A typical example or two of the more unusual Splittie conversions on offer Chassis Counter Sliding Window 15cwt Kombi details as per VW Transporter catalogue 30in ht. 53in length 15in width, with 9 sq ft shelving under 19in x 14in for serving on road Service Garages (South Eastern) Ltd, of Colchester, included in its range of conversions the SERV-ICE, the ice-cream van with maximum storage and working space for the operator too. Launched in 1962, the company suggested that the VW SERV-ICE conversion could be carried out utilising the then recently launched high-roofed delivery van (see p66-7). Before itemising the full specification, Service Garages copywriter launched into a final Double Doors Roof Open to give full counter width for serving at fixed stands The following alternatives can be supplied:- a) elevating b) fixed fibreglass c) high-roofed van Conservators Soft ice cream mix container volume 7.4cuft, temperature maintained 32 35 degrees F automatically. Hard ice cream container volume 3.9cuft, temperature maintained 0 degrees F automatically Refrigeration gear 7,800 BTU at 30 degrees F Bitzer refrigerator unit driven in conjunction with Soft Ice Freezer by patented ʻService Conversionʼ gear from engine of vehicle. No electric motors, generators, auxiliary engines, control gear are employed and servicing virtually nil Washing facilities A hot and cold water supply is installed with draining board and washer bowl connected to 2 1 2 gallon waste tank underneath in locker Fluorescent lighting Two fluorescent tubes are fitted as standard was revolutionary in that the soft ice cream machine refrigerated cabinets and water heater etc... [were] all driven from the vehicle s own power unit. Available with one of four options of ice cream making machine, or another brand a customer might care to specify, the Splittie featured either an elevating roof in Camper style, or a fixed fibreglass top, both offering headroom of 6ft 3in. Quick off the mark, Service Garages also mentioned that a frenzy of selling points, noting that the SERV- ICE was a remarkable vehicle, priced at many hundreds of pounds lower than its competitors, with total running costs under half that which had been previously accepted as the minimum for this type of vehicle. With prices starting at 1550, such hyperbole was probably highly necessary, as the company s hard-ice model with an ICI Dri-Kold freezer system the total cost was a mere 885. Fresh air blower All hours run counter is fitted giving adequate ventilation of vehicle under warmest operating conditions is fitted to engine for regulating servicing of engines 41
The Volkswagen that had everything to write home about! The Splittie bowed out at the end of the 67 model year. Between its launch in March 1950 and the day in July 1967 when the vehicle bearing chassis number 217 148 459 came off the production line, 1,833,000 Splitties had been built at either Hanover or Wolfsburg, while additional production occurred in Brazil, South Africa and Australia. Like the Beetle, the Splittie was exported to well over 100 countries across the world, while some satellite operations were responsible for the assembly of knock-down-kits. Today the Splittie is probably loved even more than when it was in production, if that is possible. The prices paid for Concours condition examples have escalated to such an extent that now it is more than feasible to purchase a brand-new, top-of-the-range, medium-sized saloon for less money than Nordhoff s humble box on wheels. From School Bus to Microbus Deluxe, Pick-up to Krankenwagen, the Splittie was a classic then and remains so today. 79
Automatically slower? Primarily with the American market in mind, Volkswagen offered the 1700 engine with an automatic box as an extracost option on the 73 model. A three-speed affair, much more in keeping with the times than the semi-auto offered on the Beetle back in 1968, the Bay s torque converter proved to be more reliable and smoother in operation than the offerings of most rival manufacturers. Perhaps surprisingly, performance was relatively unaffected. VW of America spec sheet 1973: SAE net hp 63/4800rpm, automatic 59/4200rpm. Performance top speed 78mph, with automatic 75mph. 105
Chapter 3 VW Bus the third generation: the Wedge 116 1. Airing on the side of conservatism
Wa n t t o g e t a w a y f r o m i t a l l? T h e n y o u s h o u l d l oo k i n t o o u r Vo l k s w a g e n Ca m p m o b i l e. In 1962, the powers that be at Volkswagen of America were sufficiently ʻenthusiasticʼ about the whole Camping scene to organise what amounted to a glorified price list of the many options available. Ranging from $399 to $1088, the complete package listings make interesting reading. West B-33 ($1088) Interior side and roof panelling with birch plywood; the motor compartment has a Plastic covering Wardrobe with inside mirror Linen closet Ice box Washing cabinet with wash bowl at righthand door wing Folding table attached to frame between the two benches Two benches (front and rear) with removable seat cushions and back rests converting into double bed Two wedge shaped headrests Floor covering and rug Drapes for all windows in living compartment Rod and drapes between the driverʼs cab and living compartment Electric circuit Three 2 1 2-gallon water canisters, stowed in the chest underneath the front bench Hammock for childʼs sleeping accommodation Skylight (35.8in L x 20.9in W) Roof rack: (53in L x 56in W x 18in H, 220lb payload) Drop-leaf table at left-hand door wing for stove Large side tent with poles and attachments Chemical toilet Two-burner gasoline stove. Some of the suggestions seem more dated than others: Want more headroom in your Campmobile? Then you should order our optional pop-up top with screened windows. Lets all the cigarette smoke out and lots of fresh air in. 150