Highlights

Four-berth camper – Australian SOPRU conversion
Four three-point seatbelts and lap belt
Over £4k recently spent
New clutch, twin Webers and improved gear shift

The Appeal

There are always a few Volkswagen Type 2 camper vans to choose from on the market, but ‘Bruce’ is a little bit different.

Manufactured in 1975, he’s an Australian- manufactured bay window model, shipped out as a CKD kit and assembled in Clayton, Victoria, before being converted into a camper by Sopru – a well-known Australian camper conversion – in 1976.

Bruce left his homeland in 2016 and came to the UK to join a camper van rental fleet, where his current owners first met him. They enjoyed Bruce that much that they bought him from the rental company and have since enjoyed several family holidays and classic vehicle events with their Australian family member.

But time marches on, and now Bruce’s family has outgrown him, so it’s time for another crew to come along and make some memories. Whoever does will be glad they did, because they’ll be getting a brilliant little van – cleverly laid-out, more spacious than it appears and properly geared for family use including proper three-point rear seatbelts.

Mechanically and structurally, the van is spot-on and ready to enjoy, and the colour scheme is brilliantly Seventies.

It’s is a fantastic opportunity to buy a timeless, depreciation-proof classic that’s the perfect companion for family holidays, or for getting involved in the bustling classic air-cooled VW scene - an iconic vehicle in wonderful condition throughout.

The History and Paperwork

1975 van purchased by vendor in 2018
Imported from Australia in 2016
Sopru conversion – four-berth
UK V5C
MOT, tax and ULEZ exempt
Replacement 2.0-litre engine installed at some point
All old UK MOTs
Current advisory-free MOT valid until September 2024 despite being exempt
Odometer reading changed to miles in 2018
VW Heritage Certificate showing the van was exported to Australia in kit form in 1975 as a light grey Kombi
Coverted by Sopru in the former Nissan factory in Clayton, Vic, in 1975 and painted in Kalahari Tan – a Nissan Australia colour
Selection of bills and invoices from current ownership totalling over £7,000, with respected air-cooled specialists such as Way Out Westie and Type 2 Detectives, including invoices for Weber carb upgrades, a replacement clutch and upgraded short-throw gearbox

The Condition

Very smart-looking van in unusual colour, with oh-so-Seventies go-faster stripes
Some minor areas of bodywork now have minor rust blisters and very small marks which will benefit from attention sooner rather than later (see photos) but still presents brilliantly overall, with a great paint finish and deep shine
Original steel wheels with relatively fresh tyres
Looks superb underneath with no signs of any welding required in the future, recently rust-proofed for further protection
Cab steps and corners in good, solid condition
Pop-up roof
Four-berth
Van Wurks Sink and gas hob
Fire extinguisher
12v lighting
UK-compatible mains hook-up with three-pin sockets
Propex heater
Rock-and-roll bed with upper pop-up roof bed (ideal for children) – retrimmed in tan leatherette
High-back front seats retrimmed to match
Modern Alpine Bluetooth stereo with USB input and Pioneer speakers front and rear
Chrome three-spoke steering wheel with kangaroo centre boss
Designer "Cirkelblomma" curtains from Hus and Hem – double-sided, so the fabric is visible from outside and in, with complementing tie backs and incorporated blackout lining
Lovely order inside – clean, well-kept and comfortable
Two three-point rear belts and one lap belt

The Mechanics

Replacement 2000cc air-cooled engine fitted in Australia
Twin Weber carb conversion
Recent new clutch
VW Heritage short-shift gearbox conversion
Brakes overhauled with new calliper pistons
New Pertronix distributor
New leisure battery
Impeccably maintained by current owners with over £7k of invoices since 2018
All work done by regarded air-cooled VW specialists
According to the vendor the van drives very well indeed and is quite lively thanks to the twin Weber upgrade and short-shift gearbox

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 deposit. 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.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.

✓Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand.. If requested, we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected]