Subaru Sambar Replica VW Camper

[garbarrage]

if you're delivering milk ok....
otherwise leave em in japan

[Samba]

Hey, my mistake, I thought forums were to be helpful and learn something new. I was responding to request for advice.

Look on YouTube for Subaru Sambar.

I think it is a flat-4 typical Subaru configuration 650cc. I’ve heard someone is fitting 650 bike engines in them with 150bhp. But bearing in mind it weighs less than my motorbike (VN1500), I think it would fly.

Take the point about why not just buy a van but vans don’t generally have glass all round or on the roof. It is so light in side the Sambar it feels like you are outside. We sit inside with a flask while it is raining and don’t care because the view is 360. Because they are so dinky we get into really remote spots where a VW can’t.

I’ve had a Bay (Devon) and would not have another. Charming but just not very practical compared to modern vehicles.

It can be converted into a camper.


I’m currently fitting sink, microwave and fridge in mine. Running off a leisure battery that goes under the bench seat. Seat then lays down so can sleep in back as well. Very cosy.

I wanted something a bit different this time and have fallen in love with these dinky little practical things and they have so many neat little quirks like the smallest turning circle of any car. Means we are out the car park while everyone else is doing 30 point turns.

Don’t buy one if you’re not good at making conversation with complete strangers!

One of mine (the blue one) was featured in last October’s Max Power – how cool is that!!


PS thanks for correcting me on my VWs. I’m not an expert and don’t pretend to me. That afterall is what forums are for.

Samba x

[greg@hoodatsurfco]

If that was a flat 2.0 turbo I'd have it...

I have one sitting on my drive way!

[Real Pol]

My mum used to tell me that it’s about what you do with it. Which makes me think that the people who spouted such rubbish on this thread don’t have one (a VW or a dick).

I've driven a normal van one and it was one of the worst things in the world to drive. I'm not going to go into lengthy details about why it drove badly, but in my opinion (which is what everyone has given), it was rubbish.

Oh and my mum never had to console me on the size of my penis!

[RJD]

Mate had a late 60's combi with reduction boxes.

40mph tops, no brakes, hideous fuel usage.

There a piece of history sure, but bugs & the vans are relics best left off the roads.

[Hang11]

Those things are still gay. They may be practical, but so are sensible shoes, which are also gay.

This is my van, day before yesterday, has a turning circle of a bus, needs a small oil producing country to keep it on the road, but it does actually go to places that most vans could never get to.....and it has plenty of sleeping/cooking room inside.



And the view from the back while I had a cuppa.....

[surferdude_scarborough]

see thats what i meant. normal van. can still sleep in it etc. probly cost less that that samba for more room.

[Hang11]

If you lived where I do, and drove one of those Scoobie things, you would get all the farmers taking shots at you, thinking you were a dung puncher, out to molest their sheep.....

[Samba]

WOW what a view. Considered getting one of those Delica Space Gears but increasingly difficult to afford to run a 2.8 in UK. Costs a bit more than the Sambar. Liked the ladder on the back for easy access to the roof. With the Sambar you just step on the sill and lean it towards you.

We don’t get many mountains ‘round here. Are there any in Scarborough that I missed???

You don’t have to be gay to have your hand up a sheep’s arse, it is a survival tip to stop hyperthermia. Up in those mountains it might come in useful one day!

[garbarrage]

bit harded again to run a 2.8 over here. if they are purpose built campers or commercial vehicles decked out you can get around it tho..
my main problem with this van is its a replica... why not just come up with an original idea?

also.... wouldn't fancy your chances in a collision in one of those things!!

[Juniper]

that's completely deadly i want one!! It's certainly a lot more economical than a 'normal' van, and it's just so cute!!! it would be hard to justify a big 2.0 diesel van considering the price of fuel and all!

[doug]

please please please do not buy one of these vans i am a trader and i pleaded with a customer not to buy one of these after spending £5000 within 8 months the Alternator went and has had nothing but trouble since impossable to source new/2nd hand parts now she wants me to get rid asap so please leave well alone IF ANYONE KNOWS WHERE YOU CAN GET PARTS PLEASE LET ME KNOW doug@stivesvaleting.com many thanks doug

[jaffa1949]

Good reply Doug, but about 4 years after the last post. the Sambars are probably all dead now!
The Genuine Vee Dubbs still have some going around! Many a surf trip was done in the Kombi and we moved up through the eras, just don't have a head on

BTW the best surf trip vehicle for longboards was a secondhand hearse , could fit sleeping gear and boards inside.
They monstered the fuel bill though

[surf patrol]

I think I'd actually prefer the hearse.