book is essential.

Click here for more info about the book.

THE WHO MAGIC BUS DIECAST MODEL

A limited edition, 1:43 scale model of a unique 1965, split-screen Volkswagen Transporter van with special The Who Magic Bus branding will be available to order online or from the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles network of dedicated Van Centres from later this week.

The Who Magic Bus Volkswagen Transporter van was created for a fundraising competition last year organised by UK charity Teenage Cancer Trust (TCT) and legendary British rock band, The Who.

Only 1,000 of the 1:43 scale die-cast models of this vehicle are being produced, of which 100 will be available in the UK, at a retail price of £40. A donation of €2 from each model sold will go to TCT for children and young people suffering from cancer.

The Who Magic Bus is one of a range of models and toys available from Volkswagen’s Retro Collection of merchandise. Other items include scale models of the current Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles range such as the Crafter or Caddy vans, the California campervan (from £13.70), key rings (from £3.90), 1GB USB campervan memory sticks (£15) and a cuddly campervan soft toy (£15). The range will expand again later this year with the addition of a classic T1 Samba-Bus.
Source:Volkswagen/Newspress

A new diecast toy cars book is coming very soon from Veloce!

Diecast Toy Cars of the 1950s & 1960s by Andrew Ralston.
Collecting vintage diecast toy cars has become an increasingly popular hobby over the last 25 years, and this book provides a comprehensive overview of the companies that made these toys during the 1950s and 1960s.
As well as examining the major names such as Dinky Toys, Corgi Toys and Matchbox (Great Britain), Solido (France), Tekno (Denmark) and Tootsietoy (USA), this book is unique in its coverage of many smaller and more obscure brands, not only from Europe or the USA but from countries as far afield as Japan, Israel and Argentina.
The book provides fascinating insights into the history of individual companies, accompanied by 300 photographs of rare examples, most of them with their original boxes. A further unique feature is the inclusion of a large selection of colourful and evocative illustrations from catalogues and period trade advertisements.
For the newcomer to the hobby, this volume will provide an ideal introduction to the history of the manufacturers active in this field, while experienced collectors will make many new discoveries.
Click here for more info.

1/2 PRICE VW CAMPER BOOKS!

Here's a great offer if ever there was one! These fantastic VW bus and camper books are now half price at £12.99 + p+p! Perfect for all VW fanatics!


VW Bus - 40 years of Splitties, Bays & Wedges By Richard Copping.

A unique volume dedicated to three generations of VW’s legendary Transporter making extensive use of the highly sought after artwork and photography of the age.





Volkswagen Camper – 40 years of freedom By Richard Copping.
Packed with original marketing images and using original promotional material – ranging from lavish photography to charming home-spun images – here is a complete record of all aspects of the VW Camper story. Includes layouts for the restorer of older models and those interested in the luxury associated with the third generation Wedge.



Volkswagen - The Air-cooled Era in Colour By Richard Copping.
All incredibly popular sixties design classics with enduring appeal, the original air-cooled Volkswagen cars and Transporters are fully explored in this fascinating book. A unique picture-led chronicle of the Volkswagen story through the fifties and sixties. This book makes extensive use of the artwork from contemporary promotional literature for a real retro feel. A must have for motoring enthusiasts and VW devotees alike.

Click book covers for more information

PETE TOWNSHEND VW CAMPER SWAP

The Who mastermind, has swapped his classic camper van for a stylish, new Volkswagen Transporter Sportline. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles now owns his old camper van and will be displaying it at a variety of shows and events.
Pete was sad to say goodbye to his classic camper van, but said 'The Volkswagen Transporter I’m driving now is much better to drive, modern and much faster’. He now uses his replacement van to transport guitars and keyboards to and from his new creative studio.
The Who and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles have been project partners since the band performed at a special weekend event, hosted by Volkswagen in Hanover last year to celebrate 60 years of the iconic Transporter van. Volkswagen recently donated a 1965 ‘split-screen’ Transporter van with a unique The Who ‘Magic Bus’ livery designed by The Who’s art director, Richard Evans, for a worldwide raffle which raised over £32,000.
The distinctive styling of the Volkswagen Transporter Sportline includes 18 inch alloy wheels, lowered suspension, chrome side rails, rear roof spoiler, body-coloured bumpers, chrome upper and lower grilles above a lower front spoiler, and leather upholstery. It also has a 2.5-litre TDI engine producing 174 PS which can sprint to 62 mph in 12.2 seconds.

VW Camper Van books from Veloce..

click book covers for more info!

‘FIVE GENERATIONS OF CAMPERVAN’ AT VANFEST 2008

Vanfest 2008, Europe’s largest gathering of Volkswagen vans, takes place at the Three Counties Showground, Malvern from 12 to 14 September. Five winning Volkswagen vans, each an outstanding example of their generation, have now been selected for display at the event. The prize on offer for the owners is £100 worth of Volkswagen merchandise.
The oldest van chosen to represent the first generation of the VW Transporter is a classic 1966 split-screen Samba. Also included is a 1968 Devon Eurovette bay window, a 1990 Atlantic T25 or wedge, a fourth generation 2002 red campervan, and a black Volkswagen California camper, which is the newest van on display.
New! How to restore Volkswagen Bus – Enthusiast's Restoration Manual By Mark Paxton. The only book currently available that comprehensively deals with the realities of restoring a VW Bay Window Bus. With over 1500 mainly colour photos, it clearly guides the reader through body and chassis repairs, paint work, interior re-trimming and most of the common mechanical problems. The skills, techniques and even the tools needed to complete these tasks are explained in jargon free language to ensure that even those enthusiasts with no previous restoration experience will feel confident in sorting out their Bus. An indispensable and unique guide for lovers of these fast appreciating classics.

How low can you go?

VW parts gurus Just Kampers have made a leftfield style entrance into the record books this week after partnering with Turner Prize nominated artist Andy Saunders to create the World's Lowest VW Camper.

The 39.5” (1 metre) tall squashed VW camper, entitled "Vancake" is fully road legal and was created by Saunders and his team in just three days during the Bug Jam festival at the UK’s Santa Pod Raceway.

Volkswagen Past, Present and Future

W12 Coupé, The Scirocco GT24 and The up!
A trio of Volkswagen concept vehicles are set to make their UK debut at The Goodwood Festival of Speed this weekend between Friday 11th and Sunday 13th July.

Check out Veloce VW manuals, past, present and future! click covers for more info..

How to Restore Volkswagen Beetle


NEW!VW T5 Van - How to Convert to Camper


Forthcoming...How to restore Volkswagen Bus – Enthusiast's Restoration Manual