Volkswagen Camper & Beetle Guide - A History of VW Bay Window & Split Screen Camper Vans & Beetles

Camper Van / Busbeing produced in 1979. It was much improved on the
The Split Screen Bussplit screen, offering a slightly larger body so could
Split screen buses were first produced in 1949 andcarry larger loads, larger and more powerful engines
continued on for the next 18 years. They were knownup to a 2 litre model towards the end of production,
unimaginably as the Type 2. The first Type 2 wasbetter electrics, a more refined and comfortable ride.
called the Bulli and came in 2 models the Kombi andHowever for many the bay window lacks the original
Panel van. The Microbus was introduced a year laterdesign of the Splittie. It is really the Bay Window bus
in 1950. Splitties, Type 2, or Split Screen Volkwagenthat really accelerated the use of these unique vans
buses came in many guises; barndoor, panel van,as a mobile home or camper van. These vans were
kombi,minibus, standard, deluxe, barn door, ambulance,converted by various firms, such as Westfalia (also
fire van, single cab pickup and double cab pickup,known as a Westy, Danbury, Devon, Dormobile and
Samba, with various options due to their age such asViking. These firms offered different interior
walk-through, double door, semaphore and safari toconfigurations for sleeping, cooking and storage as well
name but a few. However it is the Samba model thatas differing elevating roof types. These ranged from
is the most desirable of all.small staight up vertical pop top roofs to front hinged,
The VW Bay Window Camper Vanrear hinged and side hinged roofs, sleeping between 2
The VW Bay Window Camper van, still known as ato 7 people!
Type 2, was first produced in 1967 and continued