Highlights
- Working Devon Moonraker pop top roof
- Great interior with rock and roll bed and cooking facilities
- Good mechanical order
- Ideal useable summer project
The Appeal
After the untold successes of the original “split screen” VW van, Volkswagen introduced the all new T2, more commonly known as the “bay window”. Distinctly lacking in the split windscreen, the bay window T2, boasted a completely redesigned larger body, a slightly more powerful engine, a sliding side door as standard and a change to 12 volt electrics. Early versions of the bay window were codenamed the T2a, with the slightly revised versions built post 1971 such as the example we see here, sporting the code name T2b.
A sight iconic around the world, quite possibly, one of the most recognisable automobiles in history, the Volkswagen Type 2 is truly the physical form of the phrase cult classic. The simplistic design and no nonsense rear mounted air cooled engine shot the VWs into popularity in all forms, with all sorts of vans, pickups and service vehicles rolling out of the Wolfsburg factory.
What we have here is a rather excellent opportunity to acquire a great T2 camper in need of some cosmetic recommissioning. Ideal for someone who wishes to use the van for camping in the interim, this wonderful T2 is in wonderful mechanical order and sports a brilliant clean and usable interior so there will be no waiting to use this outstanding piece of automotive history while any work is undertaken.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered 12/10/1978
- Purchased by current owner circa 2014 who then had interior recommissioned/refitted
- Accompanied by correct V5 registration document
- Both MOT and Tax exempt due to historic status
The Interior
- Refitted interior
- Working cooking facilities
- 12v power connector
- Good quality upholstery
Now, we get to the party piece of any camper van, the interior. Opening the sliding door reveals a smart revamped cabin, recommissioned under its current ownership with the brief, to restore the original styling blended with more modern and contemporary colours.
With the term versatility coming to mind, the cabin of the T2 can be rearranged into various forms to provide more or less seating and space at the request of the user. We find a well upholstered bench seat that can fold into a “rock and roll” style bed within the rear storage section and in addition to the bench seat, a rear facing fold out seat in matching brown upholstery can be unlatched to provide more seating.
Against the back wall of the cabin, sits a smart selection of fitted cabinets and the VW’s kitchen section, where we are presented with the campers’ original cooking facilities, which the new interior was fitted around. Focusing back toward the rear storage area, we find yet more bespoke cabinetry, all of which presents in great order and provides any user with what seems like near endless interior storage. Also stowed away in the rear of the van is a tent style awning which the current owner states will accompany the van upon its sale.
At the front end sit two smart seats for the driver and passenger, both upholstered in a matching brown fabric and present in great order. The large, minimalistic dash piece and wonderful black rimmed steering wheel are of an equally good quality.
Those familiar with the model, will notice that, as indicated by the roof , this isn’t just a standard VW camper van, the raised roofline seen from the outside is of course due to the marvellous Devon Moonraker pop top installed on the van. Able to be opened by just one person with ease, the pop top thoroughly boosts the interior space and sleeping capacity of the VW, it presents in good order on both the inside and the outside and is a wonderful feature to have on any camper.
The Exterior
- Externally mounted full size spare wheel
- Sliding door
- Good glasswork
- Replacement door fitted
- Perfect for a light summer project
Is there a more instantly recognizable shape than the Volkswagen T2? The simplistic design stands out wherever it may be, especially when sporting an incredibly bold two tone paint job like this one. Arguably one of the finest colour choices for these vans, the brilliant bright orange hue complements the van’s simplistic lines and revitalised interior colours down to a tee.
Whilst presenting in generally good order, the exterior of this particular camper could ideally benefit from some restoration work to bring it up to the standard the rest of the van presents in. There are various visible blemishes and patches of surface rust to be seen upon inspection of the body panels and at the side, a replacement door has been fitted to replace the rusted original and thus a respray would be an ideal route to take the van. Thanks to its marvellous interior and solid mechanicals, the bodywork could potentially be completed whilst the van is still in use, making it an ideal project for the upcoming summer months.
At ground level we find the van sitting on four good steel wheels with smart VW chrome hubcaps, and at the front, a full size spare has been fitted to the van with a cover. Front and rear are a set of white painted factory rounded bumpers, both presenting in good order.
The Mechanics
- Great mechanical order
- Iconic aircooled engine
- Replacement steering box
Of course an equally iconic feature of the T2 is housed in the rear, the truly wondrous air cooled engine. Famed for its simplicity and ease of maintenance the 1600 4 cylinder is something of a mechanical marvel and a large factor in the popularity of the VW T2s.
Presenting in great clean order, and maintained to a high standard throughout its lifetime, comes as no shock to report that the VW fires into life with absolute ease, settling into a comfortable idle, the iconic aircooled engine note rumbling from the rear exhaust.
The current owner reports a great drive from the mighty VW and speaks of many great family holidays around down to the south coast in the van. Something the camper will hopefully see a great deal more of in its near future. The van is reported to stop well and change through the gears in its 4 speed manual transmission effortlessly.
In its recent lifetime, the van has been treated to a selection of new suspension components, new track rod ends and a replacement steering box.
Summary
Day by day these VW campers become more and more sought after. It is becoming all the more difficult to find good quality examples, and therefore it is a welcome sight to see this wonderful T2 come up for auction.
Boasting a wonderful retrimmed interior, Devon Moonraker pop top roof and great solid mechanicals, this T2 is an ideal summer project that is primed and ready for its next adventure.
Boasting a wonderful retrimmed interior, Devon Moonraker pop top roof and great solid mechanicals, this T2 is an ideal summer project that is primed and ready for its next adventure.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
