The Iconic Evolution of VW Campers – From Splitscreen to T7
A Tribute to the Vans That Made the Road Feel Like Home
Few vehicles have earned legendary status quite like the Volkswagen camper van. More than just transport, it’s a symbol of freedom, creativity, and craftsmanship—rolling history with room to sleep. From the beloved air-cooled Splitscreen to the modern comforts of the T6.1 (and soon, the T7), VW campers have captured the hearts of generations.
At Oreham Vehicles Ltd, we’ve had the pleasure of working on every era of VW van, restoring and transforming interiors to match each vehicle’s soul. Here’s a look at what makes these iconic campers so special—and how upholstery plays a key part in keeping them alive.
🚌 Splitscreen (T1) – The Original Dream Machine
Built between 1950 and 1967, the T1 Splitscreen (or "Splitty") is where the legend began. Its distinctive split front windscreen, rear air-cooled engine, and instantly recognisable silhouette made it a counterculture icon and a festival favourite.
Today, lovingly restored Splitscreens are a collector’s dream—and we know just how much care they deserve. Whether it's reupholstering classic bench seats or recreating vintage-style door panels, we help preserve that retro feel without sacrificing comfort.
🚐 Bay Window (T2) – A Wider View on Adventure
From 1967 to the late 1970s, the T2 Bay Window brought more space, visibility, and practicality to the VW camper line. These vans were built for the open road, with upgraded engines and better drivability—but still retained the laid-back charm of their predecessor.
We’ve reworked countless Bay Window interiors, using period-style vinyls, checkered fabrics, and custom foams to ensure they feel as good as they look.
🔧 T25 / T3 – The Square-Shouldered Classic
As the ‘80s arrived, so did the T25 (T3)—bigger, squarer, and loaded with potential for custom interiors. With water-cooled engines, high-top conversions, and more modern features, this van was a favourite for home-on-wheels conversions.
We often retrim these with upgraded materials to suit long-distance travel and give aging interiors a much-needed refresh—while still honouring the boxy beauty of the original design.
⚡ T4 to T6.1 – The Modern Workhorse Gets Style
From the early '90s through to today, the T4, T5, and T6.1 models have become the backbone of van life culture. With better safety, tech, and performance, these models offer endless customisation possibilities.
Whether it's a sleek leather-look finish for a T6 Kombi or a bold fabric interior for a T5 day van, our camper upholstery team can help transform utility into luxury. And yes—we’re RIB Altair bed specialists, so you can trust us with the complex jobs too.
🚀 T7 – The Next Chapter Begins
The upcoming T7 represents VW’s move into the hybrid future, blending classic camper DNA with cutting-edge tech. While it’s not fully released yet, enthusiasts are already dreaming up conversions—and we’re excited to see how upholstery will evolve with it.
At Oreham Vehicles Ltd, we’re ready to help you make your mark on the next generation of camper vans, with interiors that are personal, practical, and timeless.
Why Upholstery Matters in Every VW Camper
Whether you're restoring a 60-year-old Splitty or modernising a T6.1, the interior is where the magic happens. It's where you sleep, relax, eat, and watch the rain hit the windscreen. Quality upholstery doesn’t just elevate the look—it makes every trip more comfortable and every memory more durable.
We offer:
Full camper van retrims
Custom seats, panels, and beds
Tailored solutions for vintage or modern campers
VW-specific knowledge across all generations
Ready to Upholster Your VW Camper?
If you're based in West Sussex or the surrounding area, we’d love to help bring your camper interior to life.
Get in touch with Oreham Vehicles Ltd today—or drop by our workshop in Henfield to chat vans and fabric samples.
