40 2006 T5 SWwww.volkswagencamper.co.ukAMPER
2006 T5 SWAMPEReaders of this magazine
may not be overly
familiar with the term
Swamper, a growing
trend amongst T3, 4, 5 and 6 owners
for a rugged off-road look, inspired
by the original T3 syncro and its
legendary all terrain ability. Whilst
this T5 may not have the commonly
found raised suspension favoured
by Swamper bus owners, it certainly
has that tough terrain styling,
coupled with colour matched
interior.
Michael and Deb Page had
previously owned a T4 that they
had converted themselves including
the fitting of a Golf ABL engine.
Deciding they wanted something
newer, they set about looking fora T5 to convert, resulting in an
eBay purchase of this former AA
breakdown van, a T30 SWB 105bhp
model. The AA had used it as a
roadside assistance van from 2006 –
9 and it came with air con, uprated
rear suspension, engine run lock and
front and rear jump start points. It
had then been used by a motorway
maintenance company and as a
result had a hard life working
most of her life on the side of the
motorway, so was a little “roughR
With its Raptor Bed Liner painted bumpers,
roof, grille and wing mirrors, and Tuff
Torque wheels, this former AA van looks
ready to tackle any terrain
WORDS: DAVID ECCLES PHOTOGRAPHY: SIMON COOKEThe dash was
waxed with Cherry
Blossom Black
polish before
yellow detailing to
match the exterior
paint was applied
The tough off
road look is what
Swampers are all
aboutSwamper
Styling
“We were really excited to
be owning a T5 and looking
forward to doing as much
work ourselves as possible.”