The VW Split Screen is probably one of the most iconic and recognisable buses ever made. The Type 2 came along in 1954 and was available in a range of models to choose from, whichever was best suited to your needs. This 1965 Kombi van started life in Brazil, and in 2016 it was imported to the UK, and the restoration began on restoring this classic VW.

The seller of this wonderful 1965 Volkswagen T2 Split Screen camper purchased the vehicle when it was 80% completed following an extensive restoration by the previous vendor, who had most of the work completed by Nustalgia, Wellingborough.

After the main work was completed, the bus went back to the vendor to be finished off, but due to work commitments, he had to work away, he lost the storage for his bus, and it was sold as an 80% completed project which was a tragedy for the owner at the time, not seeing his bus reach the final hurdle. However, it has been taken to the next level, finished off by our vendor, and is ready for its new home.

Inside the Camper is certainly a nice place to be! Let us start in the back, where a full-width rear bench is trimmed in tan leather and sits on a frame that hides some speakers. There is a two/third seat against the half height bulkhead. The rear storage area above the engine has carpet fitted for a clean look. The headlining is in excellent condition, and a fully fitted Webasto-style sunroof has been installed. Finishing off the rear is a chequered floor to match the colour scheme of the bus.

In the front, a nice full-width bench seat is fitted and again trimmed in more luxurious tan leather. Both door cards have been retrimmed to match, along with two panels which sit against the front panel. The floor in the cabin is hard-wearing ribbed rubber, making it easy to clean. 

The dashboard is painted to match the top half of the bus and is free from any chips or scratches. The instruments are believed to be the originals, which are working correctly, and the odometer has a reading of 89,309 kilometres. All of the switchgear is said to be working correctly, and there is a period looking headunit fitted.

Externally, the T2 presents itself very well; the panel work shows all the signs of a well-executed restoration. Finished in cream over brown, the paintwork is in excellent condition. 

From the front of the bus, the bumper is colour coded to match the lower half and is free from any dings or dents; the front panel looks in good condition, and the VW badge sitting pride of place is in excellent condition. The headlights and indicators are free from chips or damage, and the chrome surrounds have a tarnish-free finish. The air conditioning front windows are free from any scratches, and the seals look in good condition. 

Around to the sides, the door gaps look to be equal and matching; both front doors do appear to sit a touch further out than the wheel arch, but nothing excessive. The sides seem nice and straight, and the moulding along the waistline of the bus is also in good order. We hope you like cleaning windows because there are 15 of them to keep streak free as they are now. 

At the rear, the corner windows look fantastic! The rear door opens as it should and also has an opening window. The engine cover fits well but does sit in a touch on the top left-hand corner, but this may just need some adjustment. The light lenses are free from damage, as is the bumper. Steel wheels finished in cream body colour look superb, with the addition of Wolfsburg hub caps and chrome trims; the period-looking whitewall tyres are in like new condition.  

The engine in the bus is a 1641cc, which has been fully rebuilt along with the gearbox. The engine is reported to start immediately, without hesitation, and no issues have been reported by the vendor when the bus is out on the road. The gearchange is said to be smooth and easy to select gears. 

New axles have been fitted to the front and rear, which have also been adjusted to lower the bus a subtle amount whilst still keeping it usable. The ride has no knocks or bangs coming from either corner and is nice and smooth. In the braking department, things have been upgraded with the addition of a front-disc brake conversion which stops the bus much quicker than the dated drums fitted initially. 

Looking at the underside, there has been a light coating of stone-guard to help futureproof it against any unwanted corrosion creeping in, and it looks exceptionally clean and appears to be free of any oil leaks from the engine or gearbox. 

Sitting at 58 years old, the 1965 T2 Splitscreen has been given a second chance. With a full and extensive restoration finally completed in May 2023, the VW bus is now ready to go and be enjoyed on the show or camping field, where it is sure to turn a few admiring heads.

Notice to bidders

This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*