Robin NymanThe Volkswagen T2 build is proof of the extraordinary results that can be achieved when technology and ambition come together.
Robin, who hails from the small town of Purmo in Finland, made a big impression on the local scene at the age of 27 Adjusted party 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-slung BMW with a body kit. The search for his next project led him to a rusted-out 1975 Volkswagen T2 Bus.
Robin’s vision was to convert this vintage transporter into a wide-body beast with a V12 engine. He envisioned a ‘Minibus’ which was low and had a tight fit with massive three-piece wheels.
The project quickly tested Robin’s engineering skills. He stripped the bus down to its bare shell 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 convert the bus to a single-seater; the original seating arrangement wasn’t compatible with the new wheels and their 295/35R19 tires. It did, however, add a unique twist to the project.
Robin encountered numerous challenges along the way. Time constraints leading up to the March/April 2024 Custom Motor Show in Elmia, Sweden, where he planned to debut the T2, forced Robin to replace the BMW M73B54 V12 he had been preparing for a drift car project with a working M70B50 V12 from his BMW E32 750. While this saved time, despite his best efforts Robin missed the deadline, a setback that left him momentarily disheartened.
Robin bounced back in the weeks that followed, debuting his unfinished Volkswagen T2 at Fitted Fest 2024 in Lahti, Finland earlier this month. As you can imagine, he made quite an impression on everyone who encountered him.
The bus, currently coated in epoxy primer, serves as a proof of concept, showcasing Robin’s bold vision. The fibreglass kit has been widened from 1,600mm to an ultra-wide 2,000mm. The interior remains largely as is, with plans to keep it simple and functional.
A Nardi steering wheel and gear knob add a touch of class, while the Airlift performance 3P suspension ensures that the bus stands perfectly on the solid wheels.
The engine and transmission are controlled by a stand-alone ECU (brand yet to be determined), to make the bus operational and to finish the project in the coming months. The final version will get a new exterior paint and every mechanical aspect will be fine-tuned.
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’s seen it is eagerly awaiting the final product. If the current iteration is any indication, the finished project will be nothing short of spectacular.
Vladimir Lyadov
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