Highlights

Rare ambulance variant of the Volkswagen Combi, manufactured in its final year of split-window production
Restored in 2021; dismantled, sanded, primed and repainted, reportedly with no filler used
The vendor states the replacement factory-original engine has covered approximately 100 kilometres
Matching serial numbers confirmed, we are told
Described by the vendor as having very few previous registered keepers

The Appeal

The 1967 Volkswagen T1 marks the final production year of the first-generation split-window Transporter, and the only year to feature a 12-volt electrical system. The ambulance variant, purpose-built for emergency service, is among the most collectible configurations of the model, though like this example, many have been retired from medical use, and converted to suit other purposes.

This T1 was restored in 2021, during which it was dismantled, sanded, primed and repainted in its original interior colour by a professional body shop, with all bodywork carried out in sheet metal and reportedly with no filler used. The vendor reports that prior to this work, the vehicle had always been kept in dry conditions and had required very little attention to the bodywork. The rear cabin has since been converted with a custom fold-out sofa bed, solar panel, leisure battery, compressor fridge and a small mobile kitchen.

The vendor states that the replacement engine is a factory-original unit that was never put into service; it has reportedly covered around 100 kilometres. Play in the steering and a tracking issue are noted, the contrôle technique has expired, and the general condition of the chassis and modifications do not allow inspection of part of the front right, right side and rear-right chassis. Nonetheless, with its rare ambulance provenance, reported matching serial numbers and recent restoration, this Combi is well worth closer inspection.

History and Paperwork

Registered in 1967 as a Volkswagen Combi ambulance
Described by the vendor as having very few previous registered keepers
Purchased in 1998 in Lausanne at the 'garage populaire'
Matching serial numbers confirmed, we are told
Carte grise present, along with some recent invoices
Contrôle technique expired in July 2024
The odometer shows 6,025 kilometres; it is recorded as having gone around the clock or been replaced, and the reading is not believed to be accurate

The Condition

Prior to restoration, the vendor states the vehicle had always been kept in dry conditions and had required very little bodywork attention
Cabin is in original condition with three seats; no seatbelts fitted
Rear cabin retains its original headliner; grey panels have been redone
Custom-made fold-out sofa bed installed in the rear cabin
Solar panel fitted, connected to a leisure battery powering interior electronic sockets and a compressor fridge
The vendor describes the compressor fridge as in new condition
Sold with a small mobile kitchen
General condition of the chassis and modifications do not allow inspection of part of the front right, right side and rear-right chassis

The Mechanics

1.6-litre air-cooled flat-four
Four-speed manual
The vendor states the replacement engine is a factory-original unit that was never used, with approximately 100 kilometres covered
The vendor reports the engine starts on the first turn of the key and describes it as having no mechanical problems to date
Play in the steering and a tracking issue reported

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