It has been over a decade since ex-Radio 1 DJ Tim Westwood
left our screens, as Pimp My Ride
ceased production. Responsible for some of the most daring decorative and
mechanical designs the world has ever laid eyes on, the show, which came to
life in America in 2004, took old rust buckets and turned them into
intergalactic wagons.
Car fans tuned in to watch drastic transformations that
method actors such as Christian Bale could only be proud of. 24-inch spinners,
a champagne cooler, and flip-up mini-televisions in the back were a staple
addition to each and every car which rolled out the doors of West Coast
Customs.
The show may no longer be on the airwaves, but we can assure
you the world is still littered with body shops willing to spray any possible
colour and mechanics ready to fit massively oversized Eibach springs.
Unfortunately, and
this isn’t to destroy numerous childhood memories, many of the cars that
featured on the show, weren’t actually deemed roadworthy. That said, with the
aptly named ‘staycation’ on the rise throughout the UK, we thought we’d take a
look at some of the slightly more adventurous campers, who’ve gone above and
beyond, ‘pimping’ their rides and creating a travelling home that stays within
the legal boundaries.
Road Racing
Having spent years on the road, committing to his passion of
road racing, Northern Irishman Darren Gilpin, got to the stage where he had
enough of sleeping in the back of his van. Unlike other motorbike riders who
were supported by major sponsors and teams, Darren was self-funded, which meant
he didn’t get a race truck, or a double bed. With a few thousand pounds in the
bank going into the 2013 season, he bought a dilapidated MAN horse box.
Transporting the bikes to and from the race track was the priority, so he built
a partition wall in the rear of the truck. In the back he built a full work
shop with a tail-lift and ramp that could negotiate four full-size bikes. In
the front half, he built one double bed on the ground, two-fold singles which
fell from the ceiling, a full kitchen, and the piece de resistance — a fully
stocked bar, complete with various optics. Remembering a BBQ gas bottle for the
stove was an essential however, if the baked beans were going to be consumed
warm.
Rustic
. Often, many of us living in the hustle and bustle of city
life never take the time to sit back and indulge in everything the world offers
us — particularly the night sky. In most instances, due to light pollution, we
simply cannot do this. Bill and Beck Goddard are here to provide you with that
opportunity. The couple, who reside in Herefordshire, 
have combined their
love for textiles and woodwork, developing numerous campers, and they will do
the same for you, if you want to get away from it all and travel the country.
One of their stand-out projects of late is a Mercedes Sprinter which has been
completely renovated. Taking a shell, they have fitted a various storage
spaces, a full-oven, space for four sleepers, and an awning. And the awning, or
even the back doors is what allows you to pick your spot in the country, kick
back, and simply enjoy your surroundings — star gazing the night away.
Vera
Unlike anything else
you will ever see, the Peugeot Boxer promoted is just one van by Quirky Campers
that exist as a simply breathtaking piece of art. The designers have described
the 2013 van as ‘having just stepped out of a fairytale’. Complete with a
full-sized wood burner, you do not have to be concerned of a chilly night.
Originally renting out their van Bella, when they volunteered in Africa, husband
and wife team of David and Lindsay have managed to create a collective of
‘staycation’ delights right through the UK, including options available for
Glastonbury festival.
Going it alone
The few examples we have looked at above are just a pick of
some of the ideas which have been created throughout the UK, some of which will
assist in your journey, whether it be designing it for you, or simply renting
you one. However, the journey can start with you. Take inspiration from the
travel enthusiasts Katie
and Ben who built their dream camper in a week. The couple, despite being
on a budget, still managed to add all the necessities required. Katie notes how
‘luxury wasn’t present, but we had everything we needed — it was cute,
functional and comfortable’.
The stay-cay can be done today, you just need to decide on
which way you are going to sway.
Sources
https://www.quirkycampers.co.uk/about-quirky-campers/
https://rusticampers.wixsite.com/rustic-campers/gallery-caf9