Highlights
- Rare and versatile Devon ‘Double Top’ full-length elevating roof
- Advisory-free MOT until October 2025
- 18,276 miles indicated and supported by the MOT/service history
- Over £1,000 spent installing a modern cabin heater and fitting new heat exchangers
- Highly-equipped camping interior
- Awning, tables and various other camping accessories included in the sale
The Appeal
Volkswagen’s Type 2 vans proved immensely popular in the UK, where a great many were transformed into campervans by the likes of Martin Walter Dormobile and Devon Conversions.
This well-preserved 1976 Microbus, affectionately dubbed ‘Dolly’, was supplied new to the UK in right-hand drive and features a Devon elevating roof. Eagle-eyed VW enthusiasts will note that this is the so-called ‘Double Top’ roof, introduced for the 1979 model year - suggesting this conversion may have been carried out when the van was few years old.
While exempt from road tax and MOT, the vendor has spent several thousands of pounds getting this Type 2 to a roadworthy standard, passing MOT on 29th October 2024 with no advisories. It comes with a well-equipped camper interior which also has a modern cabin heater fitted. Included in the sale is an awning, wheel chocks, a folding table, mats, gas bottles and various other camping accessories as well as an outdoor cover.
In spite of their age, these vans are quite well-suited to motorway cruising, proving quiet, comfortable and settled at speed while this example is further enhanced by its well-regarded ‘Pancake’ engine in 1.7-litre form. The vendor notes that this one drives well following all the recent work, which you can read about in the numerous invoices photographed below.
The History and Paperwork
- UK market RHD example
- MOT until 28th October 2025
- Exempt from road tax and MOT
- 18,276 miles indicated
- When the vendor acquired the van, the previous owner believed the mileage to be accurate, based upon the servicing and MOT records
- While the vendor is unable to confirm whether the mileage is indeed correct, it certainly matches the known history
- UK V5C present
- Recent £2,200 invoice for service and pre-MOT work including some welding and braking system refurbishment
- Numerous older invoices for parts, work and servicing
The Condition
- Finished in orange to a good standard
- The paintwork is bright, glossy and presents well overall
- Some bubbling and other signs of corrosion to the lower bodywork and doors, but this appears mostly superficial and there are no MOT advisories
- The van looks quite straight down both sides and the doors appear to fit well
- Smart steel wheels with Wolfsburg crest chrome hubcaps on the front wheels and VW items on the rears
- Devon ‘Double Top’ elevating roof in good working order with original pattern canvas which also appears in good shape
- Both bumpers appear in good shape
- All presents well underneath following recent work and underseal
- Camping interior in fair overall condition with some signs of wear
- Upgraded front seats with head rests
- The cabinetry and upholstery are in usable condition
- Equipped with a gas stove and sink and various other amenities
- Modern heating unit fitted professionally during previous ownership at a cost of over £1,000
- The dashboard, controls and instrumentation present well
The Mechanics
- 1.7-litre ‘Pancake’ air-cooled flat-four petrol engine
- Four-speed manual gearbox
- New heat exchangers fitted during previous ownership
- Recent service and braking system overhaul
- All looks to be original and in good order inside the engine compartment
- No MOT advisories to report
- The vendor informs us that the engine has always started easily during their ownership, runs well and sounds fantastic
- The van is said to drive nicely, with no known issues besides a very slight whining noise the vendor believes may be coming from the front end
- We’re assured that the van goes through the gears well, accelerates smoothly and comes to a stop in a timely manner
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
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or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand..
