While the world may not have ended this month, as the Mayans erroneously predicted, there will be one era coming to a close in the final days of 2012.

This is because the Volkswagen Camper, also known as the VW Type 2, will end its production run after 63 years.

Of course the Volkswagen Camper examples being produced today are not built in Germany, but are still put together at a factory in Brazil.

On December 31st the last day of production will begin, since new legislation introduced in Brazil means that it will no longer be possible to create cars that do not at least have twin airbags and ABS for better safety.

The VW Camper first launched in 1950 and found fame in America during the 1960s as it was adopted by the hippy movement.

Like the VW Beetle, it ended up in production long after it was officially discontinued by its original manufacturer and now it will be heading into the history books as a result of the new laws in Brazil.

This should help to improve the value of classic VW Camper models for those interested in making an investment, although these vehicles should really be used for practical purposes, rather than be seen as a pure collectors' item.