A brand new build for returning NWCC customer…

Previously commissioning a Kombi van to Caravelle for his first New Wave vehicle, Mr K returned to us this year for a brand new Business Class Caravelle. During our build consultation with Mr K, it was clear that this vehicle needed to be versatile; a comfortable luxury family vehicle for long trips across the country, whilst also able to sustain short overnight trips.

One of our first tasks was giving the exterior of the vehicle as ‘stealth’ facelift, replacing the factory chrome trims for their gloss black counter parts. This comprised of retrofitting gloss black lower grill plastics, a full ‘Black pack’ badge set and de-chroming all other areas in gloss Black.

Adding versatility to overnight trips, a Thule Omnistor 2.6M awning was fitted, along with tinted rear glass for increased privacy within the vehicle. Sitting atop Mr K’s Transporter is the crème de la crème of poptops: a Reimo VTEC Climatic roof. This roof was a ‘special order’ product, specifically designed for Mr K’s Transporter. Within the roof sits a Reimo roof bed, refinished to give an OEM+ feel with a New Wave touch. In order to create the illusion of a fixed headliner, a machined 9mm lightweight ply board was installed, covered in Alcatara with flush fitted LED spotlight machined within.

Behind the power sliding doors sits an interior brimming with hidden extras and subtle NWCC modifications. One of our first tasks was retrofitting swivel plates to both front seats, allowing full rotation to give complete flexibility. Taking inspiration from Volkswagen’s motorsport heritage, Alacantra was fitted throughout the vehicle; within front cab headliner, rear headliner, and A,B,C,D pillars. Next, the front sun visors were removed and also refinished in Alcantara to match the surrounding interior.

A small but powerful alteration was our interior plastics ‘blackout’… All grey plastics (including handles, dash parts and window surrounds) were refinished in black by our trusted specialists; Motion Factory. Finally, a bespoke Alcantara cover was created to hide the elevating roof hatch and create a visually pleasing transition from cabin to rear seating area.

An element of the build that we are particularly proud of is the rear passenger heater pod. A 1-of-1 bespoke addition for this build, in a normal Caravelle the ducting is designed into the back of the headliner. In order to incorporate the factory rear heating with the elevating roof, the internals of heater matrix have been re-routed into a bespoke built, Alcantara lined unit. Furthering the ‘stealth’ design cues throughout the rest of the vehicle, all grey plastics have also been refinished in satin black.

You wouldn’t be mistaken for thinking this Caravelle is a Verso in disguise! Behind the scenes, a full Votronic management system controls the technology within this gorgeous Transporter. This includes our standard array of comfort technology; a Webasto diesel heater, a 100aph leisure battery powering the USB,  USC and 3 pin sockets, and of course a 230V hook-up. The eagle eyed amongst you will also notice a 69L fresh water tank with our bespoke fill and shower point.

With thanks to our years of industry connections, we were able to source genuine ‘sleep pack’ rear under-seating storage draws, keeping the vehicle clear from clutter. All internal seats are fitted onto a sliding rail system, with the front passenger seats also fitted with swivel plates.

“This is the last one that I’m going to build” says Mr K, although we’re sure that as a man with excellent taste and fantastic build ideas… he may be back to visit us with more exciting ideas in future years. We can’t wait to see the adventures Mr K has planned for his new business class Caravelle, and wish him many happy miles of adventures!