This 1963 VW Panel Van Sundial Camper Conversion began its life at a Volkswagen dealer in Southern California. In 2006, it was carefully restored by Tony Kadous and his sons in their Tucson, Arizona shop. Every effort was made to preserve the original look and feel of the camper, which features maple paneling and bamboo trim.
One of the most distinctive elements of this setup is the German-made Touri Camp by Eckel pop-up tent, produced in Munich. To Tony’s knowledge, his is the only one in existence in such outstanding original condition. Extensive research was dedicated to documenting and preserving this rare piece. Another standout feature is the round red camping table, a VW spare tire table designed to store neatly in the spare tire well. This piece was sourced directly from the VW museum in Stuttgart, Germany.
Since 2007, Tony and his sons have made countless memories traveling in the van. Their first journey took them from Tucson all the way to Alaska. Over the years, they have camped across 18 states, including trips to the Florida Keys, as well as into Canada, visiting British Columbia and Alberta Provincial Parks. Original vintage water travel stickers, displayed proudly on the camper’s windows, serve as a visual record of their many adventures.
This VW Panel Van Sundial Camper Conversion stands out as a truly unique and one-of-a-kind example, combining rare features with a rich history of family travels.
Alongside the van, Tony also owns a 1949 one-wheel trailer manufactured by the Harris Manufacturing Company of Stockton, California. Weighing just 185 pounds empty, the trailer is capable of carrying up to 500 pounds of cargo. Its compact tub measures 49 inches long, 43 ½ inches wide, and 9 ½ inches tall, with an overall level height of about 28 inches. The trailer rides on a 4.80-8 size tire and retained its original California trailer plate and registration when Tony acquired it.
To complete the setup, Tony fabricated custom hoops, bows, and canvas to protect cargo carried in the little trailer. Together with the VW camper, it makes for a distinctive and historically significant travel rig.
