Highlights

Retains its original Devon camper interior
Commendably straight bodywork
Full-length elevating roof in good order
2.0-litre air-cooled ‘Pancake’ engine
Accompanied by a substantial history file

The Appeal

Following the immense success of the ‘Splitscreen’ and ‘Bay Window’, Volkswagen introduced its third Type 2 van in 1979. Called the T3 in Europe and T25 in the UK, the new van had more angular proportions than its predecessors yet retained the age-old rear-engined, cab-over-wheel configuration that maximised interior space while maintaining a small overall footprint. Independent camper conversions continued too with likes of Devon and Westfalia producing the most popular interiors.

We’re pleased to offer this 1981 T25 Devon which remains commendably original and well-preserved. This is one of the most usable classic air-cooled campers on the market, benefitting from the well-regarded 2.0-litre ‘Pancake’ engine allowing it to keep pace with modern traffic. The original Devon interior and elevating roof present very well for their age and both are hard to find today. The vendor provides photographs of recent work and a collection of invoices detailing the servicing it’s received in recent years.

Don’t miss this great opportunity to acquire a fine example of the much-loved T25.

The History and Paperwork

V5C present
Five former registered keepers
UK-supplied in right-hand drive and converted by Devon
Exempt from road tax and MOT testing
The vendor provides photographs showing recent work to the rear suspension, brakes and driveshafts to rectify a 2022 MOT fail
23,225 miles indicated (unwarranted)
Numerous invoices for parts from leading specialists including VW Heritage
It also has the original service book (but not the manual VW handbook)

The Condition

A straight and solid-looking example
Smart white paintwork
While there’s some slight bubbling and various small imperfections visible upon close inspection, this van presents very well indeed
There is some visible rust here and there, most of which has been treated over time and patched up
The sills have been professionally repaired together with the rear trailing arm mount (a common problem area)
The bumpers and trim present well with light patina
Some signs of age to the steel wheels although they appear in good order
The underside presents well, with no obvious issues
The vendor demonstrates that the elevating roof operates correctly
As with older VWs, the gas struts need replacing for holding the boot lid open and also the pop top
Slight staining to the roof fabric
Equipped with a tow bar
Original Devon camper conversion
Up-front in the cab, the controls, instruments, dashboard and floor mats present impeccably
The upholstery has some wear in places, yet remains eminently usable
The original Devon cabinetry presents well for its age, with only light signs of use
Equipped with a sink, gas stove and fridge
There is no traditional stereo as I have been using modern Bluetooth/iPhone setup
The vendor has never used the gas fridge, so that would need testing
Equipped with convertible bed and removable table

The Mechanics

2.0-litre air-cooled ‘Pancake’ flat-four
Four-speed manual gearbox
Original and well-presented engine compartment
The previous owner has a reconditioned engine fitted in 2005 with 10,998 on the odometer
The engine had a tune just post-Covid
The vendor has carried out their own (frequent) servicing and oil changes
Rear suspension, brakes and drive shafts recently rebuilt/replaced as necessary
The leisure battery needs replacing - (wiring in place)
The front suspension could do with a service but the front brake callipers and pads have been replaced and the single-circuit system bled correctly
The vendor comments that the van is "really easy to look after (just watch for air leaks after performing any servicing work) and as long as the oil is regularly checked and topped up it remains a robust fun and original vehicle"
We’re informed that it runs and drives well with no apparent faults
The vendor finds the unassisted steering responsive and not at all heavy once underway

BEFORE YOU BUY

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..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ 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.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.

✓Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand.. If requested, we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected]