Highlights
- Comprehensive conversion by McLaren specialist engineer
- Three owners from new
- MOT to December 2022
- One of only nine in existence
- VW service history
- No VAT to pay
The Appeal
Transporters have been popular, both as a utility/cargo vehicle, as transport or as a base for camper conversions since the 1940s. In fact, if you say the word “camper” to someone, it’s almost certain that it’s a Transporter they will imagine.
While the older models have their own charm, newer models like this are far more practical, both as daily transport and as a camping base. With excellent drivetrains, lots of room and a host of companies providing all manner of bespoke solutions, it’s no wonder they remain a popular and sought-after machine.
This particular vehicle is very rare - one of only a handful of camper conversions completed by a McLaren specialist engineer, and finished to a very high standard. With some choice upgrades, many bespoke elements and a fine service history, this camper pretty much sells itself.
Prefect for car or bike track days, cycling tours or any other such leisure pursuits with family and friends.
Prefect for car or bike track days, cycling tours or any other such leisure pursuits with family and friends.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered in April 2016
- Camper conversion carried out in 2019
- Current owner since 2020
- 3 owners from new
- MOT to 19th December 2022
- VW service history
- Only used by current owner to tow a Caterham twice a month for track days
- Now surplus to requirements
The Interior
- Bespoke Dove Grey / White upholstery
- Textured diamond-stitched seats with embroidered VW logos
- High specification cabinetry and white goods
- Multiple electrical outlets
- Pop-top, giving 4-berth layout
- Parking sensors
- Fridge, sink and two-ring gas hob
Featuring a subtle and beautifully finished interior, this Transporter has a truly lovely cabin. You can see the attention to detail and care that has gone into the conversion in areas that usually get ignored. For instance, the A-pillars and underside of the dashboard have been trimmed in soft, grey alcantara. The seats feature bespoke embroidery, contrast inlays and piping, and diamond-stitched panels. It’s very handsome indeed and the quality is evident.
At the front, there is a media centre with radio, aux input, USB slot, CD player and hands-free phone connection. The twin passenger seat is also a reversible “Captain’s Chair”, so it can flip to allow it to be used as extra cabin seating. Along with the rear compartment seats, smart kitchenette, lots of storage, flexible table layout and four berths, it makes the vehicle a luxurious and very practical camping machine.
Internally, the camper presents in excellent condition. You can really tell that it’s seen very little use since the conversion. There is no wear and tear or damage to mention, even on the driving controls and instrumentation, and the vendor tells us that everything works precisely as it should.
The Exterior
- White paintwork with black trim
- Removable tow bar
- Black 18” Sportline 5-spoke alloys
- White pop-top roof with grey contrast fabric
Externally, not too many changes were made for the camper conversion. It features tinted side and rear windows, with smart black trim and graphics that, along with the wheels, offer a great contrast to the bright white paintwork. The wheels themselves are shod in matching Alventi Zeta tyres, which look to have lots of tread on them and are in good condition.
Overall the exterior is in excellent condition. There are one or two minor blemishes, but they are very minor. And there is no corrosion or damage evident that we could see. The owner assures us that the vehicle has been kept very well, that overall the paint is in a very good state, and that even the underside of the camper is very clean, neat and corrosion free.
The Mechanics
- 1,968cc Turbo Diesel 4-cylinder
- Remapped to 180bhp by Votex, Cheshire
- 5-speed manual transmission
- Timing belt changed @ 75,526 miles / December 2020
- New clutch and gearbox in 2019
- Air suspension
VW’s 2-litre TDI engines are renowned for their reliability and performance. Offering healthy torque figures from very low in the rev-range, it makes this Transporter an easy and tractable machine to drive. The fact that it has been remapped to 180bhp makes it even more practical, offering easy motorway cruising and plenty of power for towing or when fully-laden.
This powerplant is matched to a 5-speed manual, which was renewed along with the clutch in 2019. When you add in the recent timing belt change and full service history it makes for a very well maintained and mechanically sorted camper. Certainly, we’d have absolute confidence in taking this lovely machine on pretty much any length of journey.
During the conversion, air suspension was also added. This means that, even when loaded or towing, this Transporter stays level and offers predictable handling characteristics. It also means that, when camping, you can drop it down to aid ingress/egress. It’s controlled from a panel in the driver’s door, which makes it very simple to operate.
In regards to how the vehicle drives, the owner says it’s “better than new”, thanks to the remap, air suspension and various other works carried out.
Summary
There are many Transporter camper conversions on the market, but few are executed as successfully, with such luxurious appointments, and so carefully crafted as this one. As one of just nine completed by the specialist engineer who made it, it’s a very exclusive machine.
With some brilliant and practical mechanical upgrades, including the remap and air suspension, a complete service history and maintenance record, and a very modern and smart design, this camper is sure to become someone’s pride and joy. It’s a beautiful and carefully considered machine that should provide many hours of happy camping and exploration memories for its new owners.
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