Highlights
- Largely original Devon interior in very good condition
- Engine recently replaced with rebuilt 2-litre unit
- Imported from the drier climate of South Africa
The Appeal
A symbol of fun and freedom the world over, the Type 2 Volkswagen provides its owners with a little home from home, a mobile base from which to stage your own adventures.
This 1977 example has got to be amongst the most versatile T2s around, principally because it is powered by Volkswagen’s later 2-litre ‘pancake’ engine, which in this van has recently been replaced with a rebuilt unit.
It also features a largely original interior from when the van was turned into a camper by the renowned Devon Conversions.
It also features a largely original interior from when the van was turned into a camper by the renowned Devon Conversions.
If you fancy a smart Type 2 in excellent mechanical order, then this is definitely one to consider.
The History and Paperwork
- Full V5 (From 2016 Import)
- Original South African export papers, as well as UK Nova
- First UK registered in 2017
- Invoices showing a host of work completed
- Comes with the engine running-in guide for new rebuilt engine
- Historic Volkswagen Club age verification
- Mileage not believed to be correct
- MOT valid until September 2022
- Sudden illness is the reason for sale
The Interior
- Desirable Devon conversion
- Complete with mostly original interior
- Walk-through bulkhead
Starting from the front, the dashboard itself is in good condition and the only real wear and tear we could see was on the column stalks.
There is some damage to the driver’s seat, consisting of a couple of tears. However, the remaining upholstery appears to be in very good order with no significant wear or damage we could discern. There is new plastic matting on the floor up front which is very durable and easy to clean. Throughout the van, the headlining seems to be in good condition.
There is some damage to the driver’s seat, consisting of a couple of tears. However, the remaining upholstery appears to be in very good order with no significant wear or damage we could discern. There is new plastic matting on the floor up front which is very durable and easy to clean. Throughout the van, the headlining seems to be in good condition.
Moving back into the main living quarters, we’re met with four seats which all display little to no damage, and the cabinets appear to be in great condition. Storage options are plentiful, with cupboards found in almost every nook & cranny, both on the roof and on the floor.
The mechanism which keeps the table in place holds well and turns freely. This can be said for all the mechanisms in the van, from door latches to the stove.
The mechanism which keeps the table in place holds well and turns freely. This can be said for all the mechanisms in the van, from door latches to the stove.
Finally, at the rearmost of the vehicle, we find more storage and the last upholstered piece to the bed. This has slight staining and sun damage of the red material, whilst also showing signs of use with rips along the bottom edge.
There is now a wood-effect laminate flooring, which suits the van and is easy to clean and maintain.
Where so many T2s have lost their original interiors, this example retains many period features in very good condition which is lovely to see.
The Exterior
- Fundamentally solid South African import
- Volkswagen Chrome Yellow
- Straight bodywork
Where so many Type 2s have succumbed to corrosion over the years, this example benefits enormously for having lived the majority of its life in the dry climate of South Africa.
While there is some evidence of corrosion here and there, most prominently along the lower edge of the sliding door, this is a fundamentally solid van which could become amongst the best on UK roads with minimal remedial work.
The vendor informs us that a repair has been carried out to the inner and outer sill and B pillar on the nearside front. Everything certainly looks to be in order underneath and the bodywork is remarkably straight for a 45 year-old vehicle.
There is a chip on the windscreen that was noted at the last MOT but was not considered for a failure.
The vendor informs us that a repair has been carried out to the inner and outer sill and B pillar on the nearside front. Everything certainly looks to be in order underneath and the bodywork is remarkably straight for a 45 year-old vehicle.
There is a chip on the windscreen that was noted at the last MOT but was not considered for a failure.
The Chrome Yellow paintwork is really bright and looks great. The brightwork too is in good order and looks smart. The wheels are complete with their VW hubcaps and the vendor informs us that the tyres are in excellent condition.
The vendor also tells us that the van was always kept undercover during their ownership.
The vendor also tells us that the van was always kept undercover during their ownership.
The camper is also accompanied by a tent which we understand attaches to it.
The Mechanics
- Sought-after 2-litre ‘pancake’ engine
- Only 500 miles into running in
- C.£7,000 spent since purchased by the vendor
- All tinware on the engine has been re powder coated
Sadly, upon purchasing the Volkswagen, the engine promptly failed. Therefore a replacement, rebuilt 2-litre unit now takes its place.
The vendor informs us that a new clutch, fuel pump, regulator, and steering damper were also fitted. The motor was rebuilt by Aircooled Engines Scotland and was installed by DTH in Clackmannanshire, who also completed the other mechanical work.
The vendor informs us that a new clutch, fuel pump, regulator, and steering damper were also fitted. The motor was rebuilt by Aircooled Engines Scotland and was installed by DTH in Clackmannanshire, who also completed the other mechanical work.
Having covered a mere 500 miles since this work was completed earlier in the year, the engine is still being run in. It is accompanied by the running in instructions and the vendor tells us that the first oil and filter service is to be completed before the next owner takes possession.
Benefitting from VW’s later 2-litre engine, this T2 drives really well and keeps up with modern traffic much more ably than some of its predecessors.
Having undergone a thorough check over when the engine and other mechanical components were replaced, the vendor was assured that this VW is ready to use.
We understand that it runs really well through the gears and brakes as it should.
Having undergone a thorough check over when the engine and other mechanical components were replaced, the vendor was assured that this VW is ready to use.
We understand that it runs really well through the gears and brakes as it should.
Summary
This is a really fine example of a late Type 2 and is made especially fine by its thoroughly overhauled mechanicals and the fact that it was imported from a dry climate.
With a largely original Devon interior, this van is a real period piece that would be fantastic fun to take with you on holidays and days out.
