It was in Chelmsford, Essex in 1964 that the Danbury Conversions launched their Danbury Multicar which was quite distinctive. Unlike other campers they put its use as a motor vehicle first and foremost and although comfortable the fittings did not detract in any way from this premise.
Conversions based on the Kombi, Microrubus and Panel Van were available to order but customers could also take their own vehicles for conversion.
All the fittings were detachable like the Pitt’s Open Plan design which meant there were a variety of layouts that were possible. The cooker units were freestanding which meant that you could cook inside or outside but due the UK customs regulations specified that equipment in a motor home must be fixed so Danbury had to redesign this so that it was secure. Sets of cutlery and crockery which included a teapot, frying pan and saucepan were also standard to the Danbury whereas other companies did not include these items as standard equipment.
In 1969 Danbury came up with a different design with the advent of the Bay Window models and this was aimed at the dual-purpose user, a bit like the Multicar. This included 2 forward facing seats aswell as a rear bench seat. Unlike previous Danbury conversions the more modern ones offered the option of a pop-top roof.
Danbury was only one of three officially VW approved UK conversions in the late 1960‘s (along with Dormobile and Devon). Although in 1972 they lost this approval when Devon entered into an exclusive contract but in 1977 they regained their status.
The Danbury was fairly basic but in 1977 a new version was produced with a very different layout known as the Danbury Volkswagen Deluxe and included the elevating roof as standard. Along with other standard fitments it had a removable carpet which was laid over the vinyl flooring.
Danbury continued to be a VW approved converter over a number of years until the late 1980’s when they ceased operating.
Beetles UK began converting Brasilian Type 2 Buses in to Campers in 2002 and went on to buy up the name Danbury to use for their own conversions. There were 2 versions of the Bay Window Type 2 and had all the looks of the original but with updated modern technology.
A multi purpose version called the Rio which was often called a ‘day van‘. There was also the Surf which was the full on Camper for those who wanted a double bed, This design differed from most other VW Campervan conversions as you could gain access to the kitchen even with the bed being down. In addition to all the standard updated fittings these were even fitted with a TV cabinet which had a flat screen TV and DVD player.
VW Campervans for sale are listed here
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