Electrifying An Automotive Icon: The Kindred Motorworks VW Bus

Vintage vehicle ownership is often romanticised, but the reality can quickly turn a nostalgic dream into a logistical nightmare. While classic cars possess an undeniable charm and character that modern automobiles simply cannot replicate, they also come with a whole host of terrifying caveats.

Relying on ancient drum brakes, wrestling with quirky steering, and attempting to merge onto a modern highway with a laughably sluggish powertrain often mean these beautiful machines spend their lives collecting dust in a garage.

Fortunately, the visionary team at Kindred Motorworks has delivered the ultimate solution. By completely overhauling one of the most beloved silhouettes in automotive history, they have created the breathtaking Kindred Motorworks VW Bus, a fully electrified restomod that flawlessly blends mid-century design with cutting-edge performance.

A Masterpiece Reborn From The Ground Up

The foundation for this incredible build is rooted in genuine automotive history. Kindred utilizes original 1950 to 1963 Volkswagen Type 2 T1 Split Window donor vehicles, painstakingly converting them into the highly coveted Deluxe 23-window configuration.

Rather than simply dropping a new motor into an old chassis, the entire structure undergoes a comprehensive transformation. The frame is entirely reinforced and treated with a full undercoating to ensure it can easily handle the heavier demands and increased speeds of modern driving.

Visually, the exterior retains all the magic of the original camper. From the iconic safari-style split windshield and classic Euro bumpers to the expansive sliding ragtop that invites the sunshine in, the aesthetic is pure, unadulterated nostalgia.

However, subtle modern upgrades like incredibly bright LED lighting and intermittent wipers seamlessly bring the vehicle’s safety and usability into the twenty-first century without ruining its vintage soul.

Effortless Electric Performance

The most profound change to this classic icon lies beneath the sheet metal. Gone is the notoriously underpowered, 46-horsepower air-cooled engine of yesteryear.

In its place sits a state-of-the-art 294-horsepower direct-drive electric AC motor, providing the kind of instant torque, smooth acceleration, and highway-ready speed that original VW owners could only ever dream of.

Paired with a substantial 74 kWh battery, the bus delivers a highly practical 200-mile driving range, ensuring it is more than capable of handling weekend beach trips, tailgating events, or even daily grocery runs.

Charging is equally effortless, supported by a 6.6 kW on-board charger compatible with both 120v and 240v outlets, alongside fully integrated DC fast charging capabilities.

To keep all this newfound power firmly under control, Kindred has equipped the vehicle with modern four-wheel power disc brakes, finally allowing the driver to stop a classic bus with total confidence.

The Ultimate Roving Lounge

Stepping inside the cabin reveals a space that has been thoughtfully engineered for pure enjoyment and socializing. The interior serves as a luxurious mobile living room, highlighted by custom leather upholstery and expansive wrap-around lounge seating.

A brilliant rotating passenger swivel chair completely opens up the floor plan, allowing occupants to gather comfortably around an adjustable and removable cocktail table.

Every single detail has been carefully considered to elevate your next road trip. A beautifully crafted wood cabinet with a glass door and a custom wood rear deck offer sophisticated storage solutions, while comprehensive sound deadening throughout the cabin ensures a whisper-quiet, refined ride.

Modern amenities are cleverly hidden in plain sight, including a touchscreen multimedia center equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an upgraded HVAC system for powerful heating and cooling, retractable three-point seat belts, and a crystal-clear backup camera.

Starting at an uncompromising $249,000, the Kindred Motorworks VW Bus is an undeniably premium investment.

However, for those who want to experience the absolute pinnacle of retro motoring without sacrificing a single ounce of modern safety or convenience, it is a bespoke masterpiece that justifies every penny.

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