∙Fully furnished with its original ‘Bilbo's' fittings
∙Solid chassis
∙Reconditioned engine
∙Ideal for the staycations

The T25 offers an affordable compromise for those looking for a classic van without the lethargic performance of the older air-cooled models. These later water-cooled versions are superior for running refinement and fuel economy and are a lot easier to drive in modern traffic. However, what it does share with its illustrious older sisters is the characteristic driving experience. This 1986 example has been subject to a camper van conversion by reputable converters Bilbo’s, who still trade as converters. Originally  specified with the 1.6 diesel engine, this T25 has all the right ingredients, it just needs someone to take the time to prepare and decorate. 

The owner told us that he can’t help but smile when he drives it and it often creates goodwill among work colleagues and strangers when he turns up in it.  As a fan of the open road, the owner bought the van last year to explore the country as the lockdown eased off. He specifically looked for one that had been already converted by an established converter, rather than chance it with a DIY version. The previous owner, who had nicknamed in ‘Peppermint Paddy’ had kept on top of any mechanical issues and made sure that it ran and drove as good as possible. However, even the best-intended plans go awry and unfortunately, as he was driving back from a 700 mile round trip from Cornwall, it suffered from a catastrophic engine failure. Faced with the unenviable decision on what to do next, he decided he didn’t have the heart to dispose of ‘Peppermint’ and instructed a mechanic to fit a similar reconditioned 1.6 diesel engine. This was installed in September 2020 and the intention was to continue to use it as his daily but following the news that the low emissions zone covers his area, he’s come to the painful decision to part with the van. His eventual plan would be to seek a T4 camper.

The focus of the recent costs revolve around the recently reconditioned engine, which also covers a new timing belt and tensioner, full clutch kit, water pump, radiator and vacuum components. This came to a total of around £5K. Prior to the current owner's attention, the van had seen regular maintenance, with around £2K’s worth of receipts in the last few years to back this up. It also comes with a stack of previous MOT's but will need a new one for the coming year.

The driver's cabin is in generally good condition, with the dashboard showing some signs of age, but is complete without cracks or any significant damage. The dials and controls display typical VW durability and all gauges and lights are said to be functional. The VW also comes with a face-off stereo FM/CD player, with front door-mounted speakers. The carpeted door cards are generally good, with wear evident on the driver's side. The steering wheel and gear stick is in line with the age of the van, but have worn the years relatively well with no major signs of damage. The front passenger headlining is generally good, with a couple of minor blemishes and the rubber floor mat is in good condition. Both front seats would benefit from fabric renewal, the vinyl on the driver's seat bench is starting to perish, with a fairly advanced amount of damage on the passenger seat. 

The rear section is the camper areas and much of the interior retains its original Bilbo’s fittings, which include the original curtain material, interior lights and specific furniture. Among the original conversion includes a rock n roll bed that can accommodate 2 people, loads of storage areas, a sink, fridge, electric hook-up via a separate 12V battery and gas-powered cooker and grill. The elevated section also allows space for two additional people in the high top roof. Everything is said to be functional, including the electrics, water and gas operations. The fabrics are untorn, and the fittings are in generally good condition but would benefit from a light level of renovation and a clean. The interior is said not to have any water ingress and the cubby hole contents, which include baked beans and tea, are subject to negotiation with the sale!

The body is in comparatively dent free condition, with no evidence of poor panel fits and all of the doors open and close freely with no issues. The attractive topaz green over white colour appears to be mostly original, but as expected would certainly benefit from a repaint. It is flat in places but retains a reasonable lustre. There are typical signs of wear and tear with a handful of light scratches on some of the surfaces. 

As a post-1986 model, it benefits from VW’s revised rust treatment process but there is no hiding what the pictures reveal, with a liberal amount of surface corrosion evident. The most notable panels that would require replacement are the front valance, and both front steps, however, while they were flagged up as advisories in past MOTS, they are not structural risks. The surface corrosion is evident in the usual areas common on the T25, with scattered bubbling on other panels. The chassis structure is good and the floor pan is solid. There have obviously been welding patches applied to the lower sections of the body over the years, including both front jacking points so worth considering should the new owner consider renewing the metalwork. The rear engine compartment, front and sliding doors are in good condition. The top camper fibreglass section has typical tell-tale ageing signs but is largely solid with no significant cracks or scrapes. 

The glass is in good condition, with the appropriate amount of expected wear but is free from cracks, chips and scratches. The rear compartments and windscreen rubber are in generally good condition, although the front door rubber trim would benefit from renewal. The trim is complete, with typical signs of ageing. The plastic items such as the grill and plastic lenses are good. The bumpers have surface corrosion and would benefit from an overhaul.

The tyres are mixed brands but show plenty of life with well above legal thread. They’re likely to be older than 15 years old but do not show significant signs of deterioration. The steel wheels and silver-painted wheel trims are in presentable condition with no signs of kerb damage.

This is where this VW really shines, during a short road test there were no notable knocks or grinding coming from the suspension or steering. The recently installed reconditioned 1.6 diesel engine started up with no issues, slightly agricultural in terms of noise in the first few minutes of driving, but this should be expected for an engine of this era. Once it settled down, the engine did not emit smoke and the temperature got up to the optimum temperature with no signs of overheating. The engine has not even covered 200 miles since its installation and therefore should not represent any issues. The exhaust system is in good condition, with the electrics ancillaries and cooling pipework in full working order. The van has been subject to a new clutch and radiator too.

VW vans have a distinct advantage when it comes to collectability and this example with a sound foundation and reconditioned engine could be ideal for someone looking for a project to bring up to scratch. As VW Camper van stock continues to rise with each passing year, the T25 has become something of a desirable commodity. Examples of restored vans with Camper van conversions are always in demand, so something like this structurally sound and complete van with a recently fitted reconditioned engine represents something of a bargain. Immensely practical and fun to own, the T25 could be perfect for the current incentives for staycations. It is ready to run, but ideally, this Camper could be an ideal project to get ready for the summer.

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