Danbury is one of the oldest and most recognised names in UK VW campervan conversion, with a heritage stretching back over 60 years. From the classic Type 2 campervans of the 1960s to modern T6.1 conversions, Danbury has been at the forefront of British VW camper culture for three generations.

The current range is built exclusively on VW T6.1 Transporter platforms:

The Surf — Danbury's bestselling model, a traditional four-berth campervan with premium elevating roof and bespoke furniture in the classic side-kitchen layout. The Surf King variant offers a wider three-seater rear bed.

The Trail — a refined four-berth with premium elevating roof and two double beds, built on VW's final edition T6.1.

The Heritage 64 — a premium model celebrating Danbury's 1964 founding year, with retro two-tone paintwork, diamond-stitched leather upholstery and sports pack as standard. Under the heritage styling sits the proven Surf platform.

Historically, the range also included the Active (central lounge/bed layout), Royale and the famous Rio conversions on Brazilian-imported T2 vans. The Active and Royale were discontinued in 2020.

Danbury was founded in 1964 in Danbury, Essex, at St Cleres Hall, where the founders began converting and customising VW Beetle cars before branching out to the Type 2 VW campervan. Throughout the 1960s and 70s, the Essex-based converter became intrinsically linked to the VW Type 2 camper and the era's freedom-loving culture.

When European production of the T2 ceased in 1979, Danbury recognised continued demand and began importing Brazilian-built T2s (retaining the classic bay-window design and rear engine) for conversion. This continued well into the 2000s, keeping the classic VW camper alive for a new generation.

The company evolved from its Essex origins to become a Bristol-based operation, eventually establishing a factory in Yate, near Bristol. The business was run by brothers Chris and Jason Jones, growing from a family venture into a modern manufacturing operation converting VW, Ford and Fiat platforms.

In 2017, Danbury was acquired by the French Groupe Pilote. However, in 2020, the company was taken over by the Vanworx Group, returning it to family business ownership and refocusing on its VW roots. Danbury now operates from Bridgwater, Somerset, creating market-leading conversions on the VW T6.1 Transporter.

60+ years of VW campervan heritage — Danbury is one of the longest-established VW converters in the world. The brand name is synonymous with VW campervans in the UK, carrying cultural significance beyond its commercial value.

Brazilian T2 imports — Danbury's inspired decision to import and convert Brazilian-built VW T2s kept the classic camper dream alive for decades after European production ended. The Diamond and Rio conversions on these vehicles are now collectors' items.

Heritage 64 retro-modern design — the Heritage 64 brilliantly combines classic two-tone VW aesthetics with modern T6.1 engineering, creating a campervan that satisfies both nostalgia and contemporary expectations.

Bespoke craftsmanship — from their Somerset workshop, Danbury create hand-built conversions with attention to detail that mass-production converters rarely achieve.

If VW heritage and culture matter — no other UK converter carries the same depth of VW campervan heritage as Danbury. Owning a Danbury connects you to 60 years of British VW camping culture.

If you want a classic-styled modern campervan — the Heritage 64 uniquely bridges classic VW aesthetics with T6.1 reliability and modernity.

If you want a proven, traditional layout — the Surf's side-kitchen, rear-bed layout is the most popular and practical VW campervan configuration, refined over decades of production.

Multiple ownership changes — transitions from family ownership to Groupe Pilote to Vanworx may have affected quality consistency across different production eras.

VW T6.1 base vehicle costs — the Transporter is an expensive base vehicle, making new Danbury conversions premium-priced.

Compact van dimensions — T6.1-based conversions are smaller than Ducato-based alternatives, limiting extended touring comfort.

Single manufacturer facility — servicing and support relies primarily on the Bridgwater workshop, though VW dealers can maintain the base vehicle.

Older Brazilian T2 conversions need specialist care — classic Rio and Diamond models on Brazilian T2s are now collector vehicles requiring specialist maintenance.

Identify the production era — Danbury has been through multiple ownership changes. Understand which era your vehicle was built in and what company was manufacturing at the time.

Check the VW base vehicle — T6.1: check service history, DSG gearbox if fitted, turbo condition. T5: check cam belt, clutch, fifth gear issue. T2 Brazilian: specialist classic vehicle inspection required.

Check the elevating roof — operate the pop-top, check canvas condition, seal integrity and locking mechanisms.

Conduct damp check around roof — the pop-top perimeter is the critical check point on any elevating roof campervan.

Test all habitation systems — heating, cooking, electrical, water systems.

Danbury provides manufacturer warranty on new conversions, with the VW base vehicle covered by Volkswagen's own warranty. For used purchases, verify both the conversion warranty status and VW warranty.

An independent warranty backed by the RAC is recommended for used Danbury purchases, particularly for older models or those from transitional ownership periods.

OakTree Motorhomes offer up to three years of RAC-backed warranty, providing peace of mind on a heritage British campervan brand.

When buying a used Danbury, look for a dealer that offers an independent warranty backed by a provider like the RAC. This means your warranty remains valid even if the dealer ceases trading. OakTree Motorhomes offer up to three years of RAC-backed warranty, covering the average ownership period.