Highlight
- Rare one year only 1968 change over year bus
- Extensively restored with quality mechanical upgrades
- High quality interior fit out with restored pop top
- Exquisitely well presented example
The Appeal
A classic sight on the roads, widely regarded as one of the all time greats and a true symbol of adventure and classic automotive culture. The Volkswagen camper in its essence is the physical form of the phrase cult classic. With no nonsense air cooled engineering and incredible scope for upgrades, the vans were always going to be a hit, and that they were, with build figures in the millions.
Perhaps one of the most recognisable of the VW campers, the T2 bay window van, has always been a hit among collectors, with the general consensus being the earlier the van the better. The T2 we have here today surely has that requirement nailed down well. An exceedingly rare 1968 model, this T2 hails from a change over year and was one of the first of the iconic bay window shaped vans, with improved space and practicality over its split screen forebear.
Extensively restored with only the highest quality original parts used where possible and equipped with some choice mechanical upgrades, RMO 3O3F stands in truly fine form and is possibly one of the best presented early examples of a T2 out on the roads today.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered 19/06/1968
- One of the changeover years for the bay window shaped van
- Purchased by the current in 2019
- After purchase the van was subject to a highly extensive restoration using the best quality original parts where possible
- The vendor possesses a large volume of photographs of the van throughout several stages of the restoration
- Vendor advises there is a large volume of receipts for parts bought for the restoration
- V5 registration document present with the van
- Both tax and MOT exempt due to the van’s historic status and age
The Interior
- Quality interior with bespoke cabinetry
- Upgraded Pioneer head unit
- Pop top roof for improved sleeping capability
- Impeccable vinyl upholstery with custom fudge colouring
Now, we get to the party piece of any camper van, the interior. Opening the sliding door reveals a smart revamped cabin, recommissioned as part of the restoration process undertaken in the last few years. Absolutely hitting it out of the park, the vendor has created an interior that is nothing short of a masterpiece. What we have with this van is a stylish, well appointed interior space that simultaneously presents as a blank canvas with room for personalisation at the hands of a new owner.
Perhaps the stand out point to note in here is the upholstery, more specifically the colour scheme. High quality vinyl drapes its way across the front and rear seating, door and wall panelling in a unique, custom Fudge colouring which is both bold and a wonderful compliment to the Savannah Beige exterior paintwork. We find bespoke colour matched cabinetry with a wooden countertop and built in sink residing in the rear section of the cabin for added practicality alongside some 3 pin and 12v plug sockets.
In terms of sleeping capacity, we have both the rear bench seat which folds out flat into a double bed as well as the Devon Moonraker pop top roof which has been extensively recommissioned with original parts. At ground level we find a “mat matz” front carpet set and colour coded floor tiles for the rear section.
The front passenger section of the cabin presents in equally prestigious form, with a colour matched dash panel, vintage speed cream gear shifter and a gorgeous high quality wood rimmed three spoke steering wheel. An aftermarket Pioneer radio head unit with a built in phone connector resides in the centre of the dash. The interior trim, door furniture and general embellishments found within the cabin are of a marvellously high quality and all work well to help present this as an exceptionally clean T2 van.
The Exterior
- Savannah Beige exterior colour scheme
- Restored Devon pop top roof
- New old stock early door handles
Is there a more instantly recognizable shape than the Volkswagen T2? The simplistic design stands out wherever it may be, especially when sporting an infamous colour scheme like this example. The rather iconic blend of Savannah Beige and Pastel White roof are the order of the day when it comes to the exterior of this example, a wonderful colour choice which thoroughly sets the van off from an aesthetic perspective. The paint itself is what we understand to be the van’s original colour and has been resprayed to a brilliant standard and as such presents with a brilliant deep shine from all angles.
The vendor advises that at the time of acquisition the van was a rather solid example, there were some patches of rust, namely around the window frames that were cut out and replaced, however the van’s original floors were able to be preserved.
The van stands today in wonderful aesthetic order and is certainly one of the best examples of an early T2 out there. Exterior chrome trim is of a wonderful standard with one of the highlight points to note being the new old stock door handles fitted to the van, unique to the early T2 bay window vans, one can only imagine the efforts that went into finding a good quality original set of these. New glass, along with replacement door and window rubbers have also been fitted.
A Devon pop top roof was specced on this van and is presented today in great overall order. During the van’s restoration a new old stock Devon roof cap was sourced and fitted along with replacement canvas sides in a matching beige hue. The roof itself pops open and latches into place, quickly and comfortably.
At ground level sit a good quality set of white steel wheels with upgraded chrome VW hubcaps, all presented in good order, with a fifth spare wheel residing in the rear of the van under a bespoke vinyl cover.
The Mechanics
- 1641cc engine
- Scat engine heads
- Vintage speed exhaust
- Rolling road tuned
Legendary in its design, the Volkswagen air cooled flat four engine is perhaps one of the most innovative pieces of automotive engineering to date. Famed for its simplicity and longevity, it really can be considered one of the all time greats.
The unit in this particular van has been treated to some choice mechanical upgrades in the name of both performance and convenience and presents in truly impeccable order. The engine itself, a 1641cc flat four, has been re gasketed and sealed, before being fitted with legendary SCAT rocker covers and mated to a Vintage Speed exhaust system. Further modifications include a 123 ignition distributor, single weber 40 idf carburetor setup and performance HT leads. All of this before being rolling road tuned by Revivals in Hertfordshire.
It wasn't just the engine that received some special treatment during the refurb though. Work also included fitting a new Butty Bits throttle pedal kit, a front disc brake conversion, suspension lowering with 2.5 drop spindles and adjustable rear spring plates, custom tow bar install and a leisure battery install with 240v hook up.
All of this has turned the van into an absolute show piece from a mechanical perspective, it now fires into life and has the performance credentials to back the aesthetic. On the road it is reported to provide a great, fun and engaging driving experience.
Inspection underneath reveals what appears to be a clean and solid van throughout.
Summary
Surely one of the best bay window vans out there. Certainly a bold statement but one that rings true after inspecting this glorious example.
An incredibly early 1968 model with all the right bits. This can has been exceptionally well restored and presented as such. With some quality upgrades it stands today as an excellent show piece but is equally a van that lends itself to some subtle personalisation at the hands of a new loving owner.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
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