Description
1971 VW T2 Early Bay – Australian-Built, Fully Restored, Stunning Example
This beautiful 1971 VW T2 Bay Window was manufactured in Australia and spent the majority of her life there before being imported to the UK in 2020. In 2019, prior to import, the van underwent an extensive back-to-bare-metal rebuild in Australia, with no expense spared.
The restoration included:
Fully rebuilt 1641cc long-block engine
New fuel tank
Complete respray
Brand-new interior and headlining
1978 gearbox, allowing relaxed motorway cruising
Hook-up and leisure battery with internal power points
Electronic ignition
Fire suppression system
LED headlights (excellent night visibility)
Vintage Speed exhaust
Seat belts fitted front and rear
There is comprehensive photographic and invoice evidence for all work carried out in Australia.
UK Ownership & Further Enhancements
I took ownership in August 2021 and continued to refine the van, commissioning further engine upgrades and having her professionally slammed with a narrow beam by Midland Early Bay, who are well known within the French Slammer scene.
To finish the look, she sits perfectly on Porsche Fuchs wheels, running 45s on the front for a spot-on stance.
Since being in my care, the van has covered very few miles but has always been started regularly and exercised on short runs to keep everything working exactly as it should. She has always been stored under cover and protected over winter with a fully breathable cover.
The Driving & Ownership Experience
This van is an absolute head-turner wherever she goes and never fails to make people smile. She drives beautifully, feels tight and sorted, and is just waiting to be enjoyed and shown off this summer.
It’s with a genuine heavy heart that I’m selling her, purely to fund another project. She will only be sold to a good home.
Honest Notes (The Only Minor Imperfections)
Two very small, localised rust spots, pictured and easily addressed
A small dent and light scrape on the front roof, incurred during shipping — barely noticeable and has never detracted from enjoyment
Provenance Details
The Western Motors rear window sticker is highly sought after — the previous owner even received offers to buy the window purely for the sticker
The front bay window carries a Volkswagen Club of Western Australia sticker, further supporting the van’s history and provenance
Final Thoughts
No time wasters or dreamers please. Clean, tastefully modified early bays like this are extremely hard to find — I know, as I spent 18 months viewing badly misdescribed vans before finding this one.
Any inspection is very welcome, and I’m more than happy to answer genuine questions.
These vans are now widely recognised as a solid and appreciating investment.
As mentioned above the van was subject to a full restoration. I have a memory stick with lots of pictures to evidence the build alongside invoices for the new engine and all other works completed by the previous owner. In my ownership I had the suspension lowered and narrowed and new wheels and tyres fitted at a cost of £3500
I have just added some more pics to show that she is a camper and I also have the pop up kitchen and other items, spares that will be included in the sale. You can see everything and digital files that all came with her. She is ready to go for an awesome summer of adventures.
Note; having the smaller front wheels and tyres on her means that the speedometer is not accurate. this has never been a problem as when you have maps open on your phone it shows your current speed. Remember that she is a 54 year old girl and is not showroom new. She happily sits on the motorway at 3500rpm which is approx 55-60mph she can push more but have never felt the need, take the slow road and enjoy the journey. She does have bags of character, charm and will have everyone smiling.
I also forgot to mention the Vintage Speed Exhaust which sounds awesome.
I would encourage all to view before you bid so that you can appreciate how clean she is. Very happy for any inspection and any test drives. When I purchased her I employed Dubmasters a VW classic specialist to view her with me to ensure I got the best condition van. Upon inspection they said that they had not seen a van as clean and rust free as this one. This is testament to her being built and spending her whole life in Australia. Other item to note is that she has not got any heating whatsoever as she came from down under. This has never been an issue for us as we only use her in dry warm conditions. I am happy to move a little on price to allow for this to be reinstated. I also have some spares that came with her that will all be included in the sale.
Please do ask questions and view/ drive her before any offers.
Final price reduction to allow for heater to be installed and make good the very small rust spots.
Update 1, forgot to add that she also has had a front and rear disc brake conversion and 230v electric hook upUpdate 2, I have just added more pics of the van in Australia and of the restoration along with one of the bills for parts and labour there are more in the paperwork that you can see when you come to view her.
First to see this beauty will buy her.
Very open to reasonable offers as I need her to go to fund another project.
