Highlights
- Exceptional history file with stacks of invoices
- Amazingly outfitted interior
- Imported to the UK in the 80’s
- Recent engine and gearbox refurbishment
The Appeal
The VW bus, in any configuration, needs absolutely no introduction. The impact these vans have had over the decades have been recognised by the masses. From the hardworking backgrounds of the delivery vans used by emergency services and commercial businesses, to the countercultural movement known as the Hippie movement back in the 60’s. These vans were at the forefront of it all!
This particular example has been converted into a proper little homely camper, perfect for weekends away from the city bustle. Accompanied with an extremely extensive folder full of history documentation, some of which in German, which is where this charming T2 originated from.
The History and Paperwork
- Originally registered in 1977 in Germany
- Imported to the UK in the 1980’s
- Engine and gearbox reconditioned only 5,000km’s ago
- 4 new tyres recently fitted
- New MOT as of 13.05.2022
- Stacks of invoices and documentation
- V5C present and in the current owners name
- Extensive work carried out recently to ensure the van is in great working order
- Very well presented bodywork considering the age and mileage!
The Interior
- Wicked campervan conversion
- Rock and roll bed
- Digital battery gauge for both standard and leisure batteries
- Recently fitted two-hob burner
- Functional refrigerator
- Nearly full gas bottle
- Remote controlled diesel heater mounted under the bed
- Lovely wooden panelling on the roof and in front of the cab
- Ceiling mounted projector and roll-away screen
- Remote controlled ceiling spot lights
- Bluetooth speakers front and rear
- Fold-out rear table with supporting legs
- VTEC speakers up front with Vibe tweeters
- EMPI Ghia trigger shifter gear stick
- Rare Saab 9000 front seats, repainted in grey
Outrageously charming and ever so homely. The interior of this T2 has to be seen to be appreciated, it really is like a little home away from home, and attracts compliments from absolutely everyone that lays eyes upon it!
Up front in the cabin, we’re greeted with a white-on-white dashboard and steering wheel, some rare Saab 9000 seats and some modern upgrades such as a JVC head unit, VTEC front speakers and Vibe tweeters, a Bluetooth sound bar up on the dash and an oil temperature gauge just to the right of the steering column. The seats themselves are in okay shape, they appear to have been painted at some point and the painted layer is beginning to crack off in some areas - forgivable however considering these seats are rather rare (and expensive!) and maintain the electrical bases. Door cards are present and in good nick, just some light leather sagging but nothing extreme, and looking up the roof is lined in wooden panelling to match the aesthetic of the back of the bus!
This is where it really gets good… Slide open that rear door and you’re greeted with a beautiful dark wood interior, a fitted kitchenette with a sink, a two-hob burner, and a fridge, as well as a foldable rock and roll bed. That ain’t all, either! There are remote controlled spotlights mounted to the ceiling, a ceiling mounted projector and a roll-down projector screen. This really is the perfect campervan to go exploring with. A digital battery gauge is mounted just below the projector display with a switchboard for appliances so you can keep a watchful eye over your battery voltages. Also fitted is a diesel heater which is mounted underneath the bed, and has directional vents on the wooden panel boards - fantastic and absolutely essential for cold night camping.
Moving into the back of the van, the dark wooden roof panelling travels all the way back here. The spare tyre is located just to the left of the bed and just underneath is a fold-out table perfect for picnicking - the table comes with supportive legs which can be put underneath if there’s going to be some weight put on top. Sit back here, grab some food and stick the projector on with a clear view through the bus to the projector screen and enjoy some well deserved down-time!
The interior of this VW really is just fantastic. Beautiful woodwork, functional appliances, and oozing character, there's nothing not to love here. Even down to the Smurfs accompanying you on the dashboard paying homage to the vans name - Smurf! The only negative we have to note here is that the owner informs us that the fuel gauge doesn’t work, so you’ll have to be mindful of this when kicking about so as not to leave yourself stranded… But then even if you do, is there really any better vehicle to be stranded in? We think not.
The Exterior
- White over blue paintwork
- Gentle and welcome patina in areas
- Great condition bodyshell considering the age and mileage
- Chrome hub caps with small signs of corrosion
- New tyres all round with loads of meat left
- Privacy film placed on all rear windows
- Smurf vinyl's on the doors and rear window
- Brightwork in lovely condition throughout
It’s easy to see where this van got its nickname, isn't it? Finished in beautiful white over blue paintwork with white bumpers, grill and wheels, it really is a big Smurf on wheels. This is a charming T2 with small and welcome signs of patina throughout, showcasing that extensive history and wearing its heart on its sleeve. We wouldn’t have it any other way.
To the front of the vehicle, the paintwork presents itself in nice overall condition, the white bumper is showing some rust spots through the paint and the rubber seal around the front window is reasonable with some early signs of drying out. Brightwork around the headlights and on the VW symbol is in good order and retain a high level of clarity, and the headlight lenses themselves echo this with no signs of any damage or water ingress
Moving to the side of the Camper, we get a better view of that classically famous body shape that everybody lusts and dreams after. Bodywork is in pretty good shape here, there are some minor signs of rust poking through around the lower portions but really nothing to shout about, some paint chips here and there and a slight crack in the paint behind the sliding door on the passenger side. Aside from this, it really is nicely presented. Privacy film on all of the rear windows is a huge plus and adds to the aesthetic of the white paintwork on the top half of the van. All brightwork on the handles is lovely and clear as are the wing mirrors, the only bits of brightwork not up to par are the hubcaps showing some corrosion spots, but this adds to the characteristic patina, we feel!
To the rear of the van, we see another Smurf sticker placed on the rear window and a quote “It is what it is!” on the rear hatch in vinyl. Paintwork back here is much the same, well presented with some imperfections such as a crack in the paint on the lower right quadrant of the hatch, a paint run just below it to the right and some small scuffs just above the engine cover. The rear bumper is much the same as the front, showing signs of rust peeking through the white paint but none of which seem major. Rear lights are in good shape with no signs of damage too!
Overall then, it instantly puts a smile across your face when you see it. Beautiful colourways, good brightwork, and some light and charming patina throughout which demonstrates how loved and enjoyed this vehicle has been over the last 400,000km, you’d never believe it was that high would you? We certainly didn’t.
The Mechanics
- 2.0L flat 4-cylinder air-cooled engine
- Manual transmission
- Recently refurbished engine and gearbox 5,000km ago by a specialist
- Fresh MOT
- 4 new tyres recently fitted
- Major service completed as of September 2021
- Valve clearance checked and adjusted
- Carburettor stripped, cleaned and adjusted
- Fuel lines and clips replaced
- OSF wheel bearing recently replaced
- Servo hose replaced
- Gear coupling/bush replaced
- Battery cut-off switch
Mechanically, this van is a great runner, and rightly so with a recently refurbished engine and gearbox a mere 5,000km ago (just over 3,100 miles for us imperial reading brits). The car fires up and comes to a steady idle without a struggle, and is ready to rock and roll!
Of course, due to the nature and engineering layout of these VW buses, the gears can be a little tricky to navigate through due to the gearbox being at the rear of the vehicle causing a complicated linkage system, but this is a common characteristic of these buses as any enthusiast will tell you. Once you get the hang of it, it’s smooth sailing, falling into gear and staying put until you say otherwise.
The owner has recently had the vehicle inspected by a well trusted mechanic and has been assured the bus is in great working condition for any new custodian to take ownership of. A true, ready to go example that you can hop in and drive off with ease, drawing all the attention you could possibly imagine from passers by!
Summary
We all have a soft spot for a camper, especially one as pretty and charismatic as this with well sorted mechanical workings. The perfect buy for family trips or even as an investment - we’ve all seen how wild the market has gone for these in the passing years! Don’t let this little gem slip through your fingers!
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UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
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