Highlights

Rare and desirable right-hand drive UK market Microbus
Period Dormobile camper conversion with elevating roof
Appears a sound basis for restoration
In dry storage for over twenty years
Partial bodywork restoration and respray performed in the 1990s

The Appeal

Winter is fast approaching so it’s time to get your hands on a project to wile away those cold, dark evenings. This Volkswagen Type 2 is just the ticket. Not only does it look to be a very sound basis for restoration, but it also boasts an enviable original specification. It’s a UK market, right-hand drive late ‘Spitscreen’ German Microbus with a period Dormobile camper conversion. It really does tick all the right boxes.

As the photographs show, some bodywork restoration has already been carried out, the vendor believes at some time during the 1990s, but the Type 2 does not appear to have been on the road for a very long time. While still requiring full restoration, the camper appears straight, largely solid and mostly complete including much of its wooden cabinetry from British firm Martin Walter Dormobile. The elevating roof, also by Dormbobile, also looks to be in reasonable condition, even down to the firm’s trademark stripey canvas.

We’re sure there’s a queue of air-cooled VW enthusiasts clambering over each other to own a Type 2 with these exact specifications, so don’t miss this excellent opportunity to restore one to your own requirements.

The History and Paperwork

77,436 miles indicated (not warranted)
The van has spent the last twenty years or so off the road in dry storage
We’re informed that the van comes with limited paperwork/known history
Anecdotally, the vehicle was believed to have belonged to a previous Editor of Practical Classics magazine
German-built microbus with rear windows and walk-thru bulkhead
Five registered keepers according to the DVLA
Supplied new to Britain in right-hand drive
The vendor was informed that the conversion was performed by British specialists Devon, although we note it is in fact another well-known period conversion by Dormobile
UK road registered on ‘TJH 159E’
Exempt from road tax and MOT (Historic)
The vendor says: “Bought with the intention of a restoration which never quite happened, now I would be glad to see it go to a new home where its potential can be realised”

The Condition

The vendor notes that many of the necessary parts are present but others will need to be sourced, including some glass and interior/exterior trim
Various components removed from the vehicle are also photographed (see below), including bumper
The body has undergone some older repair/restoration and repainting
Potentially, the patinated paint finish could be preserved as-is, depending on your preference
The van appears quite straight and solid, with evidence of some repairs and patches
The vendor notes that there is still corrosion present which will require repair
The floors look quite sound for a UK market Type 2 of this vintage, with a few welded patches
Underside strengthening panels still in place - often lost or rusted away on Type 2s of this vintage
The hinged-type side doors appear in good shape, closing neatly with decent panel gaps
Some of the wooden cabinetry and accessories from the period camper conversion is present and in fair condition
Dormobile elevating roof appears in reasonably good condition, including the canvas which is dirtied yet potentially serviceable
Through-air cab ventilation equipment still present and seemingly in good order
Front-mounted spare wheel bracketry in place

The Mechanics

Engine and gearbox present - the vendor is unable to confirm whether the vehicle is matching numbers
Understood to be a 1.5-litre (1,493cc) air-cooled flat-four
Whilst it will roll on ‘dollies’ within its current garage location, at least one wheel is seized (dollies are not included in the sale)
No attempt has been made to run or turn over the engine during current ownership

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 fee. 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..