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    25 March 2019

    Millions of dollars worth of non-supercars descend on Manly

    By Tom WhiteTom White
    The humble Kombi ranges in value from about $10k to well over $300k. (image credit: Tom White)

    Lots of cars have distinct personalities, but few are as widely acceptably personalised as the Kombi.

    Australia's Kombi Klub, with its almost 13,000 members, enshrines the continued adoration and value that these vans hold. The clubs latest meet-up as part of Saturday's Sydney Vissla Surf Pro tournament was a big meet that took up a significant portion of the iconic beachfront.

    The level of customisation the Kombi tends to experience could be seen as butchering on most other cars, but the Kombi just has the unique ability to be seen as a blank canvas, an extension of its owner’s personality. It has a cult-following that's survived through generations of subsequent Volkswagen Transporters and Multivans.

    And Manly? Well, can you think of a location outside of Venice Beach in LA that screams 'Kombi' more? Take a look at the vans we spotted on the day:

    Restored to perfection

    • A stunning finish. (image credit: Tom White) A stunning finish. (image credit: Tom White)
    • A Kombi can be a great way to promote your business... or go for a sail. (image credit: Tom White) A Kombi can be a great way to promote your business... or go for a sail. (image credit: Tom White)
    • This Kombi's living its best life. (image credit: Tom White) This Kombi's living its best life. (image credit: Tom White)
    • Deep colours and clean paints stand in stark contrast from rusted pastel patina. (image credit: Tom White) Deep colours and clean paints stand in stark contrast from rusted pastel patina. (image credit: Tom White)
    • One slinky boi. (image credit: Tom White) One slinky boi. (image credit: Tom White)
    • A simple but tidy look goes a long way, so long as you keep those wheels shiny. (image credit: Tom White) A simple but tidy look goes a long way, so long as you keep those wheels shiny. (image credit: Tom White)
    • A tidy camper, from a more colourful age... (image credit: Tom White) A tidy camper, from a more colourful age... (image credit: Tom White)
    • Keeping it original does come with some consequences... (image credit: Tom White) Keeping it original does come with some consequences... (image credit: Tom White)

    “Rat” aesthetic

    • Just because the patina has a worn look, doesn't mean you can't have one clean lookin' van. (image credit: Tom White) Just because the patina has a worn look, doesn't mean you can't have one clean lookin' van. (image credit: Tom White)
    • Not a bad way to wear your Ps. (image credit: Tom White) Not a bad way to wear your Ps. (image credit: Tom White)
    • The Kombi can be iconic AND practical... (image credit: Tom White) The Kombi can be iconic AND practical... (image credit: Tom White)
    • A big tub & somewhere for your tins. (image credit: Tom White) A big tub & somewhere for your tins. (image credit: Tom White)
    • The rust look can be oh-so-deliberate. (image credit: Tom White) The rust look can be oh-so-deliberate. (image credit: Tom White)
    • A bit of mild oxidation is good for the soul... (image credit: Tom White) A bit of mild oxidation is good for the soul... (image credit: Tom White)

    Amazing interiors

    • The sky is apparently the limit when it comes to Kombi fit-outs. (image credit: Tom White) The sky is apparently the limit when it comes to Kombi fit-outs. (image credit: Tom White)
    • Some keep it original up front. (image credit: Tom White) Some keep it original up front. (image credit: Tom White)
    • Some committed to the vinyl look, while others preferred a woody look. (image credit: Tom White) Some committed to the vinyl look, while others preferred a woody look. (image credit: Tom White)
    • Having a flat-four below the floor comes with certain advantages. (image credit: Tom White) Having a flat-four below the floor comes with certain advantages. (image credit: Tom White)
    • Colours occasionally intrude... (image credit: Tom White) Colours occasionally intrude... (image credit: Tom White)
    • As to trinkets. This red van had a mini-me on the dash. (image credit: Tom White) As to trinkets. This red van had a mini-me on the dash. (image credit: Tom White)

    The more modern alternative

    • Of course, the Transporter is the Kombi's more modern incarnation - like this Trakkadu-fitted T5. (image credit: Tom White) Of course, the Transporter is the Kombi's more modern incarnation - like this Trakkadu-fitted T5. (image credit: Tom White)
    • T3s are also starting to have a bit of that retro-appeal swagger. (image credit: Tom White) T3s are also starting to have a bit of that retro-appeal swagger. (image credit: Tom White)
    • How bad-ass does this off-road 4x4 T3 with black highlights look? (image credit: Tom White) How bad-ass does this off-road 4x4 T3 with black highlights look? (image credit: Tom White)
    • Volkswagen were at the rally to show off the newest version of the Kombi's descendants - The 2019 Multivan Black Edition. (image credit: Tom White) Volkswagen were at the rally to show off the newest version of the Kombi's descendants - The 2019 Multivan Black Edition. (image credit: Tom White)

    What would your perfect Kombi look like? Tell us in the comments below.

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