Highlights

Rare and versatile Devon ‘Double Top’ full-length elevating roof
Advisory-free MOT until October 2025
18,276 miles indicated and supported by the MOT/service history
Over £1,000 spent installing a modern cabin heater and fitting new heat exchangers
Highly-equipped camping interior
Awning, tables and various other camping accessories included in the sale

The Appeal

Volkswagen’s Type 2 vans proved immensely popular in the UK, where a great many were transformed into campervans by the likes of Martin Walter Dormobile and Devon Conversions.

This well-preserved 1976 Microbus, affectionately dubbed ‘Dolly’, was supplied new to the UK in right-hand drive and features a Devon elevating roof. Eagle-eyed VW enthusiasts will note that this is the so-called ‘Double Top’ roof, introduced for the 1979 model year - suggesting this conversion may have been carried out when the van was few years old.

While exempt from road tax and MOT, the vendor has spent several thousands of pounds getting this Type 2 to a roadworthy standard, passing MOT on 29th October 2024 with no advisories. It comes with a well-equipped camper interior which also has a modern cabin heater fitted. Included in the sale is an awning, wheel chocks, a folding table, mats, gas bottles and various other camping accessories as well as an outdoor cover.

In spite of their age, these vans are quite well-suited to motorway cruising, proving quiet, comfortable and settled at speed while this example is further enhanced by its well-regarded ‘Pancake’ engine in 1.7-litre form. The vendor notes that this one drives well following all the recent work, which you can read about in the numerous invoices photographed below.

The History and Paperwork

UK market RHD example
MOT until 28th October 2025
Exempt from road tax and MOT
18,276 miles indicated
When the vendor acquired the van, the previous owner believed the mileage to be accurate, based upon the servicing and MOT records
While the vendor is unable to confirm whether the mileage is indeed correct, it certainly matches the known history
UK V5C present
Recent £2,200 invoice for service and pre-MOT work including some welding and braking system refurbishment
Numerous older invoices for parts, work and servicing

The Condition

Finished in orange to a good standard
The paintwork is bright, glossy and presents well overall
Some bubbling and other signs of corrosion to the lower bodywork and doors, but this appears mostly superficial and there are no MOT advisories
The van looks quite straight down both sides and the doors appear to fit well
Smart steel wheels with Wolfsburg crest chrome hubcaps on the front wheels and VW items on the rears
Devon ‘Double Top’ elevating roof in good working order with original pattern canvas which also appears in good shape
Both bumpers appear in good shape
All presents well underneath following recent work and underseal
Camping interior in fair overall condition with some signs of wear
Upgraded front seats with head rests
The cabinetry and upholstery are in usable condition
Equipped with a gas stove and sink and various other amenities
Modern heating unit fitted professionally during previous ownership at a cost of over £1,000
The dashboard, controls and instrumentation present well

The Mechanics

1.7-litre ‘Pancake’ air-cooled flat-four petrol engine
Four-speed manual gearbox
New heat exchangers fitted during previous ownership
Recent service and braking system overhaul
All looks to be original and in good order inside the engine compartment
No MOT advisories to report
The vendor informs us that the engine has always started easily during their ownership, runs well and sounds fantastic
The van is said to drive nicely, with no known issues besides a very slight whining noise the vendor believes may be coming from the front end
We’re assured that the van goes through the gears well, accelerates smoothly and comes to a stop in a timely manner

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 fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

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