1975 VW T2 Bay Window Camper Van – Project Profile

We’re pretty sure everyone has had the same thought at some point over the course of their lives, whether they’re a classic car fan or not. You know, the buggering off in an old VW Camper one. Cutting loose, dropping off the grid and spending some quality time away from the hustle and bustle of modern life, all the while feeling like you’re connecting with yourself or resetting or some other trite and wistful Instagram lifestyle brand slogan. The fact of the matter is, it is an appealing idea and the VW Camper has habitually been a large part of that vision. The trusty old German bus has been ingrained in those very ideals of freedom and counter culture since the ’60s, despite having been around since 1947, and continues to be the go-to weapon of choice for many discerning and would be enthusiasts alike.

With the effects of a global pandemic still resonating and with artificial intelligence potentially making James Cameron’s The Terminator storyline a very real proposition, we thought it was the perfect time to feature a project that could potentially take us away, quite literally, from all of that jazz in the form of – what appears to be – a very doable VW Bay Window Camper. The original Type 2 debuted in 1950 and featured a split windscreen, followed by the second iteration in ’67, now with a new one piece screen and as a result the Bay Window epithet was born. Not only that but the engines offered were now larger, too, with a choice of 1.6, 1.7, 1.8 and 2.0-litre air-cooled four cylinders. New suspension and 12 volt electrics completed the second gen T2 package making them generally easier to live with as well as more desirable as camper conversions.

What is it?

The T2 we have available via our auctions platform is a later 1975 Bay Window model. Already in camper configuration this bus comes complete with a concertina style pop top for added usability and is already fitted with a range of camper fixtures and fittings. Fitted with a 1.6-litre engine and with only 32K on the clock the van does start, run and stop of its own volition, too. UK supplied and specified, a big selling point for us here is the listing’s no reserve status. Potential for a bargain then, but what needs doing before you can disappear into the sunrise behind the wheel of your new T2?

Why is it a project? 

Despite being a running example this VW’s bodywork clearly requires some love but it’s by no means a basket case and could even potentially be used as is, as a rolling, running project. The floors and sills look solid and whilst there is some filler here and there (this is a ’70s VW bus after all) a good tidy up and respray may be the extent of the work required without having to break out the sparkly stick. The interior needs some work too, including some wiring loom tidying, but everything seems to be accounted for with the exception of some mats and headlining. The added bonus here is that some camper van accoutrements have already been installed, including kitchen units and bench seats, meaning you can finish what has already been started, minimising the cash spent on a full refit.

What should you look for? 

They say that a picture paints a thousand words and with over 150 photos of this VW included in the listing that equates to quite the description, in addition to the actual description, which is in words, so there should be plenty to pore over allowing you to bid with confidence. And don’t forget, this is a no reserve listing so the potential for a bargain bus is very real indeed.

What should you do with it? 

Although MOT exempt we would put the camper through a test to see what is actually required and then sort the mechanicals so it can be driven safely on the roads. The motivational aspect of having a running and driving project will serve you well and keep your spirits up throughout the process. You can then set about fixing up the interior and bodywork as you go, which should be simple enough what with the plethora of enthusiasts and specialists out there like Just Kampers and the VW Camper Company. There is no fate but what you make for yourself so get bidding and before you know it you could be off on a post apocalyptic adventure, leaving the AI robots to fight amongst themselves.