The T2 became the second generation of VW’s flexible, forward-control commercial vehicle platform in 1967. Building on the success of the split-screen, series 1 versions, the “bay window” T2 was slightly bigger and more sophisticated in many respects. The engine was bigger too with a 1.6L flat-four, horizontally opposed engine now sitting out under the rear hatch.

These fun and flexible vehicles very quickly built a huge and loyal following as daily transport, campers, day vans and commercial vans.

This example of the breed was built in 1969 and, as such, is the sought-after “lowlight” version. This refers to the low position of the indicator lenses down near the bumpers. Later versions (from around 1971) had the indicators relocated up above the headlights, close to the windscreen.

This particular VW started life as an official US vehicle and, based on available paperwork, spent some of its life in Oregon. It is believed that the vehicle was then exported to Germany by a US Serviceman in around 2000. The T2 then arrived in the UK in 2008 and has had just two owners in that time, with the current family proudly owning her since 2013.

This 1969 VW comes with a great archive of interesting paperwork. Some of this relates to its world travels, such as an Oregon Certificate of Title form 2000 and some German Roadworthiness documents from 2006.

Other documents include the current V5 the name of the owners and a host of interesting bills and invoices relating to work undertaken during the UK portion of the T2’s life. Chief amongst these is one detailing an engine replacement in 2009, at a cost of nearly £2K, and one from 2015 detailing some wide-ranging maintenance running to £2.6K.

As you will see from the photographic package, this VW benefits from a very clean and fresh interior. The red and cream vinyl upholstery is in excellent condition and makes for a very bright and jolly ambiance. The current owners report that the interior was replaced in 2010 and it has clearly been very lightly used since then.

The van is carpeted throughout in a very clean, twist-pile biscuit coloured carpet which exhibits no signs of wear or imperfection. Complimentary coloured gingham curtains complete the look and are very much in keeping with the fun and comfortable image of the T2.

Sleeping accommodation is in the form of a three-quarter size rock and roll double bed, a single bed in the roof and a hammock which fits in the front of the cabin, making it a "three and a half" berth capacity.

There is a useful amount of storage in the rear cabin too. A number of latched storage cupboards are fitted making this a very practical van for extended days out or weekends away and the current owners have taken it camping with the additional equipment, including a cooker, that they are including in the sale.

The dash is presented in apparently original black vinyl. A very attractive Moto-lita wooden rimmed, three-spoke steering wheel is fitted along with an alloy CSP gear knob giving this T2 a real sense of individuality. 

The exterior continues to impress in the way that the interior does. The van has benefitted from a full and professionally undertaken external respray in 2021. It is a great job too, with the bright red paintwork, and white accents, appearing deep and lustrous in all areas. No significant areas of imperfection were noted or reported. The current owner reports that the van has been Waxoiled.

The signature steel wheels are fitted with the familiar domed, chrome wheel trims. These, and the tyres fitted, all appear to be in great condition with plenty of life left in the tyres for the new owner.

All doors and opening panels operate as they should and close with positively and with precision. Panel gaps all appear tight and symmetrical. The combination of these factors makes for a very good-looking and eye-catching T2.

The current owners have undertaken a schedule of useful maintenance tasks during their ownership and please see the paperwork photographs for full details of the work undertaken. In 2009 the paperwork details a full engine and carburettor replacement, and it is believed that less than 10,000 miles has been covered since then.

During our visit the Bay started immediately from cold and ticked over very evenly without any unexpected smoke. The Bay drove sweetly, and the owner reports that the ride is very compliant and comfortable without any noted clonks or thumps from the suspension.

With the early split-screen VW vans having skyrocketed in value in recent years, good T2 Bay versions are becoming more and more sought-after. The market currently seems to favour the early T2a “low-light” iterations, like this one, and demand is bound to continue to grow.

This particular example is clearly a well loved and well cared for member of the current owner’s family. The owners confirmed that they have many very happy memories of their time with the T2. To add to the appeal the owners are including a lot of useful camping equipment including a large awning (pictured), the aforementioned hammock and cooker to name but a few. A full list is included in our photographic package. 

So here we have a pristine T2 that runs very well and turns heads wherever she goes. She is now ready to be used and enjoyed by her next lucky owners.