40 years of Marco Polo: from a tall van to a flat van

Was he in China? Or was he not? The legends surrounding the Venetian merchant Marco Polo always give rise to speculation. After all, he was called upon to give a name to one of the most successful and long-standing camper van series. In 1984, Westfalia presented a converted panel van based on the then Mercedes Transporter 1 to the public for the first time in Ludwigsburg. The leisure vehicle, which was always painted in beige, was 4.80 meters long but 2.90 meters high.

The protruding roof made an emergency bed possible in the front living area above the driver's seats. Otherwise, two berths could be used on the first floor, which were created by folding down the bench seat. There was a kitchen on board with a stove, refrigerator and sink, as well as a washroom that did not have a shower but could accommodate a mobile cassette toilet.

The original Marco Polo has now become a stylish, low-profile van that can even sleep up to four people thanks to an electric lifting roof and, at less than two meters high, fits into most underground garages. Today, the V-Class with all its possible comfort and safety features serves as a home for Mercedes campers. However, prices have also risen considerably over the years, and not just because of the long lists of expensive and desirable extras. In 1984, it cost just under 40,000 Deutschmarks. Today, this well-equipped camper van can easily cost twice that amount. But in euros. (aum)