Full review

To celebrate 10 years of production, Cambee has relaunched its first model, the Grand Tour, as the Classic GT.

This anniversary campervan takes in elements from Cambee’s Classic model, bringing the conversion up to date with the latest tech and improved storage.

Out goes the 25-litre built-in water tank, replaced with a 48-litre underslung tank, leaving space in the bottom of the wardrobe for camping gear, including chairs.

Also gone is the Zig charger, which has been replaced with a five-stage CTEK with solar control, lithium support and engine battery maintenance mode.

A 230V mains hook-up and an optional solar panel complete the power package, giving you a range of charging options. When off grid, the Dometic 65-litre three-way fridge will run off gas, meaning you can save battery power for charging devices and running the diesel heater.

Best of all, improved production methods at Cambee’s new facility have meant that the addition of all this tech to the Classic GT comes at no extra cost, with prices being maintained from the previous model.

Customer service and satisafaction is of upmost importance at Cambee, too. Customers, Simon and Jackie Jasper (who kindly supplied the photos shown here), commissioned a short-wheelbase VW T6 from Cambee.

Here’s what Jackie had to say: “As a family we had always camped to pursue walking, sailing and biking holidays, but suddenly the children were away pursuing their own lives. Then my sister bought a VW California and I was impressed with its minimalist approach, but wanted something a bit more specific to our needs.

My son bought an old VW T4 and converted it. I was taken to Snowdonia mountain biking and was sold on the concept. He used birch ply on the interior and that’s where Cambee came in, as he’d been inspired by its website. So was I!”

The couple love their vintage style campervan, which showcases the bespoke nature of Cambee’s conversions. They also chose the popular German-built SCA 196 pop-top roof, which is renowned for its quality, welded frame and resultant structural integrity.

It also features a breathable, removable canvas, making repairs easier and reducing condensation. Cambee also offers Reimo, SCA and Skyline roofs, so there is an option to suit every pocket.

Another draw for the Jaspers was the seat system, which is Cambee’s own M1 pull-tested design: the Flex 118 rock ‘n’ roll bed. Designed to tackle some of the common failings of other production beds, it has a comfortable seat height and rake for travelling, is lightweight, and utilises a cantilever to quickly transform it from seat to bed. The extra-large drawer under the seat (easily removable, so a surfboard, paddleboard or other long load can be stowed beneath) is another benefit of this Cambee unit.

Simon and Jackie also opted for a solar panel, a 10-litre fresh water tank that’s easy to fill and keep clean, a three-way fridge and a tow hook for bikes and a dinghy. 

In an exceptionally crowded marketplace, Cambee’s campers stand out with their beautiful retro-cool interiors and environmental ethos. 

When it comes to interiors, for company founder, Matthew Burgon, his love of birch plywood and colourful interiors is only part of the story; providing a sustainable and robust construction that is built for a lifetime is vital:

“It's only by building out breakability and building in reparability that we can be confident our campers have a chance of becoming future classics, ensuring the environmental impact of the initial construction is offset over a long period.

We hope our customers will still love their Cambee enough in 20 years’ time to want to reinvest and restore them as we now see with bays and splits,” says Matt.

The Cambee lowdown 

Cambee has its premises in Buckfastleigh, Devon, and offers a range of VW T5, T6 and T6.1 short-wheelbase and long-wheelbase models and styles, partial conversions and even kits.

In addition to the retro-style Classic GT shown here, the range includes the Tourer – a mid-century inspired camper that’s all about functionality – and the Hi Tor, which boasts ample storage. If you’re after something really multifunctional, the Pod features removable furniture, while the Go is a simple set-up designed for the VW T5 and T6 Kombi work van. 

Alll cabinets are built from birch plywood and Formica finishes for a tough interior, and there are many bespoke options for layout, fabrics and finishes for those that want an extra helping of luxury”, explains Matt.

Contact
Cambee Unit 2A, Newson Building, Mardle Way, Buckfastleigh, Devon, TQ11 0NR
Tel: 01364 255242
Website: cambee.co.uk