Highlights

LHD split screen example with Canadian provenance
Unique Marsh's Soft Drinks Company themed conversion
Attractive sage green paintwork with white roof rack and wheels
Fitted with 1,600cc engine and twin Webers
Bespoke interior with large folding bed
New door hinges and branded accessories included in the sale

The Appeal

The joy of the VW Splittie is just how many creative directions you can take one in. This 1958 T2 has gone somewhere a little different from the usual surf themes with its homage to Cumbrian soft drinks maker Marsh’s. Finished in sage green with white roof rack and wheels, it is usefully fitted with a larger 1,600cc engine and twin Webers, so doesn’t just draw the eye it goes well too.

Import documentation confirms an earlier life in Canada. It arrived in the UK in 2016 and has had just three keepers since. The history is described below. The interior conversion stays true to the Marsh's delivery theme, featuring a rock'n'roll bed, mood lighting, and bespoke branded soft furnishings, with two branded Marsh's delivery crates also included. The suspension has been raised from a previously heavily lowered setup to a more practical ride height while retaining a purposeful stance.

This T2 does need attention, as outlined in the detail below, and having been stored outdoors it would benefit from covered accommodation. The vendor describes it as a worthwhile winter project for someone with the right facilities, ready for the 2027 season. The vendor notes that every fuel stop generates enquiries and warm interest from passers-by. For the right buyer, here is a chance to bring a very distinctive T2 back to its former glory.

The vendor says:

“A unique and characterful piece of modern UK cultural history. Needs someone able to keep on top of the needs of a vehicle approaching its 8th decade on the road. Visually, she turns heads and every fuel stop generates enquiries and genuinely warm interest. Sadly, my health means that person cannot be me going forwards. She will be sorely missed.”

Key Information

Mileage: 48,709 miles indicated
Country of registration: United Kingdom since 2016 (imported from Canada)
Technical inspection status: MOT exempt, last test to April 2025 with no advisories
Technical specs: 1,600cc air-cooled flat-four petrol (believed replacement; V5C states 1,200cc), four-speed manual
Paperwork: V5C present; invoices, import documentation from Canada included
Recommended for trailer collection as the van currently will start reluctantly but isn’t running well enough for safe and reliable road use until the fuel flow issues have been resolved

The vendor says:

“Acquired by me on 13/04/2023 as a competition win. No purchase price known. The back story given to me was that the van had been restored as a tribute to Marsh’s Soft Drinks Company, a popular brand of the time in the North East of England. I understand there is online history of the van being formally shown at a major UK show. An uncorroborated association was made by the previous custodians stating the vehicle was configured as Marsh’s delivery vehicle by family members to comfort the elderly founder after the business ceased trading. I have not been able to ascertain whether this is factual or not.

“The V5C is still showing the van in its original body colour of white, with a declared engine size of 1200cc. Every mechanic I have asked about this believes the fitted engine to be an air cooled 1600cc replacement with twin Weber style carburettors. Previous owners had lowered the suspension to such a degree that the vehicle wasn’t coping with degraded UK road infrastructure or speed humps, so I had this raised to a useable ride height whilst maintaining the low and mean stance.

“Several locks were inoperative and have been replaced. Recently a drivers (nearside!) upper door hinge has metal fatigued and snapped. New upper hinges for both sides have been purchased and will be included in the sale, but removal of the old hinges after 68 years is beyond me due to health issues. Storage has been necessarily outside, without weather protection apart from a cover through the winter months. Currently the van is suffering from a fuel flow issue. She will run, albeit reluctantly, Import documentation describes an earlier life in Canada. This is a left hand drive split screen vehicle in part converted and uniquely branded panel van style.”

The Detail

Fitted with 1,600cc engine according to vendor as above (V5C says 1,200cc)
Electrical fuel pump fitted
Automatic fire suppression system installed
Currently experiencing a fuel flow issue - engine requires throttle to idle
Serviced by VW camper specialist until early 2025, when the vehicle was laid up
Suspension raised from heavily lowered setup to useable ride height
Sage green paintwork with Marsh’s soft drinks decals showing some age in photos
Deterioration to paintwork to note such as to roof and other areas as shown
Rust and peeling paint noted on the roof and rear nearside lower corner
Crack to offside wheel arch
Side window seals require replacement
Stored outdoors with a cover during winter months
White roof rack fitted
White steel wheels with chrome hub caps showing some age
Retrimmed camper interior with blue fabric and patterned fabric elements
Some age to note to whicker floor mats including water staining
Driver's upper door hinge snapped due to metal fatigue
New upper hinges for both sides purchased and included but not yet fitted
Several locks previously replaced; side door lock currently requires further attention
Interior themed around Marsh's Soft Drinks, with manual rock'n'roll bed, mood lighting, and bespoke branded mattress covering and pillows
Two branded Marsh's delivery crates included
Thatcham-approved Global Telemetric (GTE) tracker/immobiliser fitted
Tracker can remain with the vehicle or be removed by GTE at the buyer's preference
Due to running issues buyer should consider trailering vehicle on collection

BEFORE YOU BUY

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✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

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