Very rare and desirable Californian Sundial Campers conversion
Older 2008 restoration by camper specialist Brookside Air Cooled
Later more powerful 1600cc engine fitted
Attractive colour combination with bodywork in good, solid condition
Original Sundial Campers conversion interior
Covered just 5,000 miles since completion of restoration in 2008
Original German-built Panel Van
The Appeal
The Volkswagen Beetle was hugely influential, putting wheels beneath millions of people who could otherwise not afford a car. But perhaps one of its greatest legacies is on the world of commercial vans. In 1950 VW spun a forward control van out of the Beetle’s ‘body on chassis’ running gear, in the process revolutionising the small commercial vehicle market around the world.
The erstwhile ‘Type 2’ remained in production through seven decades until 2013. There were innumerable versions and a mid-period revamp, but it is the early ‘Splittie’ models like this one that are most sought after.
This 1964 model started life as a ‘double door’ ‘Transporter’ Panel Van. Early in its life, likely in 1965 according to plaques on the vehicle, it went to EZ Campers in California, which converted Type 2 vans under the Sundial brand.
These high-quality conversions are now very sought after. Most were single door models, which makes this ‘double door’ example particularly rare and desirable.
The van was imported to the UK and restored in 2008 by Brookside Air Cooled, a Midlands-based VW camper workshop. The Seller bought it in June 2021and imported it from the UK to Ireland, intending to road register and use it. The VAT and Customs Import Charges were paid by the Seller but the VRT and Nox charges were not. It has covered just 19 miles during his ownership.
We understand that Republic of Ireland buyers would need to pay the VRT, the ‘nox’ fee and any late registration fees applicable from 30 days after the vehicle entered the country. These late fees are typically 0.1% of the current market value price per day. For UK buyers, these fees do not apply: the Seller has contacted the DVLA who advise that once import duties are paid the van could be reused on UK roads.
An attractive, rare Split Screen camper with interesting history, this van is very original and very presentable. It can be used ‘as is’ or there is scope for improvement. The VW camper van scene is vibrant and welcoming, much like this van, which would fit right in. It looks ready for summer beach trips and classic shows.
The History And Paperwork
UK log book included
VAT and import duties paid in Republic of Ireland but VRT, NOX and late payment fees may apply to Republic of Ireland buyers
First registered on 27th December 1964
Retrospectively known as a ‘Type 1’ van
Old invoices for mechanical work from 2017 and 2018
Paperwork confirming 2008 restoration by Brookside Air Cooled
First registered in the UK on 12th June 2006
Plaques dated 1965 for Sundial conversion and registration for use in California
VIN first three numbers ‘215’ indicate that this van left the factory as a Panel Van
The Interior
Original Sundial conversion with all features and fittings, including tap
Modern UK electrics fitted including underbody hook up connector
Original radio and aftermarket 8-track player fitted
Plyboard roof and door trims
Blue vinyl seats match colour and style of the originals
Fridge and cabinet top gas cooker
Rear facing seats above engine
Front face and rear facing cabin seats
Sundial Campers were a particularly good quality and ingenious conversion of the distinctive split-screen VW van. The rare ‘double door’ conversion of this van adds useful practicality, adds a sense of spaciousness and makes accessing the interior much easier.
This van apparently had just one owner from 1965 to 2008, when it was imported to the UK by Brookside Air Cooled. This may explain why the original Sundial fittings are complete and in generally good, albeit aged condition. The layout is cleverly organised with useful space for cooking, plenty of storage space and lots of seating.
There are obvious marks and signs of wear around the interior, including the fittings and the metalwork, but it is presentable and has a period charm. The Seller has not used the appliances – fridge, cooker and audio systems – so we could not confirm whether they work. The electrics appear to have been converted and upgraded during the 2008 restoration as there is a modern fuse box and underbody hook up connection.
There are numerous seats throughout the vehicle, some of which appear to have original trim, others appear to have been recovered. All are finished in what we are told was the original light blue colour and which match the Formica top of the folding table. The rear seat over the engine doubles as a bed.
The rubber mats are period correct and the plyboard trim on the doors and under the dashboard likewise. The panelled headlining is believed to be original as it matches the units. The ply board in the front of the cabin appears to be newer than the rest of the interior so may have been replaced during the restoration.
There is scope for improvement in the interior, but its originality and patina are part of this lovely van’s charm.
The Exterior
Original cream over yellow USA colour scheme
Restored in 2008 by specialist camper van restorer
Versatile ‘double door’ Panel Van
Original, unmolested exterior with Sundial modifications
Stylish domed chrome 14inch wheels in very good condition
Original California number plates included in sale
This van was imported from California by VW camper restoration specialists Brookside Air Cooled in 2008. They focussed on originality, retaining the patina’d Sundial interior and restoring the bodywork to the same cream over yellow finish. It is likely that this two-tone paintwork was applied by Sundial during the conversion because the inside of the fuel flap, fuel filler area and dashboard are still white.
We understand that the van was in very good condition when it was imported, thanks certainly to living in a dry climate. The restoration was clearly completed to a high standard and has held up well. This may be in part down to the van covering just 5,000 miles in the 15 years since.
The bodywork is in generally very good condition, with good panel alignment. The front doors do stick out slightly so may benefit from adjustment. The window and door rubbers were all replaced during the restoration.
There are a few signs of deterioration that the buyer may wish to attend to before they take hold. There are a small number of chips around the vehicle, including on the bodywork behind the driver’s door, on the driver’s door edge and on the edge of both offside wheel arches. Both bumpers are in good condition, albeit with some shallow dents.
The very early stages of corrosion are beginning to appear on the edges of both bumpers and the edge of both offside wheel arches. It is also visible on the sill below the nearside front door. Paint is also beginning to peel on the sills. These issues would likely be inexpensive repairs if caught now and would secure the future of this pretty van for years to come.
The underside is in very good condition, albeit with the underseal beginning to fray in places. Again, resealing the underside might be a wise investment for the buyer.
The external chrome is in generally very good condition, just some light pitting perhaps to be expected of a van of this age. The side window louvres are beginning to delaminate on the edges and one has a crack in it.
The attractive, original domed chrome wheel trims and painted rims are in very good condition.
The MOT ran out in May 2022. The Seller, who bought the van in June 2021, tells us that it has been dry stored since he bought it, covering just 19 miles. There were two minor advisories on the last MOT, one of a slight oil leak and one for a corroded brake pipe.
A quality 'Just Kampers' cover is included in the sale.
The Mechanics
1600cc air cooled engine from post-67 Type 2 model
4spd manual gearbox
Invoices for brake work and servicing from 2017 and 2019
Faulty fuel gauge
Unused and dry stored since June 2021
Last serviced in June 2020 according to the Seller
This 1964 van would have left the factory with a 1500cc air cooled flat four engine. We are told – and the V5 confirms – that it is fitted with a 1600cc engine. These engines were fitted to later post-67 Brazilian-built Type 2s. Drive is via a standard VW Type 2 four speed manual gearbox.
The flat four engine is particularly durable and simple, generally proving reliable if maintained and serviced regularly.
There are invoices in the history file for brake work and servicing in 2017 and 2019 but otherwise unfortunately there is little history. We understand that it was last serviced in 2020. The MOT history indicates very limited use since the restoration – just 5,000 miles – and it has covered just 19 miles since the Seller bought it in June 2021.
The buyer may therefore wish to factor in servicing and a general check over of the vehicle due to its limited recent use and dry storage.
Summary
The Type 2 VW camper is one of the most recognisable – and best loved – camper vans of all time. It speak of innocent, joyful days with friends and family. Early split screen models like this one are the most desirable and give access to an engaged network of enthusiastic owners, clubs and specialists.
This very presentable, very original 1964 camper has a desirable and rare ‘double door’ Sundial conversion and looks the part with its cream over yellow colour scheme. The original interior adds charm and patina. It has been unused during the last 18 months and there are some jobs that would be worth attending to, but otherwise it looks very ready to brighten a new owner’s life.
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.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
