Motors & Me: Adrian Cullinane with his 1957 VW Camper Splitscreen
A 1957 VW Camper Splitscreen.
I’ve always had a soft spot for the VW Type 2 (Kombie) so I suppose you could say it was love at first sight to a certain extent.
I can remember when I saw one for the first time and deciding to myself that one day I was going to get myself one. It only took me eight years to achieve that dream.
There is a 1600cc twin port engine with that distinctive Volkswagen sound powering the bus along the road. Originally they came with a stock 1200cc engine with a 6-volt electrical system which suited the roads fine back in the day but I felt it was best to upgrade it to fit it in with today’s roads.
I wouldn’t consider myself a major petrol head, but I do have a high regard for classic cars.
They seem to be more stylish, more solid. It’s amazing the effect some cars can have on people and the lengths they go to to maintain their vehicles.
My first car was a 1990 Fiat Uno. It wasn’t exactly a babe magnet but it did get me from A to B without too much fuss. Unfortunately, for the Uno it picked a fight with a group of rowdy heifers (cattle) one night and came off second best.
I have had a couple of VW Beetles and a couple of VW Bay Window Type 2s (the Bay Window is the successor to the Splitscreen).
The first one I owned was spray-painted in parish colours and became our home for three months as we travelled around Australia. It was a thoroughly enjoyable experience as we battled to avoid hitting kangaroos while crossing the Nullarbor Plain, although I don’t miss waking up in a bucket of sweat in 35C heat.
I have been lucky enough to drive the Great Ocean Road in Australia which was a stunning drive but it still doesn’t compare to the Ring of Kerry on a sunny day.
Being a mini bus, I’d have to bring a few passengers. First passenger would be George Best, he’d bring the party atmosphere. We’d also be able to have a kickabout when we stopped to stretch our legs. John Lennon and Paul McCartney would have to come as we would need someone to play a few tunes.
President Michael D Higgins would be on board as he seems like he would be great craic and could be well able to tell a few stories.
Fr Jack Hackett would be a good man to source where we could get a drink or two. He’s be a hard man to keep under control, but you would have to bring him anyway.
Would have to be Donald Trump as he is truly just an awful human being. I can’t see myself going on a road trip with Kanye West and Kim Kardashian either.
My playlist is a very mixed, everything from U2, the Dubliners, and Liam Clancy to the Foo Fighters, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Bob Dylan, the Beatles, Oasis, and Blur.
