Description
For sale: 1959 RHD Volkswagen Splitscreen Devon Caravette
‘A beautifully original time capsule, the prized possession of Bob, our Boss’
First registered on 19th August 1959, this beautiful Splitscreen camper left the factory and headed to the Devon conversion company, where skilled craftsmen created the Caravette interior. Built in an era when camper furniture was crafted with pride, it still features its charming curved cabinet, matching seating, and original red Formica surfaces. From the tabletops to the door-mounted shelf, bulkhead unit, and hob table, all are still in matching finish – a rarity in a camper this original.
This bus has a wonderful story. Chris, the second owner, bought it 37 years ago from Albert Philips for just £450. At the time, funds were tight, but Chris promised Albert he would look after it and return one day to show him the results. A year later, to the day, Chris arrived back at Albert’s house in the freshly revived camper – a moment captured in one of the historical photos included.
Over the years, this Splitscreen became part of Chris’s life – the band tour bus in his youth, the vehicle for courting, marriage, and countless family holidays. Around 10 years ago, it was fully restored to a very nice standard, finished in VW Seagull Grey over Mango Green. The result is a bus that looks perfectly aged, with a lovely patina rather than a just-painted feel.
As a ’59 model, it features semaphore indicators and is powered by its 1200cc engine, happily pootling along as it should. Displaying 10, 981 miles, non-verified. The cab retains its original bench seat in caramel vinyl with matching door cards, the seams just gently gaping on the driver’s side – period charm at its best. In the rear, original red fabric upholstery sets the tone, alongside the original fold-down cabinet with gas hob still mounted on the door, ready to brew a cuppa.
This is a genuine, quality RHD Splitscreen camper with a remarkable degree of originality – the sort of special example that rarely comes to market. This is a prized possession of Bob, the owner of Resto Haus and he always intended on keeping it forever. We are reluctantly marketing it for him, due to further business expansion.
- details above
On the market for £40, 000
Based in North Devon, UK, and overseas delivery available, with high-quality walkaround videos on request. Thank you for reading.
