1962 Volkswagen “split window” Camper
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Highlights
• High quality restoration
• Bespoke interior
• Great colour scheme
• Large 240v Power Inverter
Background
As readily recognisable as the immortal Volkswagen Type 1 'Beetle' and a cult vehicle in its own right, the Volkswagen Type 2 and its derivatives enjoyed an even longer period in production. The original was conceived in the late 1940s by a Dutch Volkswagen agent, Ben Pon, who drew up plans for a van based on the Beetle floor pan and running gear.
Known as the Volkswagen Type 2, the result of Pon's efforts arrived in late 1949 and over the next few years proliferated into a bewildering variety of models catering for an enormous range of commercial and domestic activities. The original retained the Beetle's rear-mounted 1,200cc air-cooled engine and four-speed gearbox, enlarged to 1,500cc in 1963.
Initially there were two body styles offered – the Kombi (two side windows, two rows of removable rear seats) and the Commercial (van version), followed in May 1950 by the Microbus, and then the Deluxe Microbus in May 1951.
Known as the Volkswagen Type 2, the result of Pon's efforts arrived in late 1949 and over the next few years proliferated into a bewildering variety of models catering for an enormous range of commercial and domestic activities. The original retained the Beetle's rear-mounted 1,200cc air-cooled engine and four-speed gearbox, enlarged to 1,500cc in 1963.
Initially there were two body styles offered – the Kombi (two side windows, two rows of removable rear seats) and the Commercial (van version), followed in May 1950 by the Microbus, and then the Deluxe Microbus in May 1951.
History
This “splittie” camper was built in June 1962, as a model 211 LHD delivery van for export to the USA. It therefore had some US options including front indicators, adjustable front bench seat and bumper guards.
As a Californian resident for the following 40 years, it was well preserved by the hot climate, and according to the Vendor it received an engine rebuild before being exported from the US to Japan in 2002.
In 2015 it was imported into the UK, where it was restored to the gorgeous condition it is in today. Purchased by the Vendor in 2016 it has been fastidiously maintained but driven just 816 miles since the restoration was completed.
As a Californian resident for the following 40 years, it was well preserved by the hot climate, and according to the Vendor it received an engine rebuild before being exported from the US to Japan in 2002.
In 2015 it was imported into the UK, where it was restored to the gorgeous condition it is in today. Purchased by the Vendor in 2016 it has been fastidiously maintained but driven just 816 miles since the restoration was completed.
The Paperwork
As with many vehicles of this age there is little known about its working life in the USA.
There is no paperwork until the Camper’s arrival in the UK when it was first registered by the importing dealer in December 2015. Purchased by the Vendor in January 2016 it has been used occasionally for trips to the beach and local runs, but being part of a nice collection, it was always vying for attention!
There is no paperwork until the Camper’s arrival in the UK when it was first registered by the importing dealer in December 2015. Purchased by the Vendor in January 2016 it has been used occasionally for trips to the beach and local runs, but being part of a nice collection, it was always vying for attention!
The history folder includes MOTs back to its first registration, and a few bills for minor work to pass the MOTs. There is a “Zertifikat” form the Stiftung Automobile Museum Volkswagen issued in 2015 that gives details of the Camper as first built.
There is a VW Owners workshop manual along with a US number plate found under the seat after import.
There is a VW Owners workshop manual along with a US number plate found under the seat after import.
The Interior
The inside of the Camper is really quite exceptional. There are very few details that need attention, and the quality of the upholstery, trim and general décor leave nothing to be desired.
The seats are all in light grey leather to match the light grey exterior. The floor in the front seat area has clean carpets, and the rear is in chequer pattern grey and white lino.
The dash is clean with no chips to the paint, the instruments are clear, and the switches all seem to work correctly. There are 3 point seat belts for both front seats and lap belts fitted in the rear.
The seats are all in light grey leather to match the light grey exterior. The floor in the front seat area has clean carpets, and the rear is in chequer pattern grey and white lino.
The dash is clean with no chips to the paint, the instruments are clear, and the switches all seem to work correctly. There are 3 point seat belts for both front seats and lap belts fitted in the rear.
As can be seen in the photos the table stows correctly in the rear roof, and mounts perfectly into the floor. The pull out rear seat converts easily into a double bed. The vendor also added a large capacity 240v power inverter with its own fuse box. There are two domestic 3 pin sockets mounted below the rear seat which means you could run a cooler, refrigerator , coffee machine, sound system..
The rear windows are complete with jaunty fabric curtains in a nicely matched grey and orange pattern. The matching cushions, Fortnum & Mason basket and Coca-Cola cool box (painted dark grey to match the exterior) are all included in the sale.
The Exterior
The quality of the exterior leaves nothing to be desired. The shut lines are exceptional, the paint is virtually flawless.
The camper also features a rare “pillar box” style small rear window. The only minor fault we spotted are the hubcaps, which look fine from a distance but are showing a couple of dents and some pitting. Apart from that it’s just lovely.
The two tone light grey over dark grey colour combo is delightfully understated and in our opinion uber cool.
The camper also features a rare “pillar box” style small rear window. The only minor fault we spotted are the hubcaps, which look fine from a distance but are showing a couple of dents and some pitting. Apart from that it’s just lovely.
The two tone light grey over dark grey colour combo is delightfully understated and in our opinion uber cool.
The Mechanics
Having covered so few miles since restoration the engine appears to be in great condition.
Although we did not go for a drive when we visited we did watch and hear it being manoeuvred for the photos and it started easily, ran smoothly, and showed no smoke or drips.
The engine compartment is nearly immaculate and everything looks like new. There are a few spares offered with the camper including various service parts such as distributor cap, points, spark plug leads.
Although we did not go for a drive when we visited we did watch and hear it being manoeuvred for the photos and it started easily, ran smoothly, and showed no smoke or drips.
The engine compartment is nearly immaculate and everything looks like new. There are a few spares offered with the camper including various service parts such as distributor cap, points, spark plug leads.
The Appeal
The popularity of Volkswagen’s Camper shows no sign of waning, and prices have been climbing steadily for years. There are plenty to choose from, but few are in such great condition, so nicely presented and well equipped as this example.
Equally perfect for this year’s staycation, or ready to hit the showground, this “Splittie” is ready make this summer unforgettable for the lucky buyer!
Equally perfect for this year’s staycation, or ready to hit the showground, this “Splittie” is ready make this summer unforgettable for the lucky buyer!
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the sellers discretion.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1962
- Make Volkswagen
- Model Type 2 (T1)
- Colour Grey
- Odometer 11,059 Miles
- Engine size 1500
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Location Sussex
- Country United Kingdom
18
bids
- Ye•••• £38,000 26/08/21
- ro•••• £37,000 26/08/21
- Ye•••• £36,500 26/08/21
- pa•••• £36,000 26/08/21
- Ye•••• £35,000 26/08/21
- ro•••• £32,000 26/08/21
- Di•••• £30,000 25/08/21
- Di•••• £28,000 25/08/21
- Di•••• £26,500 25/08/21
- ke•••• £25,250 25/08/21
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