1965 VW Split Screen panel van 'Ernie'
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Highlights
• Previously featured in a leading VW magazine
• Extensively restored throughout
• Numerous modern amenities inside
• Swedish-import Type 2
The Background
One of the most iconic commercial vehicles ever conceived and constructed, the Volkswagen Type 2 (also known as the Bus, Camper, Kombi or Bulli) and achieved wild success across the globe, leading to other brands spawning their own forward-control vehicles such as the Ford Econoline and Citroen H van.
In fact, the Type 2 was so successful that it was still being produced up until 2013 in Brazil, albeit with numerous revisions, facelifts and improvements to allow it to keep up with modern traffic.
Originally delivered with a 25bhp flat-four engine, several engines would go on to be offered in the rear of the Type 2, with the 1500cc and 1600cc flat-four being the most ubiquitous, and offering plenty of scope for further performance through minor modification whist remaining easy to work on.
With their working days behind them, many of these stalwarts of the commercial world are now making their way in to the hands of restorers, customisers and enthusiasts, with projects ranging from nut-and-bolt restorations to the original factory standard to concours-winning examples and heavily-modified ‘resto-mods’ all of which have their own place in the diverse Volkswagen enthusiast circle.
Of these Type 2s, the most desirable - and undeniably most iconic - are the early ‘splitty’ T1 models, with their split front windscreen giving them their nickname and unique appearance. Produced between 1950 and 1967 in Europe and the US, they were succeeded by the T2 ‘bay window’ models, which share a devout and knowledgeable enthusiast base.
The History
This particular T1 is a late ‘panel van’ model, which was originally delivered new to Sweden and worked as a milk delivery vehicle for a Swedish dairy, which explains the unusual configuration of being an LHD model with the cargo doors on the left, which allows for safer kerbside unloading for the delivery drivers.
What is more unusual, however, is that despite being a panel van - a commercial vehicle - this example was also fitted with the hinged ‘safari’ front windows, which appear to have been fitted ‘in period’ and were in-place prior to the restoration work taking place.
In 2009, this ‘splitty’ underwent a major restoration process, including a full respray, significant attention to the bodywork and chassis, and full re-upholstering. Windowed cargo doors were fitted to make the interior more aesthetically pleasing, whilst a windowed rear cargo hatch was also added. Chrome US-specification bumpers, belt line and badging were also added, with the icing on the cake being the colour change into the grey-and-cream finish you see here.
What you don’t see, is that the original lacklustre flat-four has been replaced by a 2.1-litre Type 4 CJ unit, which is the same engine used in the Porsche 912/914 family and offering significantly improved performance.
Following restoration, this T1 was imported into the UK during 2010 and used by the first UK-recorded owner and displayed at shows throughout the country, becoming well-known in the VW scene, before coming into the care of the second UK owners during 2012.
These owners then added numerous luxuries such as full electric hook-up facilities, an on-board leisure battery and towing equipment, allowing this panel van to function as a bona-fide camping getaway vehicle, along with significant interior changes at the hands of Tins Restoration and Kustoms resulting in this split-screen van being one of the best-equipped campers in the country.
Since then, the car went on to be raffled by Aspire Competitions (the third registered keeper in the UK) and was won by our vendor, who had wanted a camper van to take her children away on spontaneous holidays and adventures in-between manic working periods on the family farm.
However, having seen just how gorgeous this Type 1 was, she decided a farm track, messy children and no garage would not be beneficial to the condition of this stunning example, meaning she has made the difficult decision to move the vehicle on in order to fund a more practical, less show-winning camper for the family to enjoy without having to panic about the condition of the vehicle.
The Paperwork
As with any restored vehicle, history is of the utmost importance, and it’s safe to say that box is firmly ticked in this instance.
Included with the vehicle is a ring binder full to the brim with history, including all the receipts from the restoration and renovation projects to to date, the V5 form showing three former keepers (with our vendor being the fourth) two sets of keys, a copy of the VW magazine that the van was featured in, a new fully-fitted car cover and more.
The Interior
On the inside, this ex-dairy van has been completely transformed, and remains in outstanding condition throughout.
The modern worktops, custom-built cabinets and storage units and electric hook-up give this Type 2 an air of luxury most air-cooled vans could only dream of, whilst retaining the classic lines of the interior and the unique charm expected from a classic VW.
There is very little in the way of wear-and-tear noted to the interior, on account of its fastidious ownership and gentle use, with only minor patina noted to the front quarter lights, a broken catch on the nearside quarter light, minor stain on the headlining and slight sagging above the driver’s head.
The standard radio has been upgraded to a retro-style Blaupunkt offering by one of the previous owners, though this blends in well with the painted dashboard and makes the van more suited to long-distance journeys, thanks to iPod connectivity.
Additional noteworthy features include the Rock and Roll bed, fridge, cooker, hob and TV, - which rises by remote out of the worktop!
Additional noteworthy features include the Rock and Roll bed, fridge, cooker, hob and TV, - which rises by remote out of the worktop!
The Exterior
The restored bodywork has clearly been finished to an incredibly high standard, and has stood the test of time very well, remaining in show-stopping condition to this day.
The iconic two-tone paintwork is in great shape with only minor marks such as stone chips visible, whilst the chrome bumpers and detailing all look to be in excellent shape, though we’d expect some minor patina on a vehicle that has been used and enjoyed.
The only real issue noted was that the wheels are displaying some lacquer peel, and on an example of such as high calibre, we’d suggest getting them refurbished to bring them inline with the rest of the vehicle’s condition, though they’re certainly presentable exactly as they sit.
The Mechanicals
In the rear, the 2.1-litre air-cooled engine is in excellent visual condition, with the bay being in great shape with no staining as far as we can see.
The vendor reports no running issues, and there are no known faults with the vehicle.
On account of its age, this Type 2 is exempt from mandatory MOT testing and is registered as a historic vehicle, though it does currently have a valid MOT certificate issued on 08 December 2020, which was a first-time pass with no noted advisories - excellent news for any VW enthusiast.
The Appeal
Meticulously restored with subtle improvements and modifications to enhance the usability and driving experience, this is an opportunity not to be missed by any air-cooled VW enthusiasts.
Able to keep up with modern traffic with ease and yet offer a luxurious take on the classic air-cooled camping experience, this 1965 Split-Screen panel van has a rich and interesting history, and offers turn-key adventures for the next owner to enjoy throughout the year.
So go on, place your bids, pack your bags and set off to see all the gorgeous sights the UK has to offer this summer in style!
***Photos provided by the seller***
***Photos provided by the seller***
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 1965
- Make Volkswagen
- Model Type 2 (T1)
- Colour Grey
- Odometer 56,650 Miles
- Engine size 2000
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Location Scotland
- Country United Kingdom
23
bids
- ni•••• £40,000 27/07/21
- mu•••• £39,750 27/07/21
- ni•••• £39,000 27/07/21
- mu•••• £38,000 27/07/21
- Ra•••• £37,500 27/07/21
- ro•••• £37,000 27/07/21
- Ra•••• £36,250 27/07/21
- ni•••• £35,750 27/07/21
- ke•••• £35,500 27/07/21
- ni•••• £35,250 27/07/21
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