Highlights

• A rarely available Spilt Screen panel van from the last year of production
• A well-preserved example with lots of documented expenditure
• Usefully converted into a practical day van configuration with triple rear seat
  
  

The Appeal

This example looks great in its bright red colourway. In rarer panel van configuration this example features twin, solid side doors and the traditional opening glass rear window. Our example started life in South Africa before coming to the UK in 2008. This has seemingly benefitted the condition of this panel van. This eye-catching T2 is ready to drive away and enjoy immediately by its lucky new owner.

The History and Paperwork

• This T2 left the factory at the start of 1967
• This was the last year of series 1 T2 production 
• Not too much is known about the van’s early life until its import to the UK
• This occurred in 2008 with the van first being registered here in May 2008
• The van is known to have arrived here in a grey livery
• It was subsequently resprayed in its current red on its arrival in the UK
• In the UK the van has also been fitted with a replacement engine, gearbox and clutch
• The engine is reported to be a 1,641cc Twinport unit 
• This is as opposed to the 1,493cc Singleport unit listed in the V5
• A documented spend approaching £8,000 has been invested since in the UK
• Ample provenance providing paperwork is included with the van
• This includes the current V5
• The van is registered as a Historic Vehicle
• As such, it is MoT and VED exempt in the UK
• Previous MoTs in hard copy are present covering 2013 to 2017
• The owner reports that the odometer is jammed on the van
• As such, all MoTs document the same mileage which is still showing today
• Numerous invoices are on hand documenting the spend detailed above
  
  

The Interior

• Our example features a nicely trimmed and finished interior
• The front cabin is fitted with a driver’s seat and a twin bench for passengers
• These are nicely trimmed in diamond, self-patterned grey fabric
• The condition is very good with no rips, tears or visible stains
• The front cabin floor is finished with a heavy duty, fitted vinyl mat
• Door cards and front bulkhead panel are finished in grey vinyl
• The dashboard is true T2 fare being pressed metal finished in body coloured paint
• The original VDO speedometer is fitted and calibrated in mph
• The only other gauge is a small fuel gauge
• The large, original twin spoke steering wheel is still fitted
• A modern, retro styled radio head unit is fitted complete with AUX input
• Retro-fitted speakers are located in the front door cards
• The headlining is in fine fettle and finished in a grey vinyl
• The rear cabin is accessed via the twin, side mounted “barn doors”
• This gives access to the triple bench seat in the rear cabin
• This consists of three separate seats with headrests on a single mounting
• These seats are finished in dark grey fabric and are fitted with seatbelts
• The condition of these seats is first class throughout
• The rear cabin features dark grey carpet to the van’s sides and “C” bulkhead
• The flooring in the rear is courtesy of a fitted vinyl mat
• A galvanised storage box is present here as is a small lockable safe box
• The rear luggage area is accessed via the upwards opening rear window
• This area is finished with a fitted vinyl mat

The Exterior

• The panel van looks eye-catching in its bright red livery
• On closer inspection there are some imperfections to the finish
• Around the roof gutters the finish has been protected with a matt red oxide type paint
• There are also some areas of a similar finish to the front panel
• On the sides of the van, especially the cargo doors, there are some creases and cracks
• The overall appearance does quite suit the T2, however
• The T2 rolls on 14-inch steel wheels
• These are painted in off-white and are centred with the familiar domed and embossed caps
• The paintwork on the wheels is of varying quality and worthy of repainting
• The wheels are shod in a matching set of new looking YANA Fikisha 6.70 – 14 tyres
• All cabin glass looks to be in a good condition as do light lenses

The Mechanics

• As already stated, this van is fitted with the 1,641cc air-cooled flat four engine giving the van a bit more oomphs for day to day usability
• It is reported that the gearbox and clutch have also been replaced, post import
• Much mechanical work has been undertaken and documented 
• This includes a new steering rack, a brake overhaul and electrical rewire
• A stainless-steel exhaust has been fitted and the carburettor rebuilt
• An alarm and immobiliser has been fitted
• New gear linkage bushes are fitted
• New mirrors and a brand-new battery
• During our visit the van started well and idled smoothly
• No known mechanical issues are reported by the vendor

Summary