Highlights

Imported and restored in 2015
Well presented with fully loaded camper interior
Great mechanical order with replacement engine and Weber carbs fitted
Desirable early bay window van

The Appeal

A sight iconic around the world, one of the most recognisable automobiles in history, the Volkswagen Type 2 is truly the physical form of the phrase cult classic. The simplistic design and no nonsense rear mounted air cooled engine shot the VWs into popularity in all forms, with all sorts of vans, pickups and service vehicles rolling out of the Wolfsburg factory.

What we have here today is a rather interesting example of that ever famous “do anything” aircooled legend in its most popular campervan form. An early bay window van, TNB 343J was imported from California circa 2015 and restored to an exceptionally high standard before being enjoyed on several camping trips around the UK. If you’re looking for an exceptionally well presented classic “early bay”, this may just be the perfect van for you.

The History and Paperwork

First registered in California in 1971
Imported into the UK circa 2015 by Bournemouth based specialists Cool Campers
Subject to extensive restoration by Cool Campers circa 2015 once it had arrived into the UK
Accompanied by solid history file
Several invoices for parts bought and work undertaken to maintain and service the van
Invoices for replacement gearbox upgraded carb setup
Due to the van’s historic status, it is tax and MOT exempt
Despite being MOT exempt, the van has a current MOT valid into July 2023
Fully UK registered with V5 registration document present
Dry stored throughout current ownership

The Interior

Excellently presented, high quality interior space
Camper interior fitted by Cool Campers as part of 2015 restoration
Wooden cabinetry throughout with pop open doors
Kitchen facilities including a stove, sink and fridge
Stove and sink have folding covers to provide more worktop space if needed
High quality seating front and rear which looks to have seen incredibly limited use throughout its time
Front section of the cabin is in great order. Marvellously upholstered with a good quality painted dash panel and interior trim
Bamboo under dash storage tray
Two high quality door panels, with clean, smart door furniture and trim
Three spoke wood rim steering wheel in great shape
Pop top roof to providing sleeping facilities within the van
Clean brown carpeting throughout
Wall mounted power management system with plug and 12 volt sockets
Patterned fabric curtains
Rear bench seat with seatbelts
Wooden table can be set up in the rear or stowed away to provide more cabin space
Sony radio head unit
Interior mounted fire extinguisher
Leisure battery replaced by the vendor in 2022

The Exterior

Iconic instantly recognisable exterior styling
Generally very good condition from an aesthetic perspective
Finished in a wonderful two tone paint scheme
Paint is of a great quality, having been dry stored throughout its current ownership
Some small areas of blemishing to be seen around some of the wheel arches
Pop top roof restored by Cool Campers in 2015
Roof unlatches, opens and locks into place with ease
Sits on four colour matched steel wheels with great quality chrome wheel trims
Body coloured front and rear bumpers in excellent shape
High quality chrome trim throughout
Glass work and badging are of a great quality
Panel gaps appear consistent across the van
Awning and sun canopy will accompany the van on sale

The Mechanics

Legendary 1600cc air cooled flat four engine
Pairs excellent vintage styling with simple, efficient driveline
Backed by a wealth of enthusiast knowledge and parts supply
Fitted with a replacement engine in 2020
Solex carb was replaced with a twin Weber setup; original carbs and manifolds are still present with the van and will accompany it upon sale
New gearbox fitted in 2017
Underside appears clean and solid, having been reported to have been undersealed
In great mechanical order, with an exceptionally clean engine and engine bay
Vendor reports a great drive from the van, an entirely unique experience one only gets from a T2

Summary

Day by day these VW campers become more and more sought after. It is becoming all the more difficult to find good quality examples, and therefore it is a welcome sight to see this wonderful T2 come up for auction. A restored California bus in impeccable shape, arriving right at the peak of camping season. With a replacement engine, gearbox and upgraded carbs, this is certainly one of the all time great classic campervans and is ready for many more miles of adventures and enjoyment.

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.*

UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.

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