In 2013, while on their Overseas Experience in the UK, Graeme and Jo became fascinated with the idea of exploring the UK and Europe in a classic Volkswagen Kombi. The thought of hitting the open road in a vintage van, with the freedom to stop wherever the journey took them, was too appealing to resist. They decided to buy a Kombi to make the most of their European adventure.
The Kombi, originally from California, was imported to the UK by the VW Camper Company in Oxfordshire. After using it as their works van for about a year, the company sold the orange van to Graeme and Jo. It was the perfect companion for their European adventures.
Their Kombi took them on unforgettable journeys across Europe. Each trip added new memories and stories to the van’s history. By the end of their Overseas Experience, they couldn’t bear the thought of parting with it. So, when it was time to return to New Zealand, they shipped the Kombi home with them, ensuring that the adventures would continue on home turf.
After arriving in New Zealand, the Kombi became a beloved part of their lives. However, as family life became busier, the van didn’t get as much use as it once did. They cherished the Sunday drives and occasional family road trips, but the Kombi was often parked, waiting for the next big adventure.
In 2020, the Kombi underwent a major transformation when its engine was rebuilt in Wellington. The rebuild gave the van a new lease on life, but the most significant change came in March 2024. After nearly 50 years of service, the factory fuel injection system finally gave out. Unable to find replacement parts, they worked with Llama Engineering to install a brand-new, modern Engine Management System featuring a Haltech ECU, conversion to E-Throttle, Electronic Fuel Injection and wrinkle-red painted intake manifolds. This upgrade not only restored the Kombi’s reliability but also enhanced its performance, providing more power throughout the entire rev range.
With the Kombi’s engine modernized and running better than ever, the future looks bright for the orange van. As their kids get older, they’re excited to start using the Kombi more regularly as their second vehicle. They can’t wait to embark on road trips without the worry of reliability issues and to introduce their children to the joys of camping holidays in the van that has seen so many adventures.
The Kombi is more than just a vehicle; it’s a part of their family’s story, and they look forward to creating many more memories in it. With Llama Engineering’s support and the Kombi’s renewed capability, they’re confident that their beloved van will continue to be a trusty companion for years to come.