1967 Volkswagen Transporter

With more than 21 million sold worldwide, the Volkswagen Type 1 (or “Beetle,” as it was nicknamed soon after its debut in 1939) would become the best-selling car of all time. Under the direction of the German government to build a “people’s car,” Dr. Ferdinand Porsche set about building prototypes in Stuttgart in the mid-1930s. Production started under British occupation in Germany before the end of 1945, with worldwide exports beginning in the early 1950s. Volkswagen, like other manufacturers, would continue to refine their car and develop variations of the original, but they would also share components throughout their models in order to increase production efficiency and profitability.

One of those variants, the iconic Volkswagen Transporter, first arrived in 1949. Competition was non-existent, as there was nothing like it on the market at that time. As it used standard Beetle components, it was at once familiar and easy to maintain and its parts were readily available. It quickly became popular as an efficient way to move people. The Transporter was dubbed the “Micro Bus,” and it would further evolve into other vehicles, including a pickup truck and cargo/ delivery van. Its combination of efficiency and practicality deemed it an instant hit with the “flower power” generation of the ’60s, and its boxy design made it the perfect canvas for peace signs, pop-art flowers, and psychedelic paint schemes.

The Micro Bus was powered by a 1, 500-cubic centimetre, overhead-valve, horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine that could produce an adequate 40 horsepower. It rode on a 94. 5-inch wheelbase, was suspended by a semi-elliptic leaf-spring suspension with shocks and coil springs, and had four-wheel drum brakes.

The Bus we have for sale is called Penguin. Penguin is an original German (Hannover) built RHD model. It was built in 1966 and first registered new in England in 1967. I purchased it in 2017 the previous owner very reluctantly sold it due to a divorce. He purchased the bus in 1996 and had it extensively restored with a catalogue of bills and photos to document the restoration.

It is a fully kitted out camper by Canary Pitt who added the cupboards, bed and pop top roof which houses two hammocks making it a four birth. There is a fridge powered by gas/ electricity via mains hook up and leisure battery. Two ring gas hob, heating powered by Gas and washing bowl sink with powered tap. Curtains over all windows for privacy and there are three lights. There is a radio/ MP3 player for entertainment. Between the two front seats there is a hidden safe.

Highlights:

* Reconditioned engine 1914cc long block, 94mm barrels
* Twin Delorto 40mm carbs
* Fabricated belly pan
* CSP Front discs
* Lowered sensibly for safe ride
* Refurbed gear box
* New clutch
* Refurbed roof rack
* Bodywork repairs
* Front and back bumper powder coating
* IRS conversion
* New heat exchangers (March 24)
* New stainless exhaust (March 24)

The bus has always been stored in a dry garage when not in use and I have covered about 30K miles, it has been serviced regularly and maintained to a high standard.

March 24 I have changed oil, oil filter, plug leads, new plugs, checked valve clearance, checked timing, balanced carbs, replaced exhaust to stainless system, replaced heat exchangers, polished alloys.

Remember this vehicle is classed as a classic by DVLA and therefore ULEZ and Road Tax Free!!

This is as close to a daily user Splitty you can get, totally compatible with current traffic and very comfortable cruising at motorway speeds. It has never let me down and is such an experience to drive.

This is a very reluctant sale due to divorce.