The VW Campervan became the unexpected icon of the VW brand and today the shape of the Camper is immediately recognised by all generations. The original concept dates back to 1950 when the VW Transporter was first developed, although the camper derives from a design sketched out by a Dutch businessman, Ben Pon, who sketched the idea after a visit to the factory for the original commercial.

Production of the Type 1 (T1) began in Wolfsburg and then was moved to Hanover to satisfy the large orders and high demand for the vehicle. As with any revolutionary vehicle the engineers continued development over the lifespan of the van and many variations including ambulances and double cab materialised, but the one that has carried the greatest following is the Campervan.

This very distinctive camper van was imported into the UK in 2016 from California, at which time it was restored and given its very distinctive patina. The new interior was also custom-built and installed. Within a year it had passed into the ownership of a young lady who used it as a promotional vehicle for her vaping products business. It was a regular attendee at VW shows and other festivals. 

The present owner acquired the vehicle in 2018 and set about a few final tweaks of his own including a new exhaust and a new set of wheels.  The bus has spent only a few nights away and has always been garaged.

As well as the V5, the Volkswagen has receipts for the new exhaust in 2019, four new tyres in March of 2021 and the rather tasty steering wheel in the same year. Although not recorded, the wheels were also bought in 2021.

If you’re drawn to view this ’65 Split Screen, you probably get the whole Patina vibe and realize its weathered appearance is actually the product of careful nurturing rather than neglect. The rusting edges are actually lacquered over (periodically reapplied) to seal them and stop them spreading any further. 

The rest of the bus shows a variously matt and faded finish, varying from panel to panel with equally deliberate intention. You either like the look or you don’t, but we think this one is very cool.

The panels themselves are straight, with good seams and no dents. Shut lines are narrow and the doors hang straight on non-creaking/sticking hinges. By striking contrast to the mellow ochre and faded white of the paint, the chrome and polished alloy windows remain bright with secure n and fixings. 

The light surrounds are likewise good and the lights themselves very clean. The rubber window/windscreen surrounds are mostly in very good condition, with one or two showing some small cracks in corners.The wood of the roof rack looks weathered but again is sound.

The bodywork appears fundamentally very sound and the bus’s appearance well balanced and managed.

While the V-Dub’s exterior might be contrivedly tatty, the interior of the camper is neat and clean. One or two areas of the utilitarian dash are allowed a little corrosion, but the overall look is clean and simple. The steering wheel is a wood-rimmed after-market addition – in very nice nick – and the (few) other controls are VW standard. All are in good condition showing little handling wear. 

The hessian door cards and cab floor covering were installed by the present owner. They are neatly finished, clean, and give a rustic, surfing nomad kind of feel. The red leatherette seats add a warm contrast. The material is in very good condition both in the front and the back.

The wood veneer of the kitchen area is in good order showing no chips or lifting through damp. Both the stove and fridge units are clean and show little wear. Another slightly eccentric touch added by the current owner is the ‘penny’ floor. The rear also features an ever popular 3/4 width rock and roll style bed allowing ample sleeping space for 2 occupants and great for overnight stays.

They are neatly laid out and laminated (and could prove useful if you run out of change at a parking machine). The final organic/low-tech touch is the barrel roof of the cabin. Again, the wood adds a pleasing warmth, a great colour and is nicely finished. All in all, a characterful and enjoyable space.

The famous air-cooled engine looks clean and well sorted in an equally clean and corrosion-free engine compartment. All components and ancillaries appear very serviceable and accessible. H/T leads, belts and hoses show a healthy colour, and appear quite new with showing no signs of cracking or perishing. The motor certainly runs well enough without smoking or skipping a beat (ignoring the usual air-cooled syncopations). The Stainless steel 'Vintage speed' exhaust is a highly sought after addition and emits lovely deep rumble combined with a set of Twin carbs to help make the most of the iconic flat four engine.

Looking underneath the Volkswagen, the chassis looks good. The main rails, cross members and outriggers all appear very solid, as do the body floors. The area looks to have been painted/sealed fairly recently and shows only light weathering with some surface corrosion on a few edges. As mentioned, the exhaust is only three years old. There is nothing that looks like it should raise any concern. The VW has been lowered, sitting evenly on its suspension and the new (within the last year) wheels are very clean.

Volkwagen’s Bay Window camper, in all its forms, can be an indulgence, a hobby, a way of life or a religion, Driving one is an event in itself, a holiday in one is a lifestyle statement. This particular example very much has its own style and you will probably know immediately if it’s the one for you. If you think it is, you can be assured that it is a well-sorted machine that is well connected within the V-Dub scene, so you and it should find friends easily.