Highlights

Original and very presentable Dormobile factory conversion
Older restoration with lots of structural and other work
Extensive recent mechanical overhaul costing £4,000
Comprehensive history file with restoration photos and documentation
Original interior components rarely found in vehicles of this age
Voluntary MOT to April 2026 with no advisories

The Appeal

If your camping trip isn’t in Volkswagen’s iconic Type 2 are you really on a camping trip? These icon busses are so synonmous with holidays that it’s hard to recall that they began life as robust people transporters and commercial vehicles.

While many campers have been extensively customised, this lovely RHD ‘72 Type 2 is at the ‘original’ end of the scale. Finished in mid blue with white top, it is factory Dormobile conversion that retains many of its original and now rarely seen features.

It was restored around 20 years ago and has then received ongoing servicing and maintenance. Just prior to coming to market the vendor, who has owned it since 2011, spent £4,000 on mechanical improvements. The result was an MOT test that is valid to April 2026. Since that is not a legal requirement, it is a sign of his approach and useful transparency for buyers.

The van is in good, presentable and certainly very usable condition. There is scope for the buyer to take it to the next level or customise it across the interior and exterior.

The vendor says:

“He's not perfect- work to do on the cosmetics, but a wonderful, relatively untouched van, with huge investment in the mechanicals and structure to ensure it's usable daily.”

History and Paperwork

Original UK market RHD Type 2
First UK registered 1st July 1972
14 previous keepers
Current keeper since September 2011
Restored in early 2000s with lots of documentation as shown
2005 restoration book showing panel replacement, welding, and treatment to common problem areas
Voluntary MOT valid to 23rd April 2026
48,288 miles showing on MOT test and 48,402 miles in photos
Extensive history file of service records, bills, and maintenance history
Vendor states that the history dates back to the early 2000s
Vendor states that this is a matching numbers vehicle
Dormobile factory stamp still present on the door pillar
Original paint colour information included in the documentation
V5C in current keeper’s name
Registered as a Historic Vehicle
Various older invoices as shown
Copy of payment summary for recent maintenance totalling around £4,000
Vendor reports that this work covered a mechanical overhaul

The Condition

Classic mid blue and white exterior paintwork in presentable, fair condition
Older restoration from 2005 with details provided in photos and history file
There are some surface rust spots and paint cracks appearing
These are highlighted in the photos
Bodywork is generally in fair condition with some light bubbling to panels to note
Underside passed recent MOT but with structural advisory to note
Vendor states that specialists have confirmed the surface issues are not structural
Steel wheels in white with chrome hub caps showing some age to rims
Matching steel spare with white banded tyre
Original Dormabile pop-top in working order
Twin bunks have been replaced with new replicas
Largely original interior which is particularly rare for a vehicle of this age
Not lowered or customized, retaining its original character and stance
Fitted with comfortable two-tone black and beige leather MINI front seats
Interior features extensive storage, bed area and a sink
Some age to interior units and floor due to originality
Rubber floor mats to front cabin area

The Mechanics

Original 1,584cc air cooled flat four VW engine
4spd manual transmission
£4,000 worth of mechanical work by T2 Detectives specialists in April 2025
Complete brake system overhaul with new braided brake lines
New exhaust system fitted
Braided fuel lines installed for improved reliability
New track rod ends and ball joints for better handling
Gear shifter coupling replaced
Electronic ignition system fitted for more reliable starting
Recently serviced and supplied with a brand new MOT
Advisory for wheel bearing on current MOT
Vendor reports that vehicle is matching numbers

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.

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