Very tasteful restored & lightly modified Splittie
1,641cc twin carb air cooled engine fitted in 2023
Electrics rewired & upgraded brake discs and servos recently fitted
High specification in great colour scheme
Featured on the podium at Harewood House VW Festival 2023
Original RHD Kombi, possibly from Australia
Thick history file covering its 25 years in the UK
The Appeal
Almost wherever you go in the world some part of the culture is reserved for Volkswagen iconic Kombi van.
That of course includes Australia, where this beautiful van appears to have begun its life. The nation’s nomadic Kombi-centred beach life is a key part of its lifestyle and this van’s burnt orange paintwork perfectly captures the accompanying sunsets. Its evocative styling may explain why it was chosen for the podium at Leeds’ VW Fest earlier this year.
Restored in the late 1990s and first registered here in 2002, it is in great condition, with a high specification and benefits from significant recent work. That includes fitting a 1,641cc engine as well upgrading the electrics and brakes, all undertaken this year. Tastefully modified with well trimmed cabin, this is a very tempting example of a much-loved vehicle.
History and Paperwork
1964 van that appears to be an early T1c with the larger rear doors
Appears to have originated in Australia as indicated by the high vents on the back
Original RHD vehicle
Appears to have been restored in late 1990s as supported by photos and handwritten invoices
Has received additional restoration work over the years as documented in history photos
First UK registered on 11th April 2002
Originally red and white but changed colour to orange and silver when restored in 1998
We are told that the displayed mileage is correct and has not gone around the clock
Lots of history back to 1990s including old MOTs
Only used by vendor in summer months and dry stored during winter
Featured on the podium at Harewood House VW Festival 2023 in Leeds
Owned by the current vendor since November 2021
Four previous owners since arrival in the UK
£3,553 spent in February 2023 on engine work, brakes, hoses, carburettors and fuel system
Replacement engine fitted at this time and subsequently serviced at 500 and 1,000 miles
Last MOT expired on 7th September 2022 with no advisories and 75,418 on last test
Interior specification includes:
Modern TV and radio with drop down DVD roof mounted screen
Can sleep two
Gas hob
Sink
Electric hook up
Fridge
Plenty of storage
Leisure battery
The Condition
Smart burnt orange metallic paintwork combined with silver in good order
Well kept bodywork with no visible corrosion or bodywork deterioration
Sits on attractive 5 spoke deep dish alloys with polished rims
Quality Yokohama tyres fitted all round
Original RHD
Complete and undamaged lights and glasswork
High quality interior with black leather seats throughout piped in white
Lap belts fitted, can be removed if required
Grey metallic painted dashboard in good order with VDO dials and auxiliary oil temperature gauge
Great details abound inside like the orange see-through gear knob
Alarm and GPS removed due to causing issues with electrics
The trick with any Kombi conversion is the quality of the interior work and the bodywork restoration. This van appears to have been converted to a camper in the late 1990s prior to being first registered here in 2002. It has received subsequent localised restoration work, which is reflected in its very presentable condition now with no noticeable bodywork issues to report.
The interior continues the theme being well arranged for two and with high quality fittings. There are also some clever details alongside the well equipped camping items such as fridge, sink and hob.
The Mechanics
1,641cc twin carburettor, air cooled Volkswagen engine replaced original 1,300cc motor earlier this year
4spd manual gearbox
Has covered few miles since the work with servicing at 500 and 1,000 miles
Upgraded brakes including Nerod beam, servo and disc brakes at the same time
Electrics checked and rewired in 2023
Clean air filters supplied with vehicle to fit as necessary
Stainless steel exhaust system
Full IRS system
Red 9 steering box
Adjustable axles and currently sitting slightly lowered
The Kombi scene enables owners to endlessly personalise and improve their vans and this example fully benefits from that opportunity. It began life with a 1,300cc engine but was fitted with a more powerful 1,641cc air cooled 4cyl engine equipped with twin carburettors. This was fitted earlier this year and helps ensure it is suitable for modern, long distance motoring. The new engine has been carefully serviced at 500 and 1,000 miles.
The long list of upgrades continues across the brakes, steering and suspension system. This is clearly a well-loved camper whose vendor has continued to invest in it, regardless of cost.
BEFORE YOU BUY
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✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
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