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Carry On Camping Autoselect Cars open up VW Camper Hire from their Chesterfield base on Pottery Lane West. Words: Paul Chapman Pictures: VW UK
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hat could be cooler than a chance to get away from it all?
The VW Camper is an iconic vehicle, the original splitty and bay windows, the hippy bus of the 60s, defining freedom and escape. I’ve loved them since I was knee high somewhere I have a carefully built Airfix type kit, lowered with wood panelled floor and bright red paint. However, my love has never transformed into ownership, my wife’s answer whenever I mention how great would it be to be able to park up and make a cuppa goes something like “just buy a flask!” Campers are not cheap, second hand values stay high especially the California and factory vehicles and I’m kind of unrelaxed with the idea of driving around with the kitchen sink every time you need to nip out to the shops. But if like me you love the idea of pulling up in a campsite, dropping down the rock and roll bed, cracking open a bottle of your favourite tipple and watching the sun set, then hiring a camper will open up this freedom without the cost of ownership. In April Autoselect will take delivery of a brandnew VW T6 California Ocean and a long weekend starts at 2pm on a Friday and ends at 10am on Monday. Living in Chesterfield we’re under 70 miles from the coast (as the crow flies) and we have the Peak District to play in so in a couple of hours or less you could be set up to enjoy the weekend. We have friends who think we're mad staying in the Peak District at the weekend but we need to remember that for millions it is a holiday destination and we have the luxury of being able to escape for a few days with less than an hour's driving - what could be better? For adventures further afield check out roughguides.com/article/best-road-trips-in-the-uk The VW California is brilliantly equipped to sleep four comfortably and with its small functional kitchen facilities you’ll be able to have that brew. Page 18 www.s40local.co.uk
The design utilises space perfectly, a press of a button has the elevating roof up, this sleeps two when needed and allows extra headroom whilst moving about the cab. With electric hook-up you can keep the phones charged (if you want to that is and wouldn’t rather leave them switched off for the weekend…), the fresh water tank holds 30 litres and the electric pump gives a constant flow, no pumping the floor button to fill the sink, remember that caravaners? The two-burner gas stove and small fridge complete the kitchen facilities, small and functional but enough to cook a small meal, make a brew and keep the drinks chilled. The two rear seats (complete with ISOFIX child seat mounts), fold down converting into a lower two-person bed so with the two above gives ample sleeping area for four, pull down the blackout blinds, perhaps put the kids in the roof and a good night’s sleep can be had by all. The front captain seats swivel round and with the table clipped to the door there’s room to sit and eat indoors, when the sun shines the awning can be rolled out and in the tailgate, there are two folding chairs so you can keep an eye on the kids as they get to grips with their inner Bear Grylls. I asked Rob Bartle from Autoselect why he’d decided to start the hire side of the business? “I drive a Caravelle and it's a great familiy vehicle, they're extremely comfortable and easy to drive. I've been so impressed that we've added a T6 California for people to hire. "For many it will simply give them the chance to have a fun filled road trip without the outlay and running costs associated with buying one. "And for those thinking of purchasing a Camper what better way to see if it works for you than to hire one and try it for yourself? "I can't wait for ours to arrive, I may well have to take it for a test so we can feedback to people just how great they are." If you fancy a few days of mobile adventure contact Rob or James on 01246 205529 or call down to see them at Autoselect at Pottery Lane West to take a look round one of the campers.