Description
This is my split screen highroof which I purchased in Sweden in 2004. In my ownership it has been a camper for family holidays, transporter of children, occasional removal van, summer runaround, remote working accommodation, extra bedroom and treasured possession. We named her Pearl after the L87 paint code of pearl white.
Prior to my ownership it was owned for 10 years and also used as an occasional camper, and reportedly had two previous owners that had used it similarly. The birth certificate lists the country of destination as ‘Europe Tourists’ so I suspect that the original purchaser collected it at the factory and that it was never used as a commercial vehicle.
I believe it would have been delivered without side windows as there is evidence that the reinforcing doublers were cut to let windows in early in its life. I fitted two pop outs around 20 years ago. It also had an Eberspacher heater fitted which was not operational which I replaced with a Propex heat source 2000 in 2006. I still have the Eberspacher to go with if desired.
I purchased Pearl with a 1600 twinport fitted and the original single port H engine on a pallet which the seller believed had been removed in the mid 70s. The single port was rebuild around 10 years ago to 1641cc and a hybrid manifold and pict 34 carb setup. I have the original manifold but not the 31 carb. I have a letter from Stiftung AutoMuseum confirming that the numbers match.
Over the years it has had most items addressed. I had interior panels made in 2005, and made some interior furniture items to go with the rock and roll bed as shown. Rear seat belts were also fitted. A leisure battery and 240 volt hookup in the engine bay were also added. In 2006 I had a light restoration and respray completed with minimal welding. A small patch at the front lower corner of the long side, both lower cargo doors and a new engine bay valance was all that was required. At that time the spare wheel was removed from the front panel but I still have the bracket.
The gearbox, diff and reduction boxes were overhauled by Cogbox in 2015, and an AH Schofield recon steering box fitted as well. It had a front axle restoration done by Donald Harvey, as well as various brake work.
Included for the full price will be an early Chateaux Mobile Lillibror folding caravan in good condition. It sleeps 3 and has lots of space for camping gear when folded. Pearl has no problem towing it and it has a rack which will take two adult bikes standing on top. I also have a tall driveaway awning which clears the doors and includes an optional sleeping pod.
Pearl may not be a show queen but has had constant reconditioning over 21 years and been kept under cover in a carport for the last 8 years and in winter storage each year prior to that. She is ready to be enjoyed by a new custodian as is or may be of interest to someone who wants to use her highroof versatility as a basis for a business opportunity. Would consider swap for a decent Beetle or BMW e28 and cash.
