Long Distance Conversion

Being based in Scotland has many advantages, like having the Highlands right on your doorstep. Of course, there can be disadvantages too, like having to travel hundreds of miles to your convertor of choice…twice

- Craig Allen

I arranged to meet up with owner, Bruce Hutchison, at the Scottish Bus Museum in Fife. Formerly a Naval storage facility, the original buildings and classic vehicles made for a suitable backdrop to the photoshoot. On seeing the van in the flesh, it didn't disappoint, and the standard of finish reflected the many hours of labour that had gone into this build.

Bruce Hutchison, an HGV driver covering Europe and the UK, definitely falls into the petrol head category. He has a long list of Fords in his history, including a MK1, AVO, 1600 BDA engined Escort, which will send any Escort lovers reading this into paroxysms of delight! With the whole Ford thing out of his system, he wisely moved across to VWs.

Bruce is now a familiar figure on the VW car scene, having owned at least twelve MK2 Golf GTIs, as well as other models. After more than twenty years in the Golf world, as a serial award winner and owner of several magazine featured Golfs, he decided it was time to move on to a van project, a T5 project to be precise.

The search for a suitable Transporter began and ultimately led him to Salop Vans in Shrewsbury. “There were so many vans to choose from. All in different colours with different specs. Ultimately, I chose this 63-plate crew van (Kombi) in mint condition.” Bruce bought a Bebb quick release rock & roll bed, which Salop fitted for him. The van already featured Captains seats, a Sportline front end and fog lights, rear door spoilers and sidebars. With its pristine white paintwork, many people would have been more than happy with the van as it was but for Bruce, it was just a starting point. He envisaged no less than a complete makeover to create something that would not only turn heads at the showgrounds but serve as a practical camper for his family.