Is This the World’s Longest VW Kombi Limousine?

The Longest Masterpiece - Who doesn’t recognize the name Volkswagen? This iconic German carmaker, founded back in 1937 in Wolfsburg, Lower Saxony, has long been known for its lineup of well-crafted and timeless vehicles. Among them, the VW Kombi stands tall—an emblem of freedom, adventure, and classic automotive design. A favorite among collectors, especially the 1960s German-made models, the Kombi has become more than just a mode of transport; it’s a rolling piece of history. But what happens when creativity meets legacy? Something extraordinary—like the world’s longest VW Kombi Limousine.

Indonesian autobuilder Wahyu Pamungkas from Semarang enjoys the giant Volkswagen Kombi van he spent over £20,000 and a year building. (Picture from: DailyMail)

Enter Wahyu Pamungkas, a visionary from Semarang, Indonesia, and the man behind Yudi Motor Sport (Yumos). His love for the VW Kombi didn’t stop at restoring old gems; it pushed boundaries. With over five years of specialized experience in VW restoration, Wahyu took on a daring challenge—to create not just a restored Kombi, but the longest one ever built. And he did it. 

The stunning interior of his custom van is finished in cream-colored leather and includes space for a compact drinks bar. (Picture from: DailyMail)

Wahyu began with a 1981 VW Kombi from Brazil, a model more commonly found in Indonesia, making it a practical base for his ambitious transformation. Through an intensive modification process, the humble Kombi evolved into a stunning 7.6-meter-long limousine. That’s right—7.6 meters of vintage charm blended with handcrafted innovation. According to Wahyu, this feat makes it the longest VW Kombi Limousine in the world, surpassing even the previous record-holding 6.9-meter version built in the U.S. and his own earlier creation from 2009.

Including the front cabin seats, the extended vehicle can accommodate up to 20 passengers. (Picture from: DailyMail)

Crafting such a masterpiece wasn’t a walk in the park, but thanks to his previous experience, Wahyu and his team didn’t run into major roadblocks. The process involved slicing the original Kombi in half, fabricating a new central section, and manually shaping the extended body without the help of industrial press machines. All of this was executed by a dedicated crew of seven craftsmen at the Yumos workshop in Kp. Dakota Mangunharjo, Tembalang.

Much like a luxury limousine, the 7.6-meter van—crafted by combining two Kombis—even features a manually retractable soft-top section. (Picture from: DailyMail)

To ensure structural integrity, the team doubled the chassis and reinforced the floor using thick, durable plates. Given the increased size and weight, the suspension system was toughened, and the number of wheels was bumped up from the standard four to six. A total of 41 windows were installed, adding a touch of elegance while keeping the Kombi’s signature character alive.

To enhance its performance post-conversion, the team replaced the original 1,500cc engine with a more powerful 2,000cc unit. (Picture from: DailyMail)

The result is a breathtaking orange-and-white VW Kombi Dakota Limousine that doesn’t just stretch longer—it pushes the limits of creativity and craftsmanship. Though Wahyu spent around £20,000 (roughly Rp.400 million) bringing this vision to life, he considers it priceless. Even after receiving a generous offer of £37,700 (approximately Rp.750 million), he chose to hold on to the vehicle, reserving it as a permanent showpiece and symbol of pride for the Yumos workshop.

Looking ahead, this isn’t the first modified Kombi built by Yumos Garage—they also created a 6.9-meter version back in 2009. (Picture from: DailyMail)

Unlike his 6.9-meter Kombi Limousine, which was sold to an Australian collector for £11,300 (around Rp.225 million) in 2009, this new creation isn’t going anywhere. Instead, Wahyu keep it on display and make it available for rental—letting others experience a ride in what could very well be the most unique Kombi on the planet.

Recognized by the Indonesian Record Museum (Leprid) on January 13, 2016, Wahyu’s achievement stands as a proud moment for Indonesian automotive innovation. Whether or not it gains a Guinness World Record title, the 7.6-meter VW Kombi Limousine is already a legend in its own right. It’s not just a car—it’s a bold expression of passion, skill, and a deep love for the classic VW legacy, reimagined for the modern world. *** [EKA [22012016] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | YUMOS | SUARA MERDEKA | LIPUTAN6 | DAILYMAIL]

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