∙Extensively recommissioned in 2021

∙All-original Moonraker spec

∙Excellent condition throughout

∙Low miles, low owners

The Volkswagen T25 (also known as the T3) represents a fascinating chapter in the marque’s history, being the model that bridges the classic era and the modern.

‘Next time you go for a drive in the country, don’t come back until Monday morning’ – that was the legend by which Volkswagen advertised the supremely versatile Type 2 campervan back in 1967, and it was a notion which resonated strongly with buyers. The sense of adventure, combined with the inherent dependability and utility of the VW brand. ‘The rear-mounted engine gets you through snow, sand and mud,’ the adverts continued, as if the buyer wasn’t already hooked. This really was a go-anywhere prospect for an intrepid generation.

The VW Type 1 was, of course, the car we came to know as the Beetle; following that logical naming path, the Type 2 (variously known as the Kombi, Transporter, Microbus and assorted other names) was introduced in 1950, ultimately spawning a comprehensive array of variants: campervans, panel vans, ambulances, pickup trucks, high-tops, fire engines, all sorts. The first generation of splitscreens was superseded in 1967 by the heavily revised bay window Kombi, which stayed in production until 1979 in Europe and the US. And when the Type 2 T3 (or T25) launched in ’79, the platform was ready for a new generation: bigger, better equipped, more sure-footed… and what’s particularly interesting is that the early models (from 1979 to mid-1983) had air-cooled engines, just like the classic campers, which were then replaced by the water-cooled ‘wasserboxer’ engine in later models to bring the T25 in line with the rest of the VW range. So if you want the 1980s appointments and aesthetics combined with the retro air-cooled charm, you really want to be looking at an early example like this one…

The history of this air-cooled T25 is intriguing for two reasons: what happened to it when it was new, and what’s happened to it since. You see, when this VW was box-fresh it was delivered to the renowned camper specialist Devon Conversions to be turned into a full-fat Moonraker. The upgrade included a side-elevating pop-top roof, bespoke cupboards, a fridge, sink and gas hob, and a double bed – all of which raised the on-the-road price to over £9,100. We can see from the service book that Devon Conversions Ltd is listed as the vehicle’s first registered keeper in October 1981, and it’s worth noting that this is no ordinary aftermarket company: there’s a plaque inside the van with a VW logo which states ‘This conversion design approved by Volkswagen’. So this is the real deal.

The current owner purchased the T25 from a deceased estate, the former keeper having owned it since 1986. Back in the days when the camper was a fairly new vehicle, that owner drove it all over Europe; however, due to ill health, it ended up being parked up and falling out of use – the last MOT was in July 1993, so this Moonraker had sat unused for 28 years.

Having rescued the T25, the new owner has carried out extensive recommissioning work (detailed below), maintaining the full originality of the camper while also readying it for regular use. A thorough mechanical overhaul, a smattering of aesthetics, a lengthy road trip to test it, and it’s good to go. A genuine Devon Moonraker, in all-original spec, with low owners and low miles, ready for new adventures in 2021 and beyond.

As you’d expect with the sort of vehicle that’s always been a core member of the family, there’s a reassuring file of documentation here. All of the old MOTs from 1984 to 1993 are in the file – and, following its recommissioning, it passed its MOT with no advisories on July 22nd 2021.

The old-style V5 shows that there are three former keepers, and the current owner has taxed the VW in order to receive a new V5 in his name. There are also lots of documentary mementoes of the Moonraker’s adventures, with insurance papers from various excursions abroad along with books on foreign travel; all of the original manuals and handbooks are present as well, along with a Haynes manual, and the original service book is here with stamps from the T25’s early life to help verify the mileage. We also find a substantial sheaf of receipts from all of the parts that have been bought this year to recommission it. The van comes with three original sets of keys. It was first registered on October 9th 1981, so in a few weeks’ time it’ll be 40 years old – and, as such, will be MOT-exempt.

There really is everything you could need in here, the Devon conversion being a comprehensive one of impeccable quality. It’s all been neatly preserved across the ages too, with every correct addition still in place and in superb condition. The elevating roof is excellent, and has recently been fitted with new gas struts from specialist Just Kampers to ensure it lifts properly and stays in position. There’s also a full awning/side tent, a Pullman Motor Chalet made specifically for the T25 by Muta in 100% cotton – it’s easy to erect and dismantle, and in excellent condition with no damage, rips, holes or musty smells; it’s the full 1980s camping experience.

Inside the 4-berth van we find a lounge area that converts into a double bed, matched cushions in great condition, versatile seating and a removable central dining table. There are matching drawable curtains all round – the ones on the rear window and passenger side window have perished but should be repairable, and all the others are complete to create that all-important night-time privacy.

The sink has a dedicated 9-litre water reservoir (with wheels, for easy transport) and an electrically-powered tap which has been fitted with a new Whale water pump and is in perfect working order. The Electrolux 122 fridge also works well, with both 12-volt electrics (including a new heavy-duty split charge relay) and gas bottle, and there’s another gas bottle for the hob which has a grill and foldaway heat shields.

You’ll find all manner of storage throughout, and up front there’s a period Volvo stereo with Pioneer speakers in the back; the driver and passenger seats are tip-top, and the dash-top serves as evidence that the camper hasn’t spent years enduring sun damage, as it’s in complete original condition with no cracks.

The Moonraker was offered with four different two-tone colour schemes back in the early-1980s, and we reckon this is the best of the lot: Ivory Beige over Brilliant Orange. It ties in with the air-cooled 1970s heritage so perfectly, and it’s weathered the decades remarkably well too. What you’re seeing here is all of the original paintwork, save for a very few remedial repairs which have been carried out by the current owner to get it as presentable as it deserves to be.

Inevitably the tyres were flat and perished when he collected it, so there’s a now a fresh new set of rubber here and the wheels have been treated to shiny new hubcaps from Just Kampers; further attention has been paid to the details with the addition of new door mirrors (Just Kampers again) and new wipers, plus gas struts for the pop-top.

The eagle-eyed will have spotted that it’s still wearing its original dealer number plates, which is a box ticked for the purists as well as proof that it hasn’t suffered impacts at either end. The correct Devon Moonraker graphics are in place, charmingly patinated here and there and adding much to the camper’s retro appeal. The window glass is all complete and original, with the louvred side windows opening and closing as they should. Some minor areas of body corrosion have been addressed by the current owner, and the overall presentation is very lovely indeed throughout. A solid, original, functional and attractive example of a rare and desirable period conversion. And perhaps what’s most remarkable of all is the condition of the underside – it can be a bit of a lottery when you’re looking at old Volkswagens, but you can see from the photos when we had this T25 up on the ramp that it’s impressively solid under there.

As you might imagine, with the T25 having sat unused for 28 years, it required a considerable amount of mechanical recommissioning in 2021. The engine has been serviced, with the oil fully flushed and replaced with the correct grade plus a new filter; there’s a new set of Bosch spark plugs and a large new Hankook battery. The entire exhaust system has been replaced at considerable expense, with a full system plus gaskets along with both heat exchangers sourced from Brickwerks. Before the auction ends, the seller will also be addressing a known flaw in the original T25 fuel tank design by fitting a whole new fuel tank from Just Kampers, along with the sender unit, filler neck and locking fuel cap.

The van has been fitted with new front brake discs and Febi Bilstein pads, rear brake cylinder, and front wheel bearings. It’s equipped with a tow bar with working electrics, and comes with the correct jack plus a box of assorted parts including spare indicators, mirror, brake shoes, distributor cap and leads.

Since all of this work was carried out, the owner has taken the Moonraker on a 100-mile weekend away and it behaved impeccably. From our test drive we can confirm that it starts easily, runs smoothly, rides very well and brakes strongly. As befits a van with such low mileage and such extensive recent recommissioning, it’s all working as it should and is ready to enjoy!

This really is an outstanding opportunity. With the patterns of modern living and recreation continuing to shift, there’s never been a better time to enjoy a campervan, both for getaways in the UK and, as travel restrictions lift in France and beyond, to start exploring the continent again.

And why on earth would you shell out an arm and a leg for a modern campervan when this super-rare retro treat can be had for a fraction of the price? The Devon Moonraker offers everything you could possibly want from a campervan, with its comfortable and versatile interior, oodles of space and practicality,

comprehensive on-board amenities, and that inherent air-cooled reliability. It looks pretty sensational too, doesn’t it? And best of all, it’s got a genuine classic car cachet: a very rare conversion on an increasingly rare model, carried out in period to extremely high standards, and all complete and original today. It’s got the larger 2.0-litre engine, the original tent and pop-top, room for the whole family, and the potential to create so many happy memories.  

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