BERLIN: Today's toddlers will hardly remember the original and neither will their parents, but that hasn't stopped toy manufacturer Playmobil building a model of the world's most iconic hippie van.
The plastic miniature of Volkswagen's famous 1960s camper van - which is about 18 times smaller than the real thing - opens up to reveal an intricate interior.
A bench seat tips up and cupboards actually open, while the red and white model also has a roof rack and bespoke wheels. Far out!
The German toymaker has even included a set of scaled-down food and camping utensils, as well as a map and camera, and two figures. The toy measures 25 cm long, 11 cm wide and stands 13 cm. It is expected to sell for around US$60 (RM245). According to the blurb on the box, the shrunken camper is suitable for all aged from 5 to 99 years.
Template for the model was "Henrik the Red", a restored 1962 T1 model of the camper known as the "Bulli" in the German-speaking world. The original is part of Volkswagen's Commercial Vehicles collection.
The enduring VW camper went down well with hippies, surfers and those seeking an alternative lifestyle.
Full-sized examples of the Bulli are now revered and cost upwards of around €40,000 (RM195,000).
