1963 Volkswagen Splitscreen Camper | Portsmouth, Hampshire

This is a 1963 Volkswagen Splitscreen Camper, from the early Type 2 line with its divided windscreen and flat, upright front. The driver sits over the front wheels and the air-cooled engine sits at the back. The van is closely tied to 1960s counterculture, and its friendly face explains much of its appeal. This one is beige outside and beige inside, a soft single tone that keeps the van's shape clean in photographs. It has a 1295cc engine and seats five. It is left-hand drive: the driver sits on the kerb side, so the front passenger steps out on the road side, and it adds a continental look. The split screen and tall body suit 1960s-set film and TV, period advertising and fashion or editorial shoots, with room in shot for people and props. At events and in music videos it gives a camper-van backdrop with period character. Weddings and personal hires suit it too. The van is based in Portsmouth, Hampshire.