VWt Issue 112

Hello and welcome to issue 112 of VWt. So, that’s it then, show season is all but over for another year. But wipe those tears away from your eyes and worry not van fans, as it’s time to smile and reflect on an awesome 2021. Especially after the deluge of excrement that was 2020 (maybe it’s best we just try and forget all about that year?). Sure, there were plenty of event casualties, including our very own Volks World show – which is back 19-20th March 2022 btw – however, we were fortunate enough still to have some excellent events, lots of laughs and salivated over more terrific Transporters, Caddys and Crafters than ever. Yes, it’s been challenging but I don’t think I’ve ever appreciated being at shows and meets…

It’s pretty much part of the territory. If you’re a lover of Volkswagen, then there’s a strong likelihood that you’ve got the love for other German marques. Vorsprung durch technik and all that jazz. There is, however, always that one name that stands tall above all others. I mean, who in their right mind wouldn’t have a Porsche if they could? With the utterly bonkers market for a decent 911 these days, that ship may well have sailed for many of us but that doesn’t mean to say we can’t dream. Nor does it mean we can’t take a little inspiration here and there. Ashley Medhurst, otherwise and more rightfully known simply as ‘The Upholsterer’ has gone a little further than just being inspired. Through the vehicle of his Long…

Unique Furniture UK was started by Ashley Medhurst back in 2009. Based in Long Eaton on the border between Nottingham and Derby, he’s well-situated bang in the Midlands. His private plate currently adorning the work demo van is a nod to local dialect, as opposed to anything Chinese food related! Having always had vans due to a passion for motorbike events, the progression for Ashley into custom camper interiors was an obvious one. That doesn’t mean he’s left his other work behind. You can still call on him to upholster anything from a Lambretta seat to a full Chesterfield sofa. His services are not limited to interiors either, with options on complete builds available from wheels and tyres to suspension work and wiring looms. Get over to his Instagram or…

“After selling my previous demo, a Paul Smith inspired T5, I bit the bullet and decided to buy new” Name: Ashley Medhurst Age: 39 Occupation: Owner of Unique Furniture UK Instagram: @uniquefurnitureuk First car: A 1981, Mini Clubman Estate in Mr Bean Green – swiftly painted black! Dream car: Controversially – it would be a motorbike! Aprillia RSV4 1100 Factory Hardest part of the build: Thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic, getting hold of parts! Favourite modification: Custom made basket weave window pods What lesson learnt from this build would pass on: Rome wasn’t built in a day! What’s next? Future plans are always swimming around in my head, but I’m currently working on a Swamper style van which should be ready in early 2022.…

MODIFICATIONS: Engine: Standard 2.0TDI 110BPH Chassis: Stance+ coilovers, Porsche Fuch style 9x17 alloys, 5x130 to 5x120 adapters, 30mm spacers, Michelin Alpine tyres Exterior: Singer Design inspired classic Porsche style graphics, signature rear door single wheel bearing bracket, Reimo awning rail, VW Carbon T6.1 lower splitter & barn door roof spoiler, slash cut side bars, gloss black grill & carbon fibre bonnet protector and outer rear side panel, body coloured bumpers, wing mirror covers and door handles, Lowlife Products Stealth B2 pop-top roof with orange scenic canvass with front opening zip window and two mesh side vents Interior: Full interior retrim, upholstered in toffee brown Italian leather across the swivel captain seats, copper suede A-pillars and seatbelt pillar, striking carbon fibre wraps lower dashboard, door card pockets, seat handles and underside…

SCENTIENT BEINGS The people behind LeaseElectricCar.uk have researched how particular scents indicate certain personality traits and how this can be interpreted by passengers. Just as the choice of perfume or aftershave can reflect someone’s character, apparently the scent of the air freshener in their vehicle can also be very telling too. So, what do you think, bang on the money or a load of old twaddle? Have a read and decide for yourself. VANILLA Believed to have a calming effect, vanilla is one of the most popular scent choices. This means you’re probably either a super relaxed person who chooses a scent to match their personality; or a highly fraught and anxious person who needs vanilla’s calming effects to relax. CITRUS Zingy citrus scents are most often associated with places…