Highlights
- Totally bespoke fifth wheel creation based upon a 1963 Volkswagen Type 2
- Incredibly expensive restoration and custom build to a very high standard
- Well equipped camping interior with Westfalia-style elevating roof, luggage rack and awning
- Beautifully finished and presented in impeccable condition
- The only other similar build sold in the USA for hundreds of thousands of dollars
- Offered with a very fair reserve!
The Appeal
The Volkswagen Type 2 naturally tops the list when we think of a classic campervan. They certainly look the part, especially early ‘Splitscreen’ examples, but those craving a little more space and usability are left with few options…
Enter this bespoke creation, which is testament to the vision and skill of its creator, who now offers it for sale. Following the American ‘fifth wheel’ concept whereby the camping section is towed on an articulating ‘U’-shaped hitch. It’s a clever idea - maximising the space and manoeuvrability of your vehicle and trailer. What’s special about this one, is you’ll note it has been made up of two Splitscreen Volkswagens.
To cope with the extra weight, the humble air-cooled boxer engine has been substituted for a powerful four-cylinder Audi S3 motor connected to an Audi automatic gearbox. The result is a classic camper with as much power as you could possibly want - perfect for those who want to cover some distance and keep pace with modern traffic.
This tractor unit and trailer combo has been finished to the extent that you’d think Volkswagen made it themselves in period! The trailer takes advantage of extra space fore and aft - formerly occupied by the cab and engine for additional accommodation and storage respectively. There’s a fully equipped modern camping interior as well as a Westfalia-style elevating roof, fold out awning and useful luggage rack on the roof. In the tractor unit up front, we find a suitably period-correct Type 2 interior, cleverly integrating controls related to the uprated powertrain.
We’ve never seen anything quite like this and we doubt you have either. If you want to own a classic Volkswagen camper that’s truly unique in the best possible way, here’s your opportunity to make this incredible vehicle your holiday companion.
The History and Paperwork
- Built and maintained by the vendor
- Registered as a 1963 vehicle - which relates to the driven tractor unit
- V5C present - correctly registered and approved by the DVLA
- Exempt from road tax and MOT testing
- UK road legal
- Trailer unit complete with axle plate to comply with road registration regulations in the UK
The Interior
- Matching upholstery throughout both sections
- Well equipped trailer with all the usual camping amenities
- Makes great use of the increased space with a bespoke interior arrangement
- Smart laminate flooring in the trailer
- Finished to a fabulous and still in great condition
- Empty trailer engine compartment utilised as additional storage space
The whole point of this clever conversion is to find more space within the confines of the Type 2’s iconic shape and it accomplishes this by dedicating every square inch of the trailer as accommodation. Where a conventional Type 2 camper conversion might utilise a rock ‘n’ roll bed arrangement, there’s room here for a large double bed which extends right to the rear. Underneath, there’s copious extra storage to complement the cabinetry neatly fitted around the main bed.
We also find a large fridge unit beside more cabinetry up front extending into what would usually be the cab. Above, we find the elevating roof which appears in good order and functions correctly. The headlining is in great shape throughout, as is the laminate floor. All the upholstery presents well, with barely any wear of signs of damage to report.
In the driven vehicle, all has been finished to look period correct. An original steering wheel is utilised, as are original pedals and a period-correct Hurst-style shifter for the Audi automatic gearbox. There’s a bench seat which looks to be in great order, as do the rubber floor mats and door cards. The dashboard looks smart, incorporating some additional instruments and a neat digital odometer.
The Exterior
- Two-tone cream / beige colour scheme across both units
- Opening windscreen for increased ventilation
- Equipped with a roof rack and fold-out side awning
- OEM steel wheels with hubcaps
- Fantastic paint and bodywork
The cleverest aspect of this creation, in our opinion, is how it looks like Volkswagen made it in period. Great attention has been paid to the smallest of details and so it doesn’t seem at all cobbled together as many projects of this magnitude inevitably end up.
All the bespoke fabrication and modification was carried out by the vendor and finished to a great standard. The bodywork is all immensely straight and the paint too presents really well indeed. There are no notable scratches, dents or any signs of accident damage. It appears devoid of corrosion and the underside of both units present impeccably.
The Mechanics
- Reportedly running and driving without fault
- Powered by an Audi S3 petrol engine mated to an audi automatic gearbox
As if this camper wasn’t clever enough already, we learn that beneath the flatbed of the tow vehicle lies the beating heart of the strikingly quick Audi S3! You wouldn’t know it from looking at the interior and the engine, gearbox and ancillaries hide neatly under the trailer hitch.
The engine compartment is beautifully presented and it’s an exceedingly neat installation with bespoke fabrication work and carefully plumbed-in ancillaries. The performance this package delivers is more than you could ever want from such a vehicle and the use of an automatic gearbox makes a great deal of sense from a usability perspective. We’re assured that all is running perfectly and in fantastic mechanical condition.
Summary
Every once in a while you come across a vehicle that’s so impressive, you can’t praise it enough. This is one such vehicle.
The brainchild of a very clever and talented individual, we’re sure Volkswagen collectors the world over will want to own this awesome custom creation.
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:
✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
✓ 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.
✓ UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check, to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery.
