Robin Nyman’s Volkswagen T2 build is a testament to the extraordinary results that can be achieved when engineering meets ambition.
From the small town of Purmo, Finland, Robin, at just 27 years old, left a big impression on the local scene at Fitted Fest 2024. After attending Fitted Fest last year with his stanced E36 and seeing the caliber of vehicles on display, Robin knew he could do better than a low BMW with a body kit. The search for the next project led him to a rusted-out 1975 Volkswagen T2 Bus.
Robin’s vision was to transform this vintage transporter into a wide-body beast with a V12 engine. He envisaged a ‘Kleinbus’ that was low and featured flush fitment with massive 3-piece wheels.
The project quickly tested Robin’s engineering skills. He stripped the Bus down to its bare body and built, from scratch, a custom chassis capable of housing a BMW V12 engine, HP24 transmission, and BMW E39 front and rear subframes.
To fit the 19-inch Work Emitz wheels, Robin had to make the Bus a single-seater; the original seating arrangement was incompatible with the new wheels and their 295/35R19 tires. It has added another unique twist to the project, though.
Robin encountered numerous challenges along the way. Time constraints leading up to March/April’s 2024 Custom Motor Show in Elmia, Sweden where he planned to debut the T2, forced Robin to replace the BMW M73B54 V12 he had lined up for it from a drift car project, with a running M70B50 V12 from his BMW E32 750. While this saved time, despite his best efforts, Robin missed the deadline, a setback that momentarily discouraged him.
Bouncing back in the weeks afterwards, Robin debuted his Volkswagen T2 in an unfinished state at Fitted Fest 2024 in Lahti, Finland earlier this month. As you’d imagine, it left a strong impression on everyone who encountered it.
The Bus, currently coated in epoxy primer, serves as a proof of concept, showcasing Robin’s bold vision. The fiberglass kit has expanded its width from 1,600mm to an ultra-wide 2,000mm. The interior will largely remain as it is, with plans to keep it simple and functional.
A Nardi steering wheel and gear knob add a touch of class, while the Air Lift Performance 3P suspension ensures the bus sits perfectly on its massive wheels.
The engine and transmission will be managed by a standalone ECU (brand still to be decided on), to make the Bus operational and complete the project in the coming months. The final version will feature a new exterior paint job and every mechanical aspect tuned to perfection.
In many ways, Robin’s Bus is more than just a vehicle; it’s a statement of what can be achieved with vision and hard work. As Robin continues to refine this incredible T2 build, everyone who has seen it is anticipating the final product. If the current iteration is any indication, the finished project will be nothing short of spectacular.
Vladimir Ljadov
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