1973 Volkswagen Kombi – Retro RV – “Annie”
 
There are few vehicles on earth that turn heads the way this Kombi does — and this one backs up its classic looks with the reliability and character of a fully engineered Retro RV build!
 
Named “Annie” – this Australian delivered Kombi was converted and complied by Retro RV Australia, completed in 2021. Combining unmistakable style of the iconic VW Kombi with a fuel-injected 2.5 litre EJ253 Subaru engine swap and a thoughtfully appointed camper fit-out – Annie is just as capable on a long weekend road trip as she is parked up at a coastal campsite.
 
Step inside the rear and you are greeted to a light and breezy, sizable interior with wooden kitchen benches, wood effect floor, high ceilings, a sizable bed in the rear and large opening windows flooding the space with light - ideal for a 2 person getaway.
 
Behind the wheel feels very much like a standard kombi until you put your foot down – the nose lifts up and the Subaru flat 4 propels you forward with a much faster pace than you’d expect - capable of easily sitting at 110km/h. Standard kombis can’t keep up! Despite the camper body on the back, the Retro RV conversion is surprisingly lightweight at just 1.78 tonne (tare) with good road manners and no swaying as you’d expect from a vehicle this size. You’d easily forget there is a camper bolted to the back!
 
List of Retro RV modifications:
 
Exterior:
Original rear Kombi body cut off and replaced with fully custom RV shell with timeless, classic looking proportions
ADRapproved personal entry door on passenger side
Aluminium wind out awning including tent poles with exterior LED light
Rear pullout storage compartments next to engine bay
Chrome extendable mirrors
Extendable step for entry via side door
Fully opening side and rear windows
 
Interior:
Full camper fitout including:
Deep cycle battery with optional solar power
Full kitchen unit with opening doors for storage beneath wooden benchtop and overhead storage + pantry
12/240V upright fridge
Kitchen sink and tap with 12V water pump
43L freshwater storage and 43 water grey water capacity
Colour coded (light blue) SMEG appliances
Folddown dining table that hinges upright onto wall when not in use
Wood effect vinyl flooring
Double bed with all linen included in the rear
Full 12v LED lighting throughout
Airconditioning 
Opening windows including pull up fly mesh or privacy screens
Brown vinyl seats with full adjustability for those long road trips
Rear view camera with 5 inch display
Bluetooth head unit
 
Engine/drivetrain:
Original Kombi engine has been replaced with a refreshed fuelinjected, 2.5 litre overhead cam EJ253 Subaru engine that included new radiator, coolant hoses, expansion tank, water pump, timing belt, idler pullies, spark plugs etc etc
Rebuilt Subaru 5 speed gearbox with new clutch and pressure plate (much nicer to drive than the automatics)
Custom made exhaust system to suit camper conversion
 
Chassis:
Extended chassis section at rear to accommodate rear of the RV camper
Reinforced where necessary
 
Suspension, Steering & Brakes:
Light truck tires on white painted Kombi rims
Completely refreshed suspension with upgraded shocks
Refreshed brakes with new brake booster
 
Whether you're chasing sunsets or simply want a van that's as usable as it is beautiful, this is a rare opportunity to own a piece of rolling Australian history and quite possibly a great business opportunity as well.
 
Sold with RWC (if sold in QLD)
 
Walk Around Video (coming soon)