Guide to Different Classic Campervan Conversions and Interiors

Classic Volkswagen campervans are defined just as much by their interiors as by their instantly recognisable body shapes. From early Splitscreen models through the T2 Bay Window, and on to the T25 (T3), T4, T5 and T6 Transporters, campervan interiors have continually evolved to reflect changing travel habits, materials, technology and lifestyles.

Along the way, a small number of historically recognised conversion brands such as Westfalia, Devon, Dormobile, Danbury and Canterbury Pitt helped shape what a campervan should look and feel like inside. This guide brings those histories together and explains how classic interior layouts still influence modern camper conversions today.

In this guide, we’ll cover a brief history of VW camper interiors, the key features of Westfalia conversions (including what SO codes mean), how Devon, Dormobile, Danbury and Canterbury Pitt differed in their approach, and how classic design principles carried through to later Transporter-based campers.

In this blog, we'll cover:

•    A Brief History of Volkswagen Campervan Interiors
•    Westfalia – The Foundation of Volkswagen Camper Interiors
•    Devon – British Practicality and Family Touring
•    Dormobile – Space, Light and Long-Stay Comfort
•    Danbury – Refined Interiors for Touring
•    Canterbury Pitt – A Premium British VW Camper Conversion
•    From Classic to Modern – T25, T4, T5 and T6 Interiors
•    Summary

A Brief History of Volkswagen Campervan Interiors

Volkswagen designed the Transporter range as practical commercial vehicles. During the 1950s, third-party coachbuilders began converting these vans into leisure vehicles for camping and touring. Early interiors were simple, but demand quickly grew for layouts which could provide seating, sleeping, cooking and storage within a compact footprint. As the Transporter evolved from Splitscreen models (1950–1967) to Bay Window models (1967–1979) and beyond, interiors became more refined, better integrated and increasingly comfortable. Many of the core principles established during this early period, multi-purpose furniture, clever storage and flexible layouts, still define camper interiors today.

All SO-numbered interiors were designed for Splitscreen models. Two of the most recognised examples are the SO40 and the SO42. The SO40 is an early touring interior with removable or semi-fixed furniture, designed for flexibility and light use. The SO42 typically featured lightweight cupboards, bench seating, a fold-away table and optional Westfalia pop-top roofs. Its modular nature made it hugely popular with European travellers, and it remains highly sought after by collectors.

You’ll sometimes see SO42 interiors referenced in enthusiast photography and restorations, as they’re one of the most recognisable classic VW camper layouts.

SO stands for Sonderausführung, a German term meaning “special version” or “special order”. These codes were used by Westfalia to identify specific interior layouts and conversion specifications supplied during the Splitscreen era. They are not trim levels; they are internal designations describing how the vehicle was equipped.

Westfalia applied SO codes across a wide range of special-purpose and special-order vehicles, not only campers. Below is a commonly referenced list of SO designations seen across the era, including commercial, emergency-service and camper-related variants.

SO1 – Westfalia mobile shop. 
SO2 – Highroof mobile shop. 
SO3 – Police: Mobile office/road traffic accident emergency vehicle. 
SO4 – Police: road traffic accident emergency vehicle (from 1965). 
SO5 – Refrigerated vehicle with 140mm insulating board.
SO6 II – Refrigerated vehicle with 80mm insulating board. 
SO6 III – Refrigerated vehicle for meat products. 
SO7 – Frozen food transport with a chiller. 
SO8 – Pick-Up with hydraulic lifting bucket. 
SO9 – Pick-Up with hydraulic lifting bucket.
SO10 – Pick-Up with hydraulic lifting bucket (smaller than SO9). 
SO11 – Pick-Up with turntable ladder. 
SO12 – Pick-Up with steel shutter access to enclosed storage box on bed. 
SO13 – Pick-Up with enclosed storage box on bed. 
SO14 – Pick-Up, Kombi, or Panelvan with a carrier for long pipes or poles.
SO15 – Pick-Up with hydraulic tipper bed. 
SO16 – Double-Cab Conversion (Binz 1953-59). 
SO19 – Exhibition and display Bus. 
SO21 – Pick-Up with wide-load bed (from 1965). 
SO21 – Panelvan fitted with Wido multi-layout shelving system.
SO22 – Westfalia camper kit. 
SO23 – Westfalia camper with small roof hatch. 
SO24 – Pick-Up (Single or Double Cab) with trailer for longer pipes or poles. 
SO25 – Pick-Up low loader. 
SO29 – Ambulance trailer with emergency disaster equipment (until 1964).
SO29 – Catastrophe and disaster emergency vehicle. 
SO30 – Ambulance with rolling stretcher undercarriage assembly. 
SO31 – Pick-Up with heating oil tank and dispenser pump. 
SO32 – Pick-Up with roller blind access to enclosed storage box on bed. 
SO33 – Westfalia camper with small roof hatch.
SO34 – Westfalia camper with a small roof hatch and white laminate cabinets. 
SO35 – Westfalia camper with small roof hatch and dark wood cabinets. 
SO36 – Side elevating roof (Dormobile top). 
SO42 – Westfalia camper. 
SO44 – Westfalia camper with a small pop-top on the roof.
SO45 – Westfalia camper kit "Camping Mosaic" (similar to SO42).

When Volkswagen introduced the T2 Bay Window, the early T2 Bay Window model had an SO60 conversion available, which helped bridge the gap between the Splitscreen SO-numbered era and later Bay Window-specific Westfalia interiors.

Westfalia, after the SO60 Conversion moved away from SO numbering and introduced interior designs tailored to the wider body and updated layout. Bay Window Westfalia interiors generally featured permanently fitted cabinetry, integrated kitchens as standard, full-width rock and roll beds and larger, more refined pop-top roofs. These layouts prioritised comfort for longer journeys and family use while building on the principles established during the Splitscreen era.

Origins and Early Development

Devon conversions emerged in the late 1950s, during the same post-war leisure boom which gave rise to companies such as Westfalia and Dormobile. As British families increasingly turned to domestic touring holidays, demand grew for campervans which were affordable, reliable and suited to UK roads and weather. Unlike Westfalia, which worked closely with Volkswagen in Germany, Devon operated as an independent British coachbuilder, allowing it to tailor conversions specifically to UK camping habits.

Devon and the Splitscreen

Early Devon conversions on Volkswagen Type 2 Splitscreen models (1950–1967) focused on durability and ease of use rather than luxury. Typical features included bench seating which converted into a bed, simple wooden cupboards and breakfast units, straightforward and uncluttered layouts, and a strong emphasis on storage and everyday usability.

Typical features of Splitscreen Devon conversions included:

•    Bench seating that converted into a bed
•    Simple wooden cupboards and breakfast units
•    Straightforward, uncluttered layouts
•    A strong emphasis on storage and usability

Even at this early stage, Devon interiors reflected a philosophy that would define the brand for decades: maximum practicality for real touring, rather than novelty features.

This beautiful Devon Splitscreen conversion below is currently on sale via the Just Kampers Marketplace. Check it out! 

Devon and the Bay Window

Devon became especially well known during the T2 Bay Window era (1967–1979), when campervan ownership in the UK expanded rapidly. The wider Bay Window body allowed Devon to refine its interiors, improving comfort while retaining the same practical approach. One distinctive Devon trait was the frequent use of three-quarter-width beds rather than full-width beds. By leaving space at one end for cupboards or a kitchen unit, this layout can improve daytime living space, increase storage capacity and help the interior feel less cramped, which suits British camping conditions when owners may spend more time inside the van.

One of the most distinctive elements of Devon conversions was the frequent use of 3/4-width beds. Rather than spanning the full width of the van, these beds left space at one end for cupboards or kitchen units.

This layout:
•    Improved daytime living space
•    Increased storage capacity
•    Made the interior feel less cramped

This design proved ideally suited to British camping conditions, where owners often spent extended time inside the van due to unpredictable weather.

Many original Devon interiors remain in use today and are popular restoration projects.

Origins of Dormobile

Dormobile began life in the late 1950s, a period when leisure travel was rapidly expanding in the UK. Originally associated with conversions on various van platforms, Dormobile quickly recognised the potential of the Volkswagen Type 2 Splitscreen as an ideal base for camper conversions.

At a time when most vans had fixed roofs and limited headroom, Dormobile set out to solve one of the biggest campervan challenges: interior space.

Dormobile’s defining innovation was its elevating roof, which became its signature feature. Unlike hinged poptops that lifted at one end, the Dormobile roof raised a large central section vertically and incorporated panoramic side windows.

This design offered several key advantages:

• Dramatically increased standing height
• Significantly more natural light
• Improved ventilation
• A more “room-like” interior feel

The elevating roof transformed how the interior could be used, making cooking, dressing and socialising far more comfortable, especially during poor weather or on longer trips.

Dormobile conversions were popular on Splitscreen VW campers (1950–1967). Interiors typically focused on comfort and usability rather than minimalism. Unlike the modular SO-style Westfalia interiors, Dormobile layouts often featured more permanently installed furniture.

Common features of Splitscreen Dormobile interiors included:

• Fixed cupboards and wardrobes
• Bench seating
• Rock and roll beds or fixed sleeping platforms
• Carpeting and soft furnishings

Dormobile “Dormatic” seating was a comfort-focused seating option fitted to some VW T2 Split Screen campervans, most commonly in UK Dormobile conversions during the 1960s. At a time when standard VW seats were fairly basic and upright, Dormatic seats offered improved comfort and flexibility, making long journeys and camper life more enjoyable. They were designed to suit the needs of families and touring owners who wanted something closer to car-like seating inside their camper.

Unlike the standard fixed bench seats, Dormatic seating typically featured individual or split seats with folding or adjustable backrests. This allowed the interior to be reconfigured more easily for relaxing, dining or sleeping, without permanently sacrificing space. While designs varied between vans, Dormatic seats were generally better padded, more supportive and more versatile than factory VW seating.

It’s worth noting that “Dormatic” does not refer to a single, standardised seat design. Some installations were genuine Dormobile fittings, while others were period aftermarket or coachbuilt seats later described as Dormatic-style. Because of this, originality can vary, and condition and quality are more important than the name alone when assessing a camper.

Today, Dormatic seating is valued by enthusiasts for its comfort, practicality and period character. Well-preserved or sympathetically restored examples can add appeal to a classic Split Screen camper, especially for owners who still use their vans regularly.

Dormobile and the Bay Window

When Volkswagen introduced the T2 Bay Window in 1967, Dormobile adapted its conversions to suit the wider body and improved interior volume. Bay Window Dormobile campers retained the elevating roof concept while benefiting from better ergonomics and more space.

Bay Window Dormobile interiors often included:

• Improved kitchen units
• Increased storage capacity
• More comfortable seating arrangements
• Better insulation compared with earlier conversions

The combination of a Bay Window body and Dormobile roof created one of the most spacious-feeling classic VW camper interiors available at the time.

Dormobile’s approach to camper conversions was centred on comfort, light and liveability. Rather than prioritising compactness or removable furniture, Dormobile interiors were designed to be lived in, especially on longer holidays.

Danbury Motorcaravans was established in the UK during the 1960s, a period when campervan ownership was rapidly growing. As leisure travel became more popular, many VW owners wanted something more refined than a basic DIY conversion but less rigid than a caravan. Danbury positioned itself squarely in this middle ground.

Unlike Westfalia, which worked directly with Volkswagen, Danbury, like Devon, operated as an independent British converter, tailoring its interiors to UK touring habits, climate and road use. From the outset, Danbury focused on producing interiors that were durable, comfortable and practical for extended trips, rather than purely weekend camping.

Danbury conversions are most strongly associated with the Volkswagen Type 2 Bay Window (1967–1979). During this period, Danbury refined its interior layouts to suit the wider body and improved driving characteristics of the Bay Window platform.

Typical Danbury Bay Window conversions featured:

•    Well-built wooden cabinetry
•    Integrated kitchen units with sink and cooker
•    Sensible storage throughout the interior
•    Either 3/4-width beds or fixed sleeping arrangements

The use of 3/4-width beds became a hallmark of Danbury interiors. This layout allowed additional cupboard or kitchen space at one end of the van, making the interior more usable during the day while still offering comfortable sleeping at night. This approach reflected Danbury’s emphasis on touring practicality over maximum sleeping width.

Danbury Campervans are still very much part of the UK campervan scene. While the original company, Danbury VW Conversions Ltd, was officially dissolved in 2021, the well-known Danbury name didn’t disappear. The brand was acquired by the Vanworx Group in 2020, allowing production to continue under new ownership.

Today, Danbury campervans are built in Bridgwater, Somerset, where the company focuses on modern Volkswagen conversions, particularly the VW T6.1. Current Danbury models include popular layouts such as the Surf, Heritage and Final Edition, combining contemporary design with the practicality the brand has always been known for.

In keeping with changing campervan trends, the Danbury range has also expanded beyond Volkswagen. The line-up now includes Ford Transit–based conversions, such as the Danbury Active, as well as larger Fiat Ducato campervans, including the Royale. This broader offering reflects the brand’s evolution while maintaining its reputation for quality and usability.

First established in 1964, Danbury has nearly six decades of campervan history behind it. Although the business has moved locations over the years, from its original Essex base to Bristol, and now Somerset, the Danbury name remains firmly established in the UK campervan market, continuing a long legacy under its new owners.

Peter Pitt began converting Volkswagen microbuses in the late 1950s, initially operating independently before forming a partnership with Canterbury Motorcycles around 1961. This collaboration led to the official Canterbury Pitt brand, under which the company gained a strong reputation among UK VW enthusiasts.

Beyond vehicle design, Peter Pitt played an important role in UK campervan legislation. He actively campaigned for campervans to be reclassified as private cars rather than commercial vehicles, a move that successfully removed the restrictive 30mph speed limit previously imposed on campers. This change had a lasting impact on campervan ownership and usability across the UK.

Canterbury Pitt conversions focused primarily on:

•    Splitscreen models (1950–1967)
•    Early T2 Bay Window models (1967–1969)

Production of VW conversions ended in February 1969, following Peter Pitt’s death. The rights to the designs were not transferred, and as a result, Canterbury Pitt VW conversions ceased entirely, contributing to their rarity today.

Canterbury Pitt interiors were known for being thoughtfully designed, well-finished and highly practical. The company favoured high-quality wooden storage units and layouts that maximised flexibility without overcrowding the interior.

A defining feature of Canterbury Pitt conversions was their distinctive swing-out cooker unit, which was mounted on the inside of the cargo doors. This allowed cooking to be done either inside or partially outside the van, improving ventilation and freeing up valuable interior space, an innovative solution that set Canterbury Pitt apart from other converters of the era.

Typical Canterbury Pitt camper interiors included:

•    A rear bench seat that folded into a bed, providing a flexible day-to-night layout
•    Carefully crafted wooden furniture with a warm, homely feel
•    The unique cargo-door-mounted cooker cabinet
•    A practical and cosy interior layout designed for touring comfort

Canterbury Pitt also designed and fitted their own pop-up roofs, increasing headroom and, in some cases, providing additional sleeping space. These roofs enhanced interior usability while retaining the classic lines of the Type 2.

Today, genuine Canterbury Pitt VW conversions are considered rare and highly desirable. Because production ended abruptly in 1969, surviving examples represent a very small chapter of UK campervan history. Well-preserved Canterbury Pitt campers are often seen at concours events, shows and specialist VW gatherings, where they are valued for both their historical significance and distinctive design.

For restorers and enthusiasts, understanding Canterbury Pitt conversions adds important context to the broader story of Volkswagen campervan interior history. Their work represents an early, influential moment in British camper culture, where craftsmanship, innovation and touring practicality came together in a truly distinctive way.

The principles behind classic camper interiors continued into later models. The T25 (T3) bridged classic and modern design, often offering improved ergonomics, better insulation and more refined kitchens. T4 interiors benefited from a flatter load floor, which enabled more permanent furniture and motorhome-style layouts. T5 and T6 Transporters support fully modern camper interiors with bespoke cabinetry, advanced electrics and pop-top roofs, with many conversions consciously echoing Westfalia or Devon ideas while incorporating contemporary materials and technology.

In Summary

Classic campervan interior styles tell the fascinating story of how people have lived, travelled and explored from behind the wheel of a Volkswagen van over the decades. From the modular practicality of SO-coded Westfalia layouts to the distinctly British character of Devon and the space-maximising elevating roofs of Dormobile, each conversion style reflects a different approach to making life on the road comfortable and functional.

British converters like Devon and Danbury tailored their interiors for everyday touring and family travel, focusing on smart storage, sensible layouts and usability, while Canterbury Pitt stood out with innovative touches like its swing-out cooker, a rare and collectable piece of campervan history.

As Volkswagen Transporter models progressed from split-screen, through to Bay Windows, and into later T25's, T4's, T5's and T6 generations, the core design principles of multi-purpose furniture, flexible layouts and efficient use of space continued to influence interior design, even as modern materials, technology and comfort features evolved.

Whether you’re starting a restoration project or choosing a camper that suits your travel style, understanding the history and characteristics of these classic conversions can help you make informed decisions about layouts, parts and finishes that best fit your next campervan purchase or self-build. From window conversion glass to gas, electrical and plumbing components, major appliances, storage solutions, and more. With trusted quality and expert support, Just Kampers is here to help you create the campervan you’ve always wanted. Shop online today, with next working day delivery available.