We don’t know much about art but we know what we like. And we like this new ID Buzz conversion a lot
Words & pictures ❚ Iain Duff
When we reviewed the first ID Buzz conversion by Love Campers last year we were blown away. With its vibrant yellow and white two-tone finish, we described it as sunshine on wheels.
The latest model from the Brighton-based converter is more like a work of art on wheels.
And, with a remarkable vinyl wrap based on an original work by Cornish-based artist, Zee van Gils, it is somehow even cooler than its predecessor.
To be fair, the ID Buzz, Volkswagen’s first all-electric van, is pretty cool in its own right. Taking its inspiration from the classic VW Type 2 camper, it combines retro styling with the most up-to-date electric vehicle technology.
Couple that with the creative spark that comes from Love Campers, and you have something that is guaranteed to have fellow campers and road-users gawping in admiration.
This new conversion offers a fully off-grid experience with a 305w solar panel on the roof that powers the entire campervan system. It’s totally gas-free, with electric cooking and heating on board. So, no burning of fossil fuels whatsoever, which is pretty cool. Sustainable materials have been used wherever possible – also cool.
A galley kitchen runs along the left side with a long, side-facing settee opposite. At night, the sofa can quickly be turned into your bed, by simply pulling out its slatted frame, dropping the backrest and rearranging the cushions. The bed measures 1.80m by 1.16m, which is pretty small for a double.
The interior has a decidedly retro feel about it, but, as befits the overall feel of the ’van, it is full of quirky little touches and some bang up-to-date technology, such as a pop-up wireless charger and 230V multi-plug hub. There’s also a button in the cupboard which releases the drop-down towbar and the interior lights can be controlled by an app on your Apple device.
We also loved the ingenious slide out worktop extension at the rear, which creates a useful outdoor work surface.
The furniture is handbuilt using a modern plywood and bamboo, and it all gives off a 1960s vibe that reflects the ID Buzz’s exterior design. There’s more bamboo on the rear door and on the ceiling, where there are spotlights and pinhole lights fitted. More illumination comes from a flexi reading light and a coloured LED strip under the worktop edge.
A large 305W solar panel is discre
