Popular Interior Makers
Westfalia

Founded in 1844 by Johann Knobel as an agricultural tool factory Westfalia started to produce camping trailers in the late 1930’s. After WWII the economy was such that any vehicle was a luxury so that it became necessary the vehicle could perform many functions. In 1953 Westfalia introduced its concept of the “camping box”. A simple set of furniture manufactured to be easily installed into a VW Van which transformed its interior into a home upon wheels.

The concept very quickly became popular with Westfalia producing around 1000 units by 1958. In the early days you were even able to take your van or bus to the factory for them to fit it out. This rate of growth and popularity led to the development of a strong relationship between Westfalia and VW. It was not until many years later, 2004 that VW ended it by introducing its own factory made VW Campervan based on the T5 model.

From its humble beginnings Westfalia developed into the major interior designer for VW Campervans. A huge range of models were developed for the home and export markets. The dedicated enthusiast can trace there development through the generations from books and van advertising material.

You can view our pages of Westfalia interior VW Campervans for sale now on ebay.

Devon Camping Conversions

In my opinion the best quality and best known of all UK conversions Devon was started in 1957 by a VW dealership in Torquay Devon and a firm of cabinet makers in Sidmouth Devon. This fusion of knowledge and expertise led to the first “Devon Caravette” being launched on the market in 1958 for the princely sum of £897.10 shillings. This classic interior featured the bench seating dinette arrangement which converted to the double bed by lowering the table to the bench unit level to form the base of the bed. A thick mattress with removable washable covers together with real polished light oak construction made this a very popular conversion.

Extras were available in the form of canvas tent awnings, water carriers, roof racks and much more led to the business and popularity of the van growing fast. Different version quickly followed even one tailored and advertised to suit the “Gentleman of the Road” or commercial traveller to you and me. Budget models in the form of the Devonette followed together with the caravette models incorporating an elevating roof. In the mid 60’s the company introduced a walk through model named the “Devon Caravette Spaceway”. This entailed a radical reshaping of the interior space with the removal of the bulkhead and the front bench seat becoming a single seat with storage underneath.

The 1970’s saw further refinement of the Torvette and Caravette models with the introduction of the Eurovette model featuring a child’s cab hammock. The trend in the 1970’s for more luxury saw the introduction of the Moonraker model advertised as the “Ultimate in luxury”. Extras included an elevating roof with two bunks, side awning, tent awning, crockery and cutlery sets and much more. However the concept of the practical van and additional use as a camper was re inforced by the reintroduction of the Devonette in 1972 advertised then as all the advantages of estate car for travelling PLUS the sleeping, cooking, dining and storage facilities of a real motor caravan.

These model types together with the Sundowner were developed throughout the 1980’s until the company sold off its campervan business. The new company purchased the brand name and continued production until VW introduced the T4 model when they switched production onto the Toyota brand and VW Devons ceased to exist

You can view our pages of Devon interior VW Campervans for sale now on ebay

Auto Sleeper Camping Conversions

The 1980’s saw the level of customer expectation for luxury increase and with this demand many other interior conversion companies sought to develop the reliable VW basis platform. Auto Sleeper a company originating from Broadway in Worcestershire had been converting vans since 1961 when they converted their first J2 van. They are now based in Willersey in the Cotswold and pride themselves on 48 years of craftsmanship in the motor home industry.

There first conversions were the VX 50, VHT, VT20. These models came with either an elevating roof,fixed high roof or an economy model. These models had high specification for the period and boasted cab swivel seats, gas/electric fridge with freezer, chemical toilet and much more. 1989 saw the introduction of the two main models of Trident and Trooper.These models continued through the chassis change to T4 and T5. Today they offer a range of the Trooper Classic, Trooper Lowline, Trident, Topaz and longer wheelbase Sandhurst. Optional extras even include a flatscreen TV

You can view our pages of Auto Sleeper Conversions for sale now on ebay