The VW Campervan became the unexpected icon of the VW brand and today the shape of the Camper is immediately recognised by all generations. The original concept dates back to 1950 when the VW Transporter was first developed, becoming the perfect vehicle for the company to convert for camping duty. 

A Dutch businessman, Ben Pon, sketched out the design after a visit to the factory for the original commercial, identifying the possibility of a commercial vehicle from the Beetle.

Production of the Type 1 (T1) began in Wolfsburg and then was moved to Hanover to satisfy the large orders and high demand for the vehicle. As with any revolutionary vehicle the engineers continued development over the lifespan of the van and many variations including ambulances and double cab materialised, but the one that has carried the greatest following is the Campervan.

First Registered in California, USA in January 1967, this T2 Splitscreen came to the UK in 2006 and has had three UK owners. It's been with its current keeper since 2009 and has always been kept in the Garage, Starting life in the warm environment of California has helped it stand the test of time, evident by its condition today. 

The owner took a long trip to Scotland when he acquired the vehicle back in 09’ and has keenly enjoyed it since, although it has spent the majority of the last few years adding a little under 3000miles since 2012 according to the MOT certificates. Just last year, Bob the bus completed a round trip to Durdle-Door of over 250 miles, with the whole family. 

The owner is keen to indicate this is a reluctant sale, and one he didn’t plan on making, alas with the Camper mainly sitting in the garage these days it is time to let another owner cherish it and enjoy it as he has.

The vehicle has a V5 present waiting for the new owner to add their name. There is also the all-important DVLA document of it being first registered into the UK back in 2006. Invoices and receipts for various jobs and parts are included with the camper however the owner’s only major work since ownership has been to install a Creative Engineering Steering rack to improve handling. 

The receipts for the rack and the work by VW Specialists "VW Vanshack" are available for inspection. The family business is a VAG specialist, additional jobs and general maintenance have been completed to a professional standard and this can be observed by the condition. 

Though there are little in the way of service history receipts the owner stressed that it has been kept in top mechanical shape, including service and oil change before and after the vehicle returned from its summer trip last year.

Safari front widows and 8 pop outside windows make for an interesting and iconic angle everywhere you look. The bus is also fitted with rear luggage "jail bars" and includes some quirky features such as an "eight ball" gear nob. The Rock n Roll bed sleeps 2-3 people and all hinges and mechanisms are functioning properly. 

There are custom seat covers in the rear to match the MadMatz flooring. The bus once had a leisure battery and all the wiring is still in place, although the current owner has never installed one so can't confirm if it is functional. 

A future owner can see the interior as a blank canvass to begin adding their own stamp to, by adding cooking or kitchenette or a table and extra seating this bus could be ready for longer staycations with very little additional time or cost. Equally, if you're looking for a chance to take home a vehicle ready to go camping in then this bus offers the fundamentals and is ready to go. 

The current keeper put their stamp on the interior with a collection of stickers, all can be peeled off if not the next owner’s taste. From behind the wheel, the condition of your surroundings is good with plenty of scope for additions of your choice.

The owner advises us that they are not aware of any filler ever being used on the shell and it presents in a straight and well-kept condition. 

The panels and shuts all aligned well whilst the paintwork was only disturbed by a few minor areas of surface corrosion that could easily be cleaned up. All the windows appeared in good condition and didn’t allow any wind noise to leak through a seal whilst underway.

Firing up at the first time of asking and contently getting underway this camper feels as though it has many miles ahead of it. The owner advised that it is not on the original engine, a replacement was fitted of standard boxer specification before his ownership. A rack and pinion set up has been fitted to the camper (Creative Engineering) replacing the previous steering box. The vehicle has lowered suspension and features an IRS conversion. 

The steering rack conversion has increased ground clearance compared to the old steering box. The current owner has found this set-up much more compliant. A new battery was recently fitted and the buyer can take comfort in a "kill" switch fitted to the engine compartment that immobilizes the car unless a key is inserted, an added layer of security. The current owner notes that the speedo is not reading accurately, but this is the only dial not giving accurate information.

The VW Camper is a classic that is recognisable and relevant to a wide and diverse audience. Today well-kept examples that can be driven without nervously eyeing a spanner set are becoming a little harder to find, the 13 Window variant is rare in itself. 

The addition of the De-Lux trim makes this bus a particularly rare example. If you have been waiting for the right camper it may just be time to take action, spring breaks are just around the corner leaving enough time to add your stamp and be ready for festival season.