Description
VW T4 pop camper 1. 9TD ABL, rugged ‘swamper’ style, all-terrain tyres, rust-free.
Iconic, rare and sought after. These are a popular, modern classic compact campervan. But this one is way cooler, with its subtle rugged character. She’s ready to go. It’s time for someone new to cherish her. Location, Oxfordshire, UK.
Main specification:
• VW T4 pop camper
• Registered 1999 (V reg), excellent service history, original manual
• Very efficient 1. 9TD ABL diesel, pulls brilliantly
• Current mileage (Jan 2026): 140, 500
• Full professional camper conversion, re-registered as a motor caravan on the V5.
• Well-kept and cared for, only quality components fitted
• Stainless steel exhaust system
• Uprated 5th gear for smooth cruising speed
• MOT due 16th June 2026
Recent services, upkeep/ refurb:
• December 2025: Engine timing checked and adjusted, all pump and mounting bolts checked, new battery
• December 2024: Full Service
• September 2024: new horn, new headlights, underseal application
• May 2024: Clutch and brakes servicing
• April 2023: Full Service, new starter motor
Prior ownership maintenance:
• November 2020 (by prior owners): full major service including: Rear brake callipers, brake pads and flexible hoses. Handbrake cables; Front brake callipers overhauled, new pads/ flexible hoses; Front upper and lever ball joints and track rod ends; New power steering hoses; New stainless steel exhaust system; Fully re-conditioned gearbox with updated 5th gear.
• Engine overhauled c. 2019 (prior owners): Cylinder head removed, fully checked and rebuilt by a specialist): New hydraulic valve lifters; New head gasket kit including head bolts; New camshaft belt and water pump; New oil pump; Reconditioned injectors.
INTERNALLY
Power Management System, leisure battery; charger and battery monitor
RCD protected 240v supply
24v power supply
LED touch dimmable lights
Leisure battery and Durite heavy duty split charge relay
Dometic Weaco compressor fridge freezer, 80 litre (like this one).
Propane gas night heater - 2000kw
Smev stainless sink
Double gas hob with electric pumped water supply
Calor gas canister, three quarters full I believe
Insulated and carpeted, door mats
Side opening pop top
Fully-fitted units with removable table
Van X fitted curtains
Insulated front windscreen black-outs
Crash-tested certified rock n roll bed
Front cabin seats with passenger swivel base
Drop down LCD TV
Pioneer flip out stereo with Alpine amps, remote control, speaker upgrades and sub-woofer under seat
Bluetooth connector, iphone charge cable
EXTERNALLY
Suspension upgraded, heavy duty SACHS shock absorbers front and rear, adjustable height heavy duty rear springs; lifted slightly.
Steel wheels; includes spare
All terrain tyres – plenty of life in them
Wind-out Fiamma awning
Dorka extended wing mirrors
Tow-bar and electrics
240v hookup socket with lead.
New Vango air beam drive-away awning tent; large family tent
Waste water outlet, water container
Updated headlight wiring loom and bulbs.
Electric windows.
The lower body and bonnet are painted with black raptor to give a tough lasting finish and a swamper look.
We pressure-washed it including all the seals and around the pop-top to ensure it is weather-tight. We have used the van overnight in winter: all toasty and dry.
To note:
• Two very minor and barely noticeable dents, no surface rust attached to them; pre-respray.
• Some slight wear allows under paint to show through in one spot (previous colour was red).
• The fridge has a slight scratch on the front – the peel-off protection sheet is still on it though.
• The front passenger seat has a very small hole (~0. 5cm) in the back (under seat cover).
• Detachable table has signs of wear, we don’t use it though.
• Directional air vents on dashboard have signs of wear.
A non-refundable deposit will reserve it and full payment will be required within an agreed time after this. This VW T4 camper started life as a red school mini-bus I believe (so subject to good maintenance for child safeguarding purposes). It was transformed into what we see today: a rugged ‘swamper’ style camper.
Iconic, rare and sought after. These are a popular, modern classic compact campervan. But this one is way cooler, with its subtle rugged character. She’s ready to go. It’s time for someone new to cherish her.
The swamper style (I have no idea why it's called that) is cool, let's be honest. It turns heads; people let you out of a junction in this van! Its slightly raised suspension means you have a great high-up position. It's a dream on the motorway - the upgraded cruising gear box make it very comfy. The engine is amazing - it pulls like a Passat!
We have had some good times in this van, we spent about 7-10 nights a year in it, plus days out. We are not 'van-lifers'. But this is great even as a day-van to the beach for a rainy walk and swim followed by a sheltered cuppa. It's also very warm and toasty inside, with the propane-powered heater for the cabin. And you have the pop up roof to make it feel roomy. Come night time, the bed is really supportive and firm if you have any back issues - proper rock-n-roll bed.
It is basically rust-free. Yes that's rare and quite a claim. It saw extensive body work and welding by the previous owner (I have his contact details if you need to talk, he sent me pics). I have spent some time unapologetically poking it underneath with a screw driver, like an annual audit. I have had some work done to keep future rust at bay. Water and metal: it's chemistry and time. So have to maintain this aspect.
Of course these old T4s have bits and bobs that need attention, these are listed above. You have a collectable edition here, I look forward to introducing you.
