Highlights

Extensively restored, with an incredible array of exterior, interior and mechanical refurbishment
Comes equipped with an uprated 1641cc engine, and a 1303 Volkswagen Beetle straight axle
Offers a fantastic finish all round, worthy of any collection and sure to impress wherever it ventures
Proudly retains plenty of original Canterbury Pitt craftsmanship, and original woodwork

The Appeal

Hardly in need of an introduction, the Volkswagen T2 is without a doubt one of the most iconic classics money can buy, offering truly fantastic collection potential. As the platform presents an excellent base for campervans and further modification, there are of course a number of highly regarded conversion companies who specialise in the platform, including Canterbury Pitt. As part of the Canterbury Pitt conversion, the interior boasts some truly sublime craftsmanship, offering plenty of variations for living quarters, and storage.

This particular example also benefits from an incredibly thorough restoration, receiving a tremendous amount of interior, exterior and mechanical refurbishment. As a result, the vehicle stands in fantastic condition, arguably worthy of the finest of collections and shows.

With such an impressive condition, and plenty of welcome upgrades to show, this is certainly a superb choice for anyone on the search for their next adventure companion, weekend toy or collection centrepiece.

The History and Paperwork

First registered on the 1st of January 1965
Just four previous keepers, as noted in the original green logbook
Owned and treasured by the current keeper since 1995
Fully restored, with no stone left unturned
Includes an impressive folder of history and paperwork
MOT and Tax exempt due to historic vehicle status, but will be sold with a full year’s MOT for further peace of mind
Ready to be enjoyed by the lucky new owner

Originally registered on the 1st of January 1965, this T2 would be one of the first to be brought into the UK for its year. Upon its arrival in the UK, the vehicle was then sent to be converted at the Pitt factory, where it would receive the signature campervan conversion presented today.

Once converted, the vehicle would be enjoyed by its first registered keeper, spending its early years in Kent before relocating to Yorkshire in 1973. Throughout its five total keepers, the bus has since remained in Yorkshire, with previous ownership logged on the original green logbook, and the current V5C document.

After acquiring the vehicle in 1995 as somewhat of a project, the current keeper decided this campervan deserved a thorough restoration and got right to work. Throughout the vehicle’s impressive restoration journey, incredible attention to detail was paid to the interior, exterior, and mechanics, all of which received a tremendous amount of care, and expense.

Spanning over multiple years with a rather recent completion date, the restoration work can be observed through an impressive collection of invoices. These invoices detail everything from new rubber seals, to shot blasting work, new body panels, engine upgrades, and plenty more.

Included alongside the vast collection of invoices, are a few historic documents, photographs of the vehicle in its original state, the current V5C document, and a workshop manual.

The Interior

Retains plenty of the original Canterbury Pitt components, along with subtle upgrades, and refreshed upholstery
Offers an impressive array of layouts, and configuration flexibility
Comes equipped with plenty of amenities, including the original gas hob, and a fold-out sink
Features the pop-top roof, and signature contrasting canvas design
Presented in fantastic condition, with hardly any signs of age or wear to show

In true campervan fashion, this T2 boasts an incredibly flexible interior, reflecting Canterbury Pitt’s excellent craftsmanship, and ingenious layouts. With minimal hassle, you have options for front and rear-facing bench seating, an ‘L’ shaped corner seating arrangement, a bed for two, or even a hybrid of your choosing.

There are also abundant storage options on offer, with space underneath the benches, as well as overhead storage lockers, and expertly positioned cupboards. This Campervan does of course feature a pop-top, offering fantastic headroom, and access to a full-length canvas bunk bed. The pop-top features the contrasting canvas in keeping with the original design, as well as an original style orange perspex rooflight, and lifting mechanism.

The list of amenities doesn’t stop there, however, with the likes of a fold-out sink, and the original gas twin hob still to offer. The sink benefits from a Whale pumped water tap and piped waste, while the gas hob features both a push fitting for an external gas bottle, as well as a line routed directly to the original gas bottle location in the engine bay.

Up front, you’re greeted with a beautiful set of re-trimmed ⅓ and ⅔ seats, offering excellent comfort, and superb finishes. Flooring throughout the van is fitted with NoiseKiller sound deadening, as well as a Mad Matz carpet set. Facing forwards, you’ll notice an original steering wheel, a concealed Geek Shack USB twin charging socket, and a placeholder Blaupunkt radio to complete the look. The radio could quite easily be replaced with an updated head unit, or possibly repaired if desired.

In terms of condition, the interior of this T2 is very impressive, reflecting plenty of care and attention throughout the restoration process, even retaining the original Pitt carpentry. As the vehicle has covered such few miles since being freshly restored, you’ll certainly find very little to fault in this wonderfully retro interior.

The Exterior

Professionally resprayed in Turkis Green, and Blauweiss
Features powder-coated steel wheels, with stainless steel hub caps
Benefits from shotblasting, and new high quality panels
Offers a truly excellent appearance, with period correct styling cues
Features a UPOL Raptor coated underside, with excellent chassis health
Proudly displays a fantastic finish across the vehicle, and is sure to impress wherever it may venture

Originally white over Sea Blue, this beautiful campervan now sports a superb two-tone paint scheme of Tukis Green and Blauweiss. The bare metal respray was carried out as part of the restoration process, following shotblasting, and new high-quality panels from Alan Schofield/Autocraft Engineering.

Accompanying the retro paintwork, is a set of powder-coated steel wheels, complete with gleaming stainless steel hub caps and commercial/cargo rated tyres all around. The underside of the vehicle received the same attention to detail, benefitting from a highly durable coating of UPOL Raptor protection, and plenty of refreshed components.

As you would perhaps expect given the extent of the restoration, and with such few miles covered since its completion, the exterior offers a fantastic finish. Trim components offer excellent finishes all round, as do all four wheels, glass, lights, and of course, the paintwork. In fact, with only the most miniscule of blemishes to show, this campervan is sure to garner attention at any show, or campsite it may indeed visit.

The Mechanics

Equipped with a recondition 1641cc engine, and VW Beetle straight axle
Features Type 2 Detectives adjustable rear spring plates and front axle
Benefits from a thorough mechanical overhaul, including a new fuel tank, and brakes
Offers excellent performance, with no known faults to mention
Includes the original 1200cc engine, if desired

Thanks to the current keeper’s efforts, this campervan no longer sports the original 1200cc engine, instead boasting a reconditioned 1641cc engine, with a twin choke Weber carb. To accommodate the much-welcomed drivetrain upgrades, this T2 has also been fitted with a 1303 Volkswagen Beetle straight axle.

In addition to the upgraded engine, this bus also comes fitted with Type 2 Detectives adjustable rear spring plates, and an adjustable front axle. The combined result is a subtle yet elegant drop in ride height, very much befitting the retro nature of the vehicle, as well as slight handling improvements.

As part of the restoration process, this VW also received a new petrol tank, as well as new brake shoes, drums, cylinders, and lines. For peace of mind, the current keeper has also fitted a Blazecut fire extinguisher, which comes highly rated for its simplicity and effectiveness.

The vehicle has also been uprated to 12V electrics, and comes with a separate 240V electric hookup cable. The current keeper informs us that although this bus hasn’t yet been fitted with a leisure battery, a system could rather easily be retro-fitted by the new owner.

Buyers will be pleased to know that the vehicle fires up right away, and performs brilliantly across the gears. With such an extensive mechanical overhaul under its belt, and with an array of new components to show, it should come as no surprise that there are no known faults to note. It does however deserve to be noted, that the current keeper has retained the original 1200cc engine, which can be included with the sale if desired.

Summary

Very few classic vehicles are quite as iconic as the Volkswagen Campervan, and very few come close to its collection potential, and global enthusiasm. This particular Canterbury Pitt model is certainly a shining example of the platform, greatly benefiting from an incredibly thorough restoration, as well as an array of subtle upgrades, including the larger 1641cc engine.

If you’re in the market for a beautifully restored classic to steal the show and explore the roads, this 1965 Volkswagen T2 Splitscreen Canterbury Pitt Campervan is a superb candidate.

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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