Richard Copping – författare

Few cars have achieved the iconic status of Volkswagen’s classic and much-loved Beetle – yet its origins are intertwined with the dark days of Nazism. This book looks at those origins, at the marque’s initial post-war rescue by the British and the effect of early VW Director General Heinz Nordhoff’s forward-looking desire to perfect one model rather than spread the company’s talent over a range of designs, at the impact of radical-minded advertising campaigns and at the Beetle’s never-to-be-beaten production record for a single model of nearly 22 million cars. Bringing the reader right up to the present day, marque expert Richard A. Copping recounts the Beetle’s story in a lively and authoritative manner guaranteed to delight devotee and casual browser alike.

The Volkswagen Transporter is one of the best-loved and most recognisable motor vehicles of all time. The preferred transport for surfers and hippies everywhere, the Volkswagen Type 2 'bus' was born in 1950, the first of a new breed of vehicle, the ancestor of today's people carrier. Available in various versions, including panel van, pick up and minibus, the Transporter was often converted into campervans for a newly motorised class of holidaymaker. This book looks at the development, production and use of the class first, and second, generation Transporter. With archive illustrations including many colour photographs from old brochures this book is also a great evocation of the 1950s and 60s.

When it was launched in 1974, the Volkswagen Golf succeeded in replacing the legendary Beetle and setting new standards for the family hatchback for years to come. It would become one of the top three bestselling cars in the world. With its stunning design by Giorgetto Giugiaro, founder of Ital design, the new car also incorporated significant engineering features such as a transverse engine that allowed for more internal space.In this revealing book, VW expert Richard Copping follows the story of the development of the Golf and the critical management and design decisions that would make the car such a worldwide success. The author shows how the concept of continuous development at Volkswagen led to the appearance of the versions of the Golf that are covered in this book — the Mk 2 in 1983, the Mk 3 in 1991, and the Mk IV in 1997. He explores the various design and engineering changes that took place as the Golf evolved, including increased dimensions, new engines and of course the stunningly successful GTi. The fourth generation Golf also introduced powerful but economical diesel engines. The book also covers variants such as the Jetta, Vento and Bora, which accounted for most sales in the United States.Full of fascinating information, this book is a revealing analysis of the first four versions of the Volkswagen Golf.

In this highly readable and informative book, VW expert Richard Copping tells the inside story of one of the world’s most popular cars.Drawing on his unique experience as an author of many VW books, the writer reveals the secrets of the VW Beetle’s success. Not only was the concept of a cheap but reliable mass-produced car a sound one, but the fact that the car was subjected to continuous improvement rather than radical change meant the Beetle soon became an icon.Richard Copping also analyses the successful marketing techniques that spread Beetle manufacture and popularity around the world, including countries as far afield as Brazil, South Africa and Australia. Under the leadership of the ingenious Heinz Nordhoff, Volkswagen also ensured that manufacture of the Beetle was fast, efficient and profitable. In the United States in particular, the Beetle was the beneficiary of highly successful advertising campaigns that sealed its reputation as a must-have cult icon, alongside the popular VW Transporter.Accompanied by contemporary colour illustrations, this book is a fascinating journey through the development of an automotive phenomenon.

In this fascinating and engrossing book, VW expert Richard Copping covers the complete history of the first generation VW Transporter or ‘Camper’, probably the most famous commercial and leisure van of all time.Beginning with the prototype vehicles produced in 1949, the author covers the development of the innovative but utilitarian Kombi and the more upmarket Micro Bus, followed by the De Luxe Micro Bus, the Ambulance and the Pick-up. He covers the highlights of each vehicle and analyses the success of the range as a whole.The book covers the revamped model line from 1955, when the success of the VW Transporter called for the building of a whole new factory in Hanover. At this time, due to popular demand, Volkswagen authorised a whole series of coach built variations on the Transporter theme with vehicles as diverse as mobile shops, refrigerated vans and police mobile offices.The author also covers the revised model introduced in 1963 with its more powerful engine and revised tailgate and rear window as well as the ongoing success of the model in the United States. By the time German production ended in July 1967, over 1.8 million split-screen, first generation Transporters had been built.

_x000B_Back in print after a long absence!Visit any VW show and what do you find? Correct - wall-to-wall Campers. Interest in the numerous conversions offered over the years spirals ever-upwards as do asking prices for even the most dilapidated examples of the first three generations and 40-years of VW Bus conversions. But are there books to match? No – not, that is, until this encyclopaedic volume was conceived._x000B_ _x000B_As a direct consequence of the lack of print available, author Richard Copping has collected a wealth of contemporary brochures from all the leading converters, knitted them together and produced a unique and vibrant story of the VW Camper from the first and often rustic conversions of the 1950s to the sophisticated homes on wheels of the late 1980s._x000B__x000B_Stripping out the original text, Richard has carefully replaced it with his own lively yet informative story – while carefully retaining both the popular look and nostalgic feel of the age. From the untangling of the many stories that contributed to VW Camper history to a restorer‘s dream of detailed specifications and from the quirkiest of marketing strategies amazingly and endearingly primitive in the 1950s to suavely sophisticated in the latter days, if the word Camper is in it, it’_x0019_s covered. _x000B__x000B_The meticulous reproduction of advertising brochures, many of which can easily be the best part of 50-years old, make this a hard to put down coffee table volume for some – a book with very much in vogue nostalgic visual appeal. For others, the lure of a lively and informative story peppered with carefully detailed pictures will ensure the book is a useful reference to visit over and over again._x000B__x000B_Richard Copping’s extensive collection of rarely seen advertising material provides a unique background to a much-needed book, designed to delight the multitude of VW Camper fans far and wide._x000B_

Covering all the collectable Buses produced by Volkswagen between 1950 and 1990, this volume is unique in providing the full story of the high-points and pitfalls of buying such models. Written by enthusiasts, the easy readable text is informative to the novice, while still being of considerable value to those who have already owned a Bus._x000B_

While old MkI Golfs have by now largely rusted away, the availability of MkII models at giveaway prices is plentiful ... that is until three magic letters – GTI – appear on the car’s front grille and hatch. Find a good example of the MKI with the aid of this guide and you are in clover! The Buyer’s Guide carefully charts all the models that an enthusiast just has to own, from the iconic late model MkI with its pocket rocket 1.8-litre engine and 5-speed box, through to the exclusive, extremely powerful and much sought after limited edition Rallye Golf.With both mileage and particularly condition having a marked affect on potential prices, the authors give sound advice on what is worth restoring and what, however tempting, is likely to cost a new owner an un-recoupable fortune.Weak points, rust traps, and potential mechanical defects are laid out for the reader, with clear Golf-specific guidelines offered on the practicalities of rectifying such problems. The authors also embrace both the customized and mechanically modified examples of the MkI and MkII GTI, with each aspect of Golf ownership meticulously captured on camera.

By the late 1960s the Beetle had enjoyed over twenty years of continuous production, dominated its home market and conquered export markets all around the world. Volkswagen's policy of constant improvement and refinement to a single model appeared to be vindicated. However, 1968 saw the death of Heinz Nordoff, who was the driving force behind the Beetle's evolution and continued success. In many ways, this was a watershed year; the 1968 model introduced many significant changes to the car, and it became inevitable that a replacement for the venerable Beetle would have to be developed. This book charts the closing years of the Beetle's production life in Germany; from the revamped 1968 model to the 1302, 1303, the Cabriolet, and the various Specials produced later.