Highlights

• Extensively upgraded with a Subaru 2.0 engine conversion
• Fitted with Porsche 944 disc brakes and Wilwood calipers
• Formerly owned by Gladiators contestant Dean Hart
• Recent service by classic vehicle specialists JWORX
• Imported from the USA, with a history of dry climate preservation

The Appeal

The Type 2 has an uncanny ability to raise emotions and loyalty in its owners. A Volkswagen Camper often becomes part of the family, pampered to all kinds of modifications and upgrades to make it all the better for its keepers' adventures, and this particular storied example is no exception.

Having spent much of its life in Houstin and San Diego, this fabulous bus was originally an 8-seater Deluxe Microbus, and was in the proud ownership of ex-Gladiator contestant and Volkswagen enthusiast, Dean Hart - who knuckled down and heavily upgraded the vehicle - including a Subaru 2.0-litre engine, eliminating the often tedious hill crawl that the T2 is prone to.

The vendor adds:

"After the upgrades, the camper covered a few thousand more miles before I purchased it in 2021. Since then, it has been sparingly used, clocking just over 1, 500 miles. In May 2024, we retrieved the camper from storage for an event in June. Prior to this, it was serviced by the highly respected classic vehicle specialists at JWORX, where any little niggles were addressed and sorted. They noted that the engine conversion had been done to an incredibly high standard and that Fellows Speed Shop had done some really clever engineering to allow the car to be water-cooled. It needs to be said the condition of the car is reflected in the photos, the car remains solid underneath thanks to the majority of its life living in the dry climate of Texas and California however, to bring the car back to the A1 condition it’ll need touching up in areas.

We have cherished our time with this iconic vehicle, but with other commitments taking priority, it no longer feels right to leave it in storage, unused. With the 75th anniversary of the Type 2 being celebrated at this year’s Goodwood Revival, it's the perfect opportunity for the camper to be part of what promises to be the largest gathering of Split Screens ever!"

The History and Paperwork

• First registered in 1965
• Originally delivered to Houston, Texas, as an 8-seater Deluxe Microbus
• Registered to Mr. N. Howard in San Diego in 1990
• Exported from Los Angeles to Antwerp, Belgium, in 2002
• Imported to the UK in 2004, with UK registration finalised in early 2005
• Owned by Dean Hart from 2010, who commissioned extensive upgrades
• Purchased by the current owner in 2021
• Recently serviced by JWORX in May 2024

The Condition

• Highly evocative green and white colour scheme
• Paintwork is largely in fine order, with some areas needing touch-ups
• Functional ‘Safari’ front windscreen and rear pop-out frames
• New chrome fittings installed during the 2010s
• JBW wheels and Samba trim enhance the exterior appearance
• Solid underneath, benefiting from a history in dry climates
• Attractive, quintessentially retro cabin
• Dashboard in good order
• Seats free of rips and tears
• Camping space carries some light signs of age
• Cabinets are in good overall condition
• Fold out bed in good order
• Headlining is in good overall order 

The vendor explains:
"The camper was carefully maintained and eventually purchased by a passionate enthusiast in 2010, none other than former Gladiators contestant Dean Hart. During his ownership, the camper was extensively upgraded and transformed. Mr. Hart commissioned improvements such as refinished paintwork, a functional ‘Safari’ front windscreen, rear pop-out frames, JBW wheels, Samba trim, and new chrome fittings, among other enhancements. By late 2011, it was reportedly in "A1 condition," according to correspondence with his insurer."

The Mechanics

• Fitted with a 2.0-litre Subaru 4-cylinder engine
• 4-speed manual transmission
• Fitted with Porsche 944 disc brakes and four-pot Wilwood calipers
• Recent service addressed any minor issues
• We understand the van to be in fine working order with no issues to note

BEFORE YOU BUY