Description
Selling my much-loved early bay window van. Imported as a Microbus from California in 2011 and converted to a camper when I bought in 2016. I am the second UK owner. The van has been kept MOT'd (although it is exempt), and there is a full history file of work completed since import, with the work carried out by air-cooled specialists.
The 1776cc engine pulls hard and deals with hills much better than the standard 1600, and with the twin-pipe exhaust sounds amazing, especially pulling uphill in third gear. Gearbox is smooth through all the gears. Chassis is solid and panels are mostly straight and free from dents though there is some rust in places.
This has been a very reliable van and you would have to go some way to find another that drives as well. I bought the van to tour Europe and it covered 8000km to Bosnia and back with just one breakdown, a starter motor replacement in Berlin. Being left hand drive it would be ideal for someone else wanting to tour Europe and is ready to go. Equally, being as reliable as it is and with the upgraded engine, it is the perfect van for someone to finish cosmetically with the paint job or wheels of their choice.
- New 1776 Heritage engine fitted in 2018 with twin Weber ICT 34 carbs. Engine features performance camshaft and big-valve heads, lightweight flywheel, oil pump, oil filter and oil cooler, 12v alternator and new clutch. 10, 800 miles driven since engine was installed
- Vintage Speed stainless steel twin-pipe exhaust with EMPI heat exchangers
- Runs slightly lowered, 25mm at front, 20mm at rear. Standard steel wheels and 4 good standard sized tyres
- Butty's Bits throttle cable kit
- EMPI trigger shifter
- Reconditioned steering box fitted in 2021
- 12v leisure electrics with battery, solar panel with MPPV controller, USB sockets, LED lights, 12v Vitrifrigo fridge. 240v hook-up with battery charger, 2x 240v sockets
- Two ring gas hob (plumbed with CampingGaz regulator, cylinder not included)
- Propex gas heater
- 3/ 4 rock'n'roll bed
- Trimmed with brown vinyl door cards, brown leather seat facings and white headlining. Billet aluminium window winders and door pulls and wooden trim. Made to measure pop-on/ off curtains
- Space Roofs straight lifting roof
- Bespoke interior with lots of storage. Lockage cubby box between front seats
- Pioneer CD receiver with USB input, front and rear speakers (runs off leisure battery)
- FireBoy engine bay extinguisher
- Vodafone tracking
- New starting battery
- 92836 miles. Will continue to use for short distances until sold, so mileage will slightly increase
- Full history file since 2011
- Two sets of keys on VW blanks, plus 2 extra door and starting keys
- Box of common/ emergency spares, security wheel clamp, breathable cover and Fiamma 2 bike rack included
- MOT till March 2026 with no advisories
It's a well loved van, so depsite continued care, there are some imperfections, mostly cosmetic and which do not impact the good running of the van:
- The van was resprayed before being imported to non-original white with blue belt, (I think the original colour is L282 (42) Lotus White) and is now looking tired
- There is some surface rust and bubbling to edges of doors and some panels. Battery tray and part of the floor needs fixing
- Rear quarter light window frames are rusted and seized
- Leather seat facings are wearing and cab mats are worn
