Highlights
- In the same family from new
- Converted to a camper in 1972 with original interior intact
- Original engine with just over 94,000 miles
- Very extensive history file
- MOT until November 2025
The Appeal
The Volkswagen Type 2 had a special sort of versatility. Camper vans, mini buses and panel vans, pick-ups - they came in all manner of shapes, and many of them would see conversions over the course of their lifetimes. It's little wonder; while they were fine workhorses, it's undeniably the free-spirited nature of nomadic travel that suited these characterful commercials.
This particular one was originally purchased as a panel van by vendor's father - intended for his clothes manufacturing business. He was clearly seduced by the potential for the cross-country lifestyle, as it underwent a camper conversion in 1972 to a very high standard - a standard it's still reflecting very nicely. A real time capsule!
With its original engine, evocative period fittings and long-term family ownership, this is a fabulous prospect - a family-cherished VW Campervan with known history from day one.
This particular one was originally purchased as a panel van by vendor's father - intended for his clothes manufacturing business. He was clearly seduced by the potential for the cross-country lifestyle, as it underwent a camper conversion in 1972 to a very high standard - a standard it's still reflecting very nicely. A real time capsule!
With its original engine, evocative period fittings and long-term family ownership, this is a fabulous prospect - a family-cherished VW Campervan with known history from day one.
History and Paperwork
- Originally purchased new in 1971 by the current owner's father as a panel van for his clothing manufacturing business
- Converted to a camper van in 1972
- The current owner learned to drive in this vehicle
- Used for family holidays when the current owner was a child
- Taken out every few weeks for short runs
- Has remained in the same family since new, passing from father to mother to current owner in since 2015
- Always garaged until this year, now stored under a custom Just Kampers cover
- Almost complete service history from new
- Overhauled by Johnson Autoworks in 2015 (bodywork around front wheel arches, brakes, oil, spark plugs, wax oiled)
- Most recently serviced last year by Lion VW garage in Hinckley
- MOT valid until November 2025
- Being sold reluctantly due to insufficient use and lack of time for meetups
The Condition
- Appears in smart condition for its age
- Gentle patina here and there, in line with an unmodified camper
- No meaningful areas of corrosion we can discern, though we recommend a thorough inspect of the photos
- Glasswork and lenses in good order
- Tyres could do with a hose-down, but have plenty of tread
- Underside appears solid
- Original interior unaltered since the 1970s
- Original conversion features include gas stove and grill, gas domestic fridge, and cool box
- No rips or tears to the upholstery across the van - only gentle discolouration
- Wooden fittings in good order
- Raising roof (noted to be very difficult to elevate as heavy) with two bunks
- This has corroded somewhat, but it's not a widespread issue
- New seatbelts fitted in front
- Child bunk over cab
- Sink with foot pump operated water
- Radio/cassette player
- Lacks modern features (no power steering, no ABS)
The Mechanics
- 1600cc engine 4-cylinder engine
- 4-speed manual transmission
- Engine bay in good overall order
- Mechanically standard we are told
- Vendor states that it has the original engine with just over 94,000 miles
- The vendor reports that it's starting and running well
- Noisy gear change/clutch issues resolved during last service
- Dashboard lights fixed during last service
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
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✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
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