The iconic VW camper van paved the way for the modern motorhome, but they were barely big enough for a couple of hippies. So a UK company has created the Doubleback with an extending pod that can fit a whole commune.
Built on a modern Volkswagen T5 Transporter van, the Doubleback still features the soft pop-up roof tent that allows you to stand inside, but it’s been further equipped for camping duties with an extending pod that adds an extra six and a half feet of living space inside. The interior of the pod is equipped with a large bed, but it can be folded down so the space can be also used for other activities.
I’m assuming that when it’s all retracted there’s still space for passengers to ride in the back. Otherwise it’s kind of useless as a van. But even with a price tag of almost $87,000, it’s still a far cry from those monstrous buses that North Americans prefer to hide from the great outdoors in. Now if only these were available for sale and use on this side of the pond. [Doubleback via Gizmag]
Franz
Friday, February 10, 2012 at 9:23 PMA lot to pay for what is essentially a common looking van, modified.
Chris
Monday, February 27, 2012 at 12:22 PMBut then a lof of us will pay up to $90,000 for an HSV which itself is just a modified Commodore with some bling.
vicmang
Friday, February 10, 2012 at 10:50 PMpricey yes, but expected when they’ve paid the big bucks for Top Gear’s art director, editor and film crew.
Sue
Sunday, February 19, 2012 at 3:40 AMI really like the commercial video but where are the still shots or something slower so I can see the inside and people using it?
Alan
Monday, February 20, 2012 at 3:02 PMIt’s pretty reasonably priced considering the purchase price for our 2006 transporter was 60K when new – albeit with a few extras alloys, colour coded bumpers, rubber mats. I don’t think it looks common at all. I think Trakka cost similar for their conversions
Fair Dinkum
Sunday, April 1, 2012 at 2:02 PMConsidering they paid for a high profile art director, they were left high and dry by a video that only shows half of the story. This very clever design has a lot more to tell and that video sells it well short. Its a shame because instead of encouraging ales enquiries, it raises suspicion that perhaps the interior and inclusions aren’t worth the money.