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Many of you
probably know this car. This is
Volkswagen T2 commonly called Kombi or in Polish "Ogórek". It was
very popular in the 70s thanks to the hippies. And also because it was often
shown in pop-culture and films. Not without a reason
it gained so much popularity. Mostly for design, functionality and innovation. It was produced from the 60s to late 90s as the first car that could accommodate
more than 5 people with the possibility of
sleeping. Originally it was designed for factory workers, not for public
use but that has changed over time.
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Kombi is still
in use today by many people. There are enthusiasts who love this car and
appreciate its advantages. The interior is very
simple, you can move individual parts as you
wish, just like Lego bricks. Everyone can choose his own style and adapt to personal needs. I think
this is an example of good design which is going thru generations. Nowadays there are no cars which are timeless and have
characteristic look. Unfortunately Kombi is no longer produced.
I was
interested in James Barkman's story about his journey in Kombi. He is a photographer living on the
road. Like he said this kind of lifestyle is very inspirational and creative. He
spent a lot of time in his car travelling, working and meeting new people. For
me it seems an unforgettable experience. Especially if you work as a freelancer
then you are not attached to a single place.
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Questions:
1. Would you
like to spend vacations in this car or maybe in another one ?
2. What do you
think about such way of travel or living?
3. Do you like the design of Kombi?
4. Have you
ever experienced a trip in a similar car?
Other examples of people who
are Kombi owners:
Comments
This way of travelling may be awesome solution for people who don't want to spend a lot of time in one place. I'm not sure if it also would be a good way of living, but maybe someone would love it.
I like this design, it's some kind of retro one. But for long time travelling I wouldn't choose this one. It doesn't look stable for me.
I have never experiences such a travel and I think I won't.
Holidays are great idea but I couldn't live like this man.
Of course I love "Ogórek" and I thing that I will buy it in future. I think that I will soon rent a similar car to spend holidays in it.
One of my colleagues traveled during whole last summer through South America by similar car, what's more, she and her friends had a full sponsorship. Definately wonderful experience, though not for me.
Such cars are the most popular in USA, because I believe that they have got better conditions - better and bigger roads (their cars are wider than europeanon ones)
Thank you for sharing your opinion. I heard also some stories about people who get sponsored for their trip. It’s true that is wonderful experience.
I'm convinced that in the next few years I'll do such trip.
My uncle bought old toyota land cruiser 80 and did hmm.. let's say such van. He threw back seats and did a bed. On the roof, he put a container with water. I know it's not a van, but the purpose is similar. He did it to be able to go to off-roads expedition. I think it's also very interesting way of using a car.
The possibility to move around your “house” sounds really amazing.
I think that it’s the great way to travel, but I can’t really imagine living in a car.
Sure for a couple of weeks it might be great, but for longer period of time I think that I’d hate it/
I really like the design of Kombi, but unfortunately I haven’t experienced a trip in it or in any similar car.
Sounds nice. On the other hand warm bed and a cozy apartment sounds good as well.
There are actually people living (not only vacationing) traveling around the world, rejected most of their possesions, just walking on sunshine and in the direction of it. Check out /r/vagabond on reddit or whether you are interested or not just see a movie called "Into the wild" (inspired by true story), highly recommended.
Design of this car is absolutely timeless, and actually you can buy "new" T2 : ) link below:
http://www.danburymotorcaravans.com/stock/stockmodel.aspx?stockmodelID=198
I think this lifestyle is not for everyone. Some people value stability and routine (routine =/= boredom). His life is not about going on a adventure, his life is an adventure. Not everyone would be able to live like this. It sounds amazing, I would love to try but I'm not sure I would be able to live such a life for long.
Did that already while traveling through Italy. It is a good way until everything is working fine. Car trouble are really annoying and spoils a lot of fun. Especially when you are waiting for a specific car part to order or the Air Conditioning stops to work and there is 35 degree outside.
2. What do you think about such way of travel or living?
It is ok if you don't have a lot of money to spend. It is really the cheapest option. In few towns in Italy you currently cannot stop anywhere and go to sleep at night. You might get a ticket for that. Nowadays I prefer a good hotel and good breakfast in the morning in it.
3. Do you like the design of Kombi?
It looks ok.
4. Have you ever experienced a trip in a similar car?
As mentioned in point 1 :)
From a design point I really like the look of kombi, especially ones with neon colors they are just so different from other normal cars on streets an that is beautiful.
I hope one day I could be enough adventurous to buy similar car and travel around the Europe, stay in small villages, meet locals and write down the stories in my travel book. Now I have to travel in my small car, but I still love it though.
James Barkman is my hero)
I am a fan of sport cars, thats why I don't like this design. ;)