∙US import Year 1977

∙Well-loved example Make Volkswagen

∙Good mechanical condition 

The type 2 was VW’s designation for its second car model, introduced in 1950 after its successful first model the ‘type 1’ also known as the Beetle. Many know the Type 2 by its more common nickname, the VW Camper or the VW ‘Bus’. Enthusiasts also came up with their own nicknames for the two main early variants based on whether they had a split windscreen design or not, split screens (Splittys) or bay windows. 

With the early model cars getting their own nicknames as time went on, it’s no wonder now that the earlier models are very highly sought after and have taken on a huge variety of styling from their popularity in all niches of automotive enthusiast culture. 

From the factory however, the VW group’s designation for the ‘Type 2s’ were simply T1 through to today’s T6. With each iteration gaining more features and as a result more and more weight and bigger and better engines, as is the way with all modern developments in the automotive industry.

This bus is a T2b which refers to T2’s made after 1972, it benefits from the biggest 2.0 L B4 petrol engine putting out 70bhp and 82lbft torque. Outright power was obviously not the agenda here however, with low-down torque the focus, to give the bus the shove off the mark it needed. The current owner has had this bus for around 10 years sharing with it many an adventure with friends and family. 

It was originally, however an import from the US state of Minnesota, which should give it much more of a chance with regards to bodywork.  It has indeed fared very well in the wetter climate of the UK for that reason and the fact that it’s had a full rustproofing treatment since its time in the care of the current owner, being done in 2011. It’s time for the bus to move on however as the current owner doesn’t use it as much as it deserves, and they would like some garage space back. 

The Bus is all ready for its new owner however with a tow bar, immobiliser, spare wheel on the front, Westfalia pop-up roof accommodation and matching green interior with integrated gas feed. The water system has been removed to create some extra storage space in the bus, however the parts are available to buy to put back in.

This bus isn’t show spec but rather it’s been used for the exact thing it was designed for, travelling and living in, making memories and having adventures around the country and the globe. For that very reason, we think that adds to the appeal, rock up anywhere after a long day’s drive, not worry about a tree branch falling on it or a fellow camper brushing past it and just enjoy the freedom it gives you.

The record of this bus isn’t too bad since it’s imported into the UK, with MOT certificates, receipts and records of work done during its time with the current owner. 

The V5 is present along with the owner’s manual and immobiliser brochure. Record of the rust proofing in 2011 is present and the export certificate from Minnesota and registration documents for the UK are also in the history file as well.

A fitting receipt for the heater located under the bench seat in the rear is also in the paperwork bundle along with its manual of operation.

The Sage green exterior colour is matched on the inside of this camper with the plaid pattern adorning the rear seat/bed and the front seats also. The units are all standard Westfalia units in good condition, all working and freely open. 

The driver’s area and dash sections are just beautifully simplistic with the steering wheel, pedals, handbrake and gear-lever (which comes out of the dash) the only things to clutter the otherwise very spacious front section. The dash is not cracked or damaged at all from what we could see either and looked to be in good condition. 

The roof lining is in very good condition as well and continuing into the Westfalia pop out roof section, it is all in order and in great looking condition. The kitchen unit has two gas hobs, a sink, plenty of storage underneath and to the side, a fridge, a radiator and the electrical boxes for the internal appliances along with the fuses.

The main electrics are all UK/EU converted (230V earth leakage protection) with UK twin 3-pin mains sockets.  The vendor also has all the parts for the water system that he removed, meaning there is no need to buy them.

A picnic table is present that fixes into a metal pole that swings out in front of the bench seat. The passenger seat is a ‘captain’s chair’ which swivels around to make the internal space more inclusive for more people. Something to note which the owner mentioned was that the passenger door won’t close due to the armrest on the chair once turned around.

This isn’t a bus you’re going to miss with its bright green and white two-tone paintwork, it really suits the 70’s vibes given off by the van though and its equally as Lucious in person. The exterior design of these vans was a triumph for VW. 

Managing to give them so much character and making them look ‘cute’, something that was perfectly summed up by the owner who said, ‘it makes people want to give it a hug’. It’s quite easy then to see how so many people fell in love with these cars and what they represented. 

There are a few blemishes around the exterior of the van with the gallery showing all the ones we could find. It’s worth noting though that many of these are easy fixes and would require very little work to make perfect. Although this bus has been used for its primary purpose and not treated like a show car or a trailer queen, these marks tell its story and hold memories from its 44 years of service. 

Underneath and around some of the more rust prone areas, this bus has clearly been served well by the rust treatment from the company ‘RustMaster’, who apparently have a good reputation in the classic car community based on some forum murmurings.

There is very little if any rust to worry about. The front arches look to have some superficial surface blooms around the spot welds however after 10 years of stone chips and salty UK roads it’s done extremely well, it also doesn’t look serious or structural.

The 2 litre fuel injection engine is running on low octane lead-free petrol and fired up nicely,  drove, stopped and changed gears well with no crunching or any noises heard after our test drive over some rough gravel roads. The suspension was surprisingly compliant for a 44-year-old vehicle and the tyres are in fine fettle as well.

The engine sounded healthy and strong, with the owner confirming that everything with the van worked both with the interior appliances and the external driving electricals and mechanicals.

As previously mentioned, this bus is ready to go and be enjoyed, with the owner taking good care of the van during their ownership.

The van life, the freedom of the open road, having the entire countryside as your back garden. Living wherever, off the land, having one life and living it to its fullest. The appeal of these van needs little elaboration, if you’ve read this far you too have had the thought of taking your work out on the road with you, selling the house and reducing your life to the bare essentials. 

The entire hippy movement was carried out and portrayed in these vans and it’s hard to argue with some of the things they enjoyed (some). Having to put up a tent, however good your tent is, is never a fun job, but pitching up to the campsite or layby in something like this van would be infinitely easier and would see you applauded with envious and admiring looks. 

With these busses, especially the T1s and T2s holding their value and even increasing in value over the years, the ‘investment’ conversation would come up when discussing purchasing a Camper like this. We'd much rather see the bus being enjoyed for what it was designed for however, rather than being tucked away, a sentiment the current owner shares. 

This bus is ready to rock and roll man, it’s got everything you need and more. Iconic styling, classic car quirks and appeal, along with one of the coolest vehicles to roam the land. If you’re looking for something to create memories in, look no further. 

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