Beloved by countless generations, the iconic Volkswagen T1, a.k.a. the Bulli (or Transporter, Kombi, Microbus, among others nicknames) has been the vehicle of choice for countless forward control adventures. Now it’s a living legend that has many forms, including one bearing the well-known Playmobil trademark, from now on.
Soon to become available in the United States for a mere $49.99 (with free shipping), the Playmobil Volkswagen T1 Camping Bus has been created with help from the automaker itself. More precisely, a special example of the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles Oldtimers (VWNO) collection in Hannover, Germany, served as the direct inspiration for the 1:18 scale toy set.
It’s affectionately known as “Henrik the Red” at home and has been fatefully recreated (complete with its camper characteristics) by Playmobil to hold true to many of the characteristic details. Those include the “iconographic V-shaped front end with red and white color separation and red VW logo, rounded roof, split windshield and removable roof rack.”
The camper van's beige grey/sealing-wax red exterior treatment has been mirrored on the inside as well: there’s a tipping bench seat, working table and cupboards, as well as the appropriate food and camping aids. Even the classic four-cylinder boxer is visible (if you are close enough, that is).
The little Playmobil characters will even do the dishes and cook food with help from the kitchen appliances, while the bench seating will convert into a sleeping area for two.
Of course, one will have to contend with the fact that we’re not dealing with something that’s more than four meters long. The Playmobil Bulli is just 25-cm (9.84-in) long, 11-cm (4.33-in) wide, and 13-cm (5.11-in) tall, including the roof rack.
Obviously, it’s also not going to cost an arm and a leg to have it in proper working condition, either. The set comes not just with the vehicle itself but also with a couple of figures and a lot of accessories.
It’s affectionately known as “Henrik the Red” at home and has been fatefully recreated (complete with its camper characteristics) by Playmobil to hold true to many of the characteristic details. Those include the “iconographic V-shaped front end with red and white color separation and red VW logo, rounded roof, split windshield and removable roof rack.”
The camper van's beige grey/sealing-wax red exterior treatment has been mirrored on the inside as well: there’s a tipping bench seat, working table and cupboards, as well as the appropriate food and camping aids. Even the classic four-cylinder boxer is visible (if you are close enough, that is).
The little Playmobil characters will even do the dishes and cook food with help from the kitchen appliances, while the bench seating will convert into a sleeping area for two.
Of course, one will have to contend with the fact that we’re not dealing with something that’s more than four meters long. The Playmobil Bulli is just 25-cm (9.84-in) long, 11-cm (4.33-in) wide, and 13-cm (5.11-in) tall, including the roof rack.
Obviously, it’s also not going to cost an arm and a leg to have it in proper working condition, either. The set comes not just with the vehicle itself but also with a couple of figures and a lot of accessories.