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EDITOR’SDESKRod BruemDo you remember your first trip in a Kombi? Forme the memory goes back to the early 1970s anda journey to the markets in Sydney, stocking upgroceries for my Aunt’s corner store in Lithgow.As we headed off over the Blue Mountains, I was intrigued by themechanics and the heat of the engine under the floor, while at thesame time focussed on summoning the strength to pull shut theheavy sliding door on the side in just one go.My interest in Volkswagens had already been sparked years beforeby my Uncle John. He took great pleasure studying the gobsmackedlooks on the faces of me and my brothers as he lifted the bonnet onhis shiny new car and started loading luggage inside.This year marks the closing of a chapter in engineering historywe’d probably be celebrating if it wasn’t for the unfortunate fact that itbegan with Adolf Hitler asking Ferdinand Porsche to design a car forthe people back in 1938.In December, the final descendants of this remarkable rear-engine,air-cooled car will roll off the assembly line in South America. It is aKombi, but not quite as we knew it. Water-cooled radiators and otherbits were added over the years to meet modern regulations. Evenstricter pollution and safety rules have been cited as the reason forVW finally pulling the plug.In Australia the Kombi had a terrible reputation for chugging uphills, overheating and dying. No former frustrated Aussie ownerfrom the 1970s could have imagined the near six-figure pricesthey’re fetching at auctions these days.As we began researching for our special Kombi feature andmeeting avid collectors, we learned there’s a global trade in these‘used vehicles’, unlike any other, with Australia both an importerand exporter. Even the most rusted and dilapidated ones aresought after by collectors.We hope you enjoy our special Kombi issue – a tribute to theworld’s first truly global ‘RV’.Rod Bruemeditor@timetoroam.com.au<strong>Time</strong> to <strong>Roam</strong>AustraliaWeb: www.timetoroam.com.auFollow us on Facebook:www.facebook.com/timetoroamaustraliaSubscribe: You can subscribe via our websiteor by using the form on page 57 of this issue.<strong>Time</strong> to <strong>Roam</strong> is published bi-monthly anddistributed by <strong>Time</strong> to <strong>Roam</strong> Australia Pty Ltd10 Dover Rd Botany NSW 2010.Phone: +612 9695 7749We welcome letters and contributions fromour readers.Enquiries: editor@timetoroam.com.auSales DirectorPhillip Terrym 0425 255 495e phill@timetoroam.com.auEditor: Rod BruemAssociate Editor: Renate LincolnContributing Editor: Seb StephensContributors: Michael Grealy, RichardRobertson, Jane Flood, June Le Pla, DanielLinnet, Ruth Morris, Kellly Zammit, , StevePotter, David Cook, Susan and Heith Hall.Design and artwork: KYSO Design. kyso.com.auPrinted by: Spot Press Pty LtdLegal: <strong>Time</strong> to <strong>Roam</strong> is copyright, with editorial and advertisementsthe exclusive property of <strong>Time</strong> to <strong>Roam</strong> Australia Pty Ltd. No partof this magazine may be reproduced in any form without the writtenpermission of the publisher.Australia Post Registered Print publication:100009867ABN: 241601445256 www.timetoroam.com.au
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