1971 Volkswagen T2 Campervan

Highlights

  • Recently restored
  • Lots of paperwork/history
  • The original pop-top is still in place
  • 1600cc engine with twin Weber’s
  • Full respray undertaken

The Appeal

It is hard to name a more iconic campervan than the Volkswagen Type 2. It was this vehicle that started a revolution in mobile living that is still enjoyed by thousands today. This example has gone through an extensive restoration with the current owner, and although needing tiny finishing details, it is in great condition.

As the January blues have almost departed why not look forward to getting out in the summer with your new Volkswagen T2?

The History and Paperwork

  • Luckily, one of the previous owners has condensed the history into a handy document
  • With the help of this, we know that is left Long Motors of Exeter on 22/06/1971
  • Since then, it has been used and enjoyed by all of its owners 
  • You’ll find a lot of historic invoices and MOT certificates within the paperwork bundle 
  • There is even the original service book 
  • The current owner acquired the van in 2016 in a rather sorry state
  • They have since turned it into this stunning example merging the original with new seamlessly
  • It has been through a full respray, in the same sort of colour as it was originally
  • A newer 1600cc engine has been fitted, along with new twin Weber’s, a new alternator, a new battery, and a 6-rib gearbox
  • There are a few areas that need to be finished, such as auxiliary power, but you can use it straight away if you wish 
  • It will come with a few original parts 
  • This camper will be an excellent addition to your garage, just imagine all the good times you can have with it

The Interior

  • Comfortable leather seats
  • Original pop-top in place
  • Original bunk beds are still present 
  • Overhauled interior space
  • Working gas hob 
Although the exterior design of a Type 2 is iconic, it is within the interior where these campers stand out from the rest. Thanks to the bunk beds this example has the ability to sleep four people, perfect for those spontaneous family trips away. The current owner has been through all of the interior and turned it into a wonderful space to enjoy. 

If we start upfront, in the cab,  you may notice that the original uncomfortable seats have been replaced. Coming from an Audi, the large leather seats are now far more comfortable meaning long journeys shouldn’t be an issue. The condition of this leather is good, with no large areas of damage. You’ll notice that the door cards have been trimmed in a matching colour as well, tying the cabin together well. 

There are a few individual features in the cab that will always make you smile. These include the novelty footprint accelerator pedal, the large dragster-style rev counter, and the pistol grip-esque gear selector. There is also a non-original steering wheel, but the original one can come with the van too if you so wish.

Stepping through the corridor between the two front seats we arrive at the business part of the bus, the living area. As you can see this area is presented in fantastic condition with all the amenities easily accessible. 

The central focus of this space is the unit that houses the sink and cooker. Lifting the countertops, you are presented with a fairly well-equipped kitchen. The cooker is all plumbed in with a gas bottle sitting in one of the cupboards. The sink is not yet plumbed in, but all of the parts to do so appear to be there. 

As it’s a camper, you’re going to need to sleep somewhere. Well, luckily there are a couple of options. You can either fold out the rock-and-roll style bed or pop the top and install the bunk beds. 

There are a couple of areas of the interior that you may wish to get sorted out before the camping season begins. Firstly, the original pop-top does have a few cracks in the plastic windows, hopefully, there is a specialist somewhere who can fix this original feature. You may also want to install a leisure battery set-up so you can live off-grid.

Overall, the interior is in great condition with only a few areas that may need a little looking into. In theory, it can be used like this comfortably. But if you wish to have a Concours condition interior then you may wish to see to the finishing touches. 

The Exterior 

  • Full respray 
  • Fetching alloys 
  • New rubber seals all round
  • The underside has been undersealed 
What a stunning van this Type 2 is. From every angle, you cannot get over its iconic lines and eye-catching paintwork. 

When this van showed up at the current owner’s lock-up it looked nothing like this. They have gone over the exterior using new parts and new paint to get it up to this standard. The new paint, for example, has been matched as closely as possible to the original colour. 

A few new panels were fitted externally. Two of the more unique panels were the new doors, with their pronounced stamping at the bottom, they are a subtle modification that further enhances the exterior looks. Along with new doors, you’ll also find a new sidestep to help getting in and out of the van.

Underneath the van has had a lot of undersealing coats and should therefore be protected from the UK roads for many years to come. 

As part of the restoration, the van has been fitted with a fetching set of alloys. All of these alloys are presented in very good condition and help to enhance the character of this van. 

There may be a few areas of the exterior that aren’t quite in concours condition, but, overall this van is presented in very good condition. It has always been well received at any show it's been to and will look great sitting on your driveway.

The Mechanics

  • 1600cc engine fitted
  • Twin Weber set-up
  • 6 rib gearbox
  • Runs and drives well
The beating heart of any VW bus is almost as iconic as the Type 2 itself. Its air-cooled engine has won fans around the world. This example has had some mechanical work recently and now drives well. 

Fitted in the rear is a 1600cc engine with an uprated camshaft, it also has a twin-Weber carburettor setup. This provides a bit more power than the original which should make it easier to live with today.

Due to the temperature on the day of the photoshoot, it did take a few cranks to get the fuel circulating and to fire up, but once it was running, it purred away nicely. The current owner was keen to highlight the fact that it’ll start quicker on a warmer day.

During the current ownership, it has been taken to shows around the UK and it has always performed as it should on the drive. 

It is just about to have a look over by a mechanic to check the tappets and a slight carb tune so you will benefit from an excellent running example. 

Overall, this van has in great mechanical condition and is raring to go whenever you are. 

Summary

There is nothing like hitting the open road for an adventure and when you’re in a campervan you can make anywhere camp. With a lot of history, an extensive overhaul, and a slightly more powerful engine this Type 2 will be perfect for modern-day excursions.

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.*

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Vehicle specification
  • Year 1971
  • Make Volkswagen
  • Model T2
  • Colour Yellow
  • Odometer 95,478 Miles
  • Engine size 1600
Auction Details
  • Seller Type Private
  • Town Bedford
  • Location Bedfordshire
  • Country United Kingdom
Bidding history
49 bids
  • Ke•••• £18,000 07/02/23
  • co•••• £17,250 07/02/23
  • Ke•••• £17,000 07/02/23
  • co•••• £16,750 07/02/23
  • Ke•••• £16,500 07/02/23
  • co•••• £16,250 07/02/23
  • Ke•••• £16,000 07/02/23
  • Fe•••• £15,500 07/02/23
  • Ke•••• £15,250 07/02/23
  • Jo•••• £15,000 07/02/23
Message C&C Auction Team

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