• One of just 1,000 VW T2 specials produced by South Africa’s Jurgens Caravan Company in 1974

 • Fitted with a Ford 3 litre V6 engine which has benefitted from a recent, significant overhaul

 • A recent South African import HMRC cleared ready to UK register. 

The VW T2, or “Bay” camper is already an increasingly sought-after example of the iconic campervan dynasty. This one, however, takes that innate appeal and takes it up a few notches. Quite a few notches!

Thought to be one of only around 1,000 examples produced by the Jurgens Caravan Company of South Africa from 1974. All the Jurgens Autovillas left the factory with air cooled engines but many have been converted to water cooled due to the air cooled engines not being up to the job and the Ford V6 was a popular option. This enhancement not only increases the appeal but makes this surely one of the most useable and practical T2 campers around.

The Autovilla offers the new owner the real prospect of a self-contained and fully appointed home from home too. A well-equipped and functioning kitchen and even the low-cost prospect of a toilet / shower room make this a T2 camper that you can really camp comfortably in!

 • Built in South Africa in 1976

 • Repainted in bright red at some point in its life

 • Acquired and used regularly by a South African family in 2016

 • Underwent extensive mechanical refurbishments in 2017

 • Acquired by the current owner in South Africa in 2021

 • Professionally resprayed to return the Autovilla to its original two-tone, white and olive-green “Jurgens-correct” colourway

 • Imported to the UK in March 2021

 • Complete with the South African registration documents

 • Comes with a selection of invoices and workshop documents from the 2017 mechanical recommissioning

 • The Autovilla’s cab will be familiar to T2 owners and drivers

 • A period-correct cab containing two vinyl clad, pleated seats in brown

 • Door cards are in a matching vinyl with horizontal padded details

 • Floor coverings are hard-wearing, black rubber mats

 • The dash is the familiar T2, three dial version with a dash top glove box and padded top

 • The steering wheel my be the only later addition 

 • The driver’s cab presents in excellent, original condition with no obvious areas of imperfection noted or reported

 • The rear cabin can be accessed from the passenger side rear door or via a curtained access at the rear of the cab

 • The rear cabin is dominated by the horseshoe shaped seating / sleeping area

 • The upholstery is presented in a very jolly safari-style print and promotes a very bright and fun ambiance

 • Ample overhead and under-bed storage is provided here

 • Towards the front of the rear cabin is a well equipped and fully functioning kitchen

 • This comprises a Defy Traveller gas hob, grill and oven

 • A full-sized gas / electric Electrolux refrigerator

 • A concealed sink and tap with chopping board, removable cover

 • There is ample cupboard storage provided in the kitchen area

 • There is currently a toilet / wash cubicle present that would benefit from further development

 • A portaloo and sliding basin is present but these will require replacement or refurbishment to provide optimal usability

For those familiar with the standard T2 camper’s rear cabin, this aspect of the Autovilla will be a revelation. Significantly bigger in every dimension, the Autovilla offers truly practical and comfortable twin-birth camping. Perfectly useable as it is, it also offers the new owner the option of some easy and low-cost enhancements should they feel they are necessary. 

 • The front cab of the Autovilla is somewhat familiar

 • The front end is predominantly a recognisable T2 “Bay” affair with the addition of a front mounted radiator to supply the Ford V6 with air

 • The rear cabin is very “caravan-esque” giving rise to the vehicle’s South African nickname of “slak” – Afrikaans for snail

 • The bodywork appears in excellent used condition with no significant areas of imperfection or damage noted

 • The paintwork is fresh and bright having been resprayed in its original, factory livery during its current ownership

 • The white painted, steel sports wheels lend the vehicle a sportier look

 • The tyres all appear to have decent levels of tread remaining

 • A towbar with single electrics is fitted to the Autovilla

The Autovilla has enjoyed a lifetime in the warm and dry climate of South Africa so presents in an entirely rust-free condition. Add to that the unique looks of the Autovilla and the fresh two-tone paintwork and it will come as no surprise that the Autovilla causes quite a stir whilst on its travels. It’s hard not to smile broadly when seeing the Jurgens Autovilla pass by and riding in it is better still.

 • The Jurgens Autovilla was produced with a handful of engine options

 • This example boasts the Ford 3L V6 water-cooled unit

 • The Ford unit not only sounds great but also endows the Autovilla with a significant power upgrade over the VW air cooled units

 • The Autovilla underwent a thorough mechanical restoration in 2017, no more than 1,500 miles ago

 • This work included a de-coke and rebore, a crankshaft regrind and new pistons and bearings

 • Wheel bearings, brakes, gearbox, and battery were also attended to

 • A main battery and a leisure battery are fitted

The lusty sound of a Ford V6 comes as quite a pleasant surprise when your first twist the key. It not only sounds great but the V6 endows this camper with plenty of torque which makes negotiation long hills or lengthy stretches of motorway a real breeze. It is nicely refined too. With the cab being at the opposite end to the engine means that noise is well suppressed and not at all intrusive.

What a vehicle! Just try and find another one in the UK. If you do, can it match the corrosion free condition and the sublime Ford V6 power of this example?

The VW camper scene has always enjoyed a strong, loyal, and growing following. Well, this true unicorn camper offers something that very few other VW campers can deliver – true rarity value. What’s more it is a really practical camping proposition too. Roomy, fully kitted out and ready to go. With summer now here don’t risk missing out on staycations in this amazingly rare VW camper.