Highlights
- Original Australian right-hand drive example
- Comprehensive restoration including full respray in original VW two-tone Orient Blue and Pastel White
- Westfalia-style interior with full-width rock and roll bed
- Propex Heatsource HS2000 heater
- New vehicle battery installed this year
- Well-regarded 1.8-litre 'Pancake' engine
- Extensive service history dating back many years, plus MOT records back to 2007
The Appeal
The Volkswagen Type 2 has become an icon of freedom and adventure, with its practical design and unmistakable character making it a favourite among '60s and '70s countercultural movements in search of an easy-to-maintain vehicle. The model found its calling as a campervan, with several recognised conversions performed all over the world.
This 1974 Microbus was supplied new to Australia in right-hand drive and was imported to the UK around 2007 by the previous keeper. The van has benefited from extensive restoration including bodywork repairs, sandblasting, and a full respray in its original VW two-tone Orient Blue and Pastel White colour scheme. With its practical Westfalia-inspired camping layout, upgraded mechanical components, and well-documented history, this represents a superb opportunity to acquire a characterful classic camper that's ready for new adventures.
The vendor summarises their ownership:
"Overall, Walt is a wonderful example of the classic VW camper van, and he has given us many great camping adventures. One of the best things about owning him has been the admiring looks and comments from everyone we meet. He is always an instant hit wherever we’ve travelled and we’ve had lots of great conversations with people who have also owned a camper and wanted to share stories.
This 1974 Microbus was supplied new to Australia in right-hand drive and was imported to the UK around 2007 by the previous keeper. The van has benefited from extensive restoration including bodywork repairs, sandblasting, and a full respray in its original VW two-tone Orient Blue and Pastel White colour scheme. With its practical Westfalia-inspired camping layout, upgraded mechanical components, and well-documented history, this represents a superb opportunity to acquire a characterful classic camper that's ready for new adventures.
The vendor summarises their ownership:
"Overall, Walt is a wonderful example of the classic VW camper van, and he has given us many great camping adventures. One of the best things about owning him has been the admiring looks and comments from everyone we meet. He is always an instant hit wherever we’ve travelled and we’ve had lots of great conversations with people who have also owned a camper and wanted to share stories.
"Walt is quirky, of course, but real fun to drive, especially in a modern world of generally boring vehicles (especially camper vans). One thing we are really pleased with is just how well the interior works for us when camping. Being a genuine RHD camper, the sliding door being on the correct side was more important than we realised, especially when parking up next to a view to have an impromptu lunch with the door open. As a couple, the full-width bed was really important for us and we’ve always had a great night’s sleep in him. We’re really sad to be selling him."
History and Paperwork
- Registered in 1974 as an original Australian right-hand drive VW
- Original Service Record showing Delivery Inspection on July 1st, 1974
- Imported to UK around 2007 (first UK MOT certificate)
- In current ownership since 2014
- Two former registered keepers
- Complete restoration including replacement of several bodywork sections, sandblasting, and full respray inside and out in original VW two-tone Orient Blue and Pastel White
- Chassis appears free from notable defects
- Original 1800 engine replaced around 2010
- Full set of invoices and receipts for all work and parts
- Complete MOT history back to 2007
- Always stored undercover and dry
- Limited use in recent years due to family circumstances
- Original Service Record document showing services from 1974 to 1978
- Some interesting bits and pieces of paperwork from the van's life in Australia
- Photocopy of the original owner's manual
- The original manufacturer’s stamped VIN plate is still in place behind the driver’s seat
- Records of all services and repairs carried out under current ownership since 2016
The vendor provides the following account of the van's history:
"An original Australian RHD VW (we have the original Service Record showing the original Delivery Inspection on July 1st 1974 and subsequent services), Walt was imported into the UK by the previous owner (we believe around 2007 - that is the first MOT certificate he gave us).
"We bought him in 2014 and had him completely stripped down and restored. This included replacing several bodywork sections (but not many - there wasn't much rust as the photos we have show), sandblasting and a full respray inside and out (in original VW two-tone Orient Blue and Pastel White).
"The chassis had no issues at all, and there was nothing significant needed mechanically. The original 1800 engine had been replaced around 2010 according to the MOT records and nothing was required other than a service. We have a full set of invoices and receipts for all work done and parts replaced.
"After respray, we had the interior refitted in a Westfalia style, including a full-width new rock and roll bed and all new upholstery. A leisure battery was fitted, with an inbuilt charger, circuit breakers, four 3-pin sockets and two 12V sockets.
"Since then, we have only needed to carry out minor repairs and part replacements (again, we have all the receipts) with regular servicing and MOTs (until the MOT was no longer required).
"Walt has always been stored undercover and dry. We haven’t used him very much over the last couple of years due to family circumstances, and now we are selling to give someone else a chance to enjoy him."
The Condition
- As part of servicing WaxOyl under-seal has been regularly applied to keep the underneath in good condition
- Overall bodywork presents well
- Few minor rust spots on bumpers and rain gutter edges
- More significant rust spot above the gutter on the passenger side needs attention
- Couple of paint chips (not yet rusted) needing attention
- Sliding door seal sometimes fails; can leak in heavy rain
- Tow bar with electrics fitted during restoration
- Empi replacement wheels, somewhat scuffed, could benefit from restoration
- Cabinets and upholstery in good condition with no rips, tears, or damage
- Rear seat belts are fitted - 2 diagonal and one lap belt
- Headlining showing signs of wear
- One pop-top clamp detached (clamp available but needs re-fixing)
- Headlining around skylight needs repair
- Skylight handle rivets need replacing (slow drip in heavy rain)
- Full-width rock and roll bed installed
- All instruments and switchgear work as intended
- Standard VW heating system largely ineffective
- Propex heater installed to counter this
- Interior refitted in Westfalia style
- Sliding door on correct side for RHD vehicle
- Original step into the van the fits under the sliding door present
- We are told the mounting plate under the van needs to be rewelded so the step can be refitted
The Mechanics
- 1800cc air-cooled flat-four 'Pancake' engine (replacement circa 2010)
- Four-speed manual transmission
- Low-mileage engine starts and runs well
- Oil dipstick temperature sensor and gauge installed to prevent engine overheating
- Propex Heatsource HS2000 heater installed
- Regularly serviced despite low usage
- Only mechanical repair needed was starter motor replacement in 2015
- The exhaust silencer and tailpipe have been recently replaced
- The vehicle battery is new this year
- Gearbox reportedly functions well
- Standard gearshift lever replaced with EMPI upgrade
- Linkages adjusted for smoother gear changes
- 12V vehicle battery replaced this year
- 12V leisure battery with circuit breakers, four 3-pin sockets and two 12V sockets installed
- Category 1 Thatcham-approved COBRA alarm and immobiliser fitted (registration certificate available)
- We are advised that the alarm is operational, one of the door sensors will need to be checked
The vendor tells us:
"Several basic spare parts are included (accelerator cable, clutch cable, fan belt, air filter, fuel filter). We bought them in case of emergency repairs, but we've never needed them"
"Several basic spare parts are included (accelerator cable, clutch cable, fan belt, air filter, fuel filter). We bought them in case of emergency repairs, but we've never needed them"
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