1967 Volkswagen Type 2 T1 Split Window Camper (LHD)
248
Winning bid
£20,000
1967 Volkswagen Type 2 T1 Split Window Camper (LHD)
Highlights
Dry stored and excellently cared for
Full restoration starting in 2013
Mechanically sound and well-running vehicle
Swedish Import; extremely clean
The Appeal
The VW Type 2 campervan has proven to be a timeless and extremely fashionable design dating back to its introduction in 1950. The design itself has been called by many different names, from the self-explanatory ‘Minibus,’ ‘Splitscreen/window,’ and ‘Breadloaf’ to the 1960s pro-peace counterculture movement’s ‘Hippie Van.’ With many different iterations over the years, VW has engineered a true masterpiece, striking the perfect balance between the utilitarian use case while still remaining an undeniably charming van which has found its way into many of our hearts. Through all iterations of this lovable bus, the basic elements of design have remained the same up until today: high visibility, plenty of room for cargo and passengers in a relatively small shell, and always putting a smile on the face of its onlookers and operators alike.
This particular 1967 T1 model, the last year of the T1 production, is a fully restored and mechanically sound example of the Type 2 legacy. Originally hailing from Sweden, this bus remains Left-hand-drive. It’s an original Kombi 11-window camper verified with Stiftung AutoMuseum Volkswagen certificate. Said to be used in the past as an airport shuttle when closer to new, it’s now operating as a recreational camper, coming complete with a full-size attachable awning and also a quick-setup sunscreen canopy as pictured in the paperwork. 0b0b22OkTzcbqo0X8PC6VbETnJLs6Mfl2fDULjVV.jpg815.08 KB
The History and Paperwork
Imported from Sweden in 2001, left-hand drive
Bare-metal restoration completed in recent past, beginning in 2013
MOT exempt vehicle, last MOT in 2018 with no advisories
Restoration photographs and invoices for parts present
Used primarily as a recreational camper under current ownership
While this bus does not have a service history record or history file dating back to the very beginning, it does show clear recent history and documentation since around 2012-2013 when it was fully restored from the bottom up, and it continues to be maintained to a remarkably high degree by the previous and current owners. It has received significant recognition of its condition, having received a gleaming valuation report completed by The Split Screen Van Club in September 2014, and also winning awards for its appearance at VW shows, taking 1st place at Volkfest Wales.
Previous to importation, the vehicle lived its life in Northern Sweden; reportedly having been used as an airport shuttle before entering into private circulation and use. In 2001 the vehicle was imported to the UK and enjoyed until 2012 or 2013, when the owner at the time began a bare metal restoration to the camper. Photographic documentation and invoices for parts purchased and replaced are present in the history file and come with the sale. The current owner purchased the vehicle in 2020 and has used the vehicle for various camping and road trips since then. Dry stored during the winter, the vehicle has seen little use in the last seven months.LvkOEIcGesiQUsdzzdsxwmUvae2NFtacObRtuS6B.jpg343.59 KB
The Interior
White with red accents in the interior match the styling of the vehicle elegantly
Overall extremely good condition inside with plenty of space to enjoy
Owner states all electronics, switches, and gauges functioning correctly
This van’s interior is as immaculate as it gets for something of this age. Opening up the front door, which hinges from the very front of the bus itself, you’re presented with a freshly trimmed interior, excellent white bench seat, and nearly flawless dashboard. In front of you there’s a speedometer, which goes all the way up to 120 kilometres per hour, and a fuel gauge; both in excellent condition and showing little signs of age. It’s also been fitted with a screen wash system in the off chance that may be needed. The steering wheel is colour-matched and in great clean condition sans a couple small cracks as pictured. The front bench seat is in near perfect condition with hardly any signs of use or wear. The excellent-condition windows, which completely surround you, provide a visibility like you have most likely never experienced before.
In the middle camper compartment, barn-style doors are opened to reveal a beautifully crafted and upholstered set of bench seats surrounding a Hawaiian style hibiscus pattern table. The quirky table is seemingly fashioned from an old skim board, in an obvious nod to the surfing culture surrounding busses of this era. The beautiful bench seats are accented against a plush black carpeting for the flooring, compartment divider, and trim which is all in immaculate condition and shows no signs of hard wear or misuse. The headlining wooden trim is in excellent condition as well, with a natural finish on proud display. LED strips accent the upper portion of the sides of the camper compartment above the windows, and there are LED lights fashioned into the bottoms of the bench seats, both controlled by switches near the door, which provide additional light for use when camping at nighttime.
Moving to the rear of the interior, we have a very well-made rear bench with colour-matched cushion, showing absolutely no indication that the engine compartment resides below. Trim is all in good condition back here as well, with rubber seals and upholstery looking new.
The seats, trim, levers, rubbers, knobs, and everything inside are in great shape, most bits having been replaced in the restoration.
Excellent condition paintwork and bodywork with some small areas of imperfection as pictured
Red and white colourway perfectly suits the vehicle style and shape
All windows in excellent condition and fully functional
Underside in incredible shape for the age
The van’s exterior is in top condition as well. During the restoration, the vehicle was taken down to bare metal and has been repainted a stunning red and white colourway, echoing the red and white interior colours perfectly. Paintwork and body remains in excellent overall condition other than a few small areas. There are some areas of cracking paint on the sills, as well as some pitting and very slight bubbling on the rear bumper and around the main body trim lines, and a medium sized scratch or paint crack on the right rear side panel by the engine bay vents.
Concerning the body, the van is exceptionally straight with nicely matching panel gaps and no major issues spotted, but there is a small-to-medium sized dent on the left barn door for the passenger compartment, a small area of corrosion on the sill near the wing, and a small dent on the right rear of the vehicle where the bumper must have made contact with the van at some point. These items being mentioned, we feel the need to emphasize that they are not at all detracting from the overall beauty of this bus.
Door hinges and latches are all in good working order, with some signs of use as to be expected, and some paint bubbling seen on one as pictured. Light lenses are in excellent condition with some marks from the road, but no signs of fogging or haze from the sun. The window glass is all in nearly perfect condition with only minor scratches and signs of use seen and all of their weather seals in great condition with no reports of any leaks.
The wheels are in great visual condition, with no signs of damage. All tires have plenty of tread left and are ready to roll.
The underside is in incredible condition for the age. There is no sign of rust that we could see, only very mild surface corrosion in some places but everything has a good coat of sealant. The running gear and engine compartment below are looking great as well, with no leaks or anything out of the ordinary spotted. The underside still benefits from the full restoration, and it is clear the vehicle has been kept well since.
Owner states it drives and handles just as good or better than to be expected
The powerplant is a 1493cc air-cooled engine, dressed beautifully with plenty of brightwork, and exceptionally clean. Another strip of LEDs is present in the engine bay, which shines light downward onto the bright chrome work of the engine, accenting its overwhelmingly clean and shiny nature. While it’s no race car, there’s plenty of pick-up for this lightweight van to cruise in style. Being an older vehicle, it’s also equipped with an automatic engine bay fire prevention system for peace of mind, noting that the engine is in the rear, away from the driver’s field of view.
The engine bay shows very little signs of aging, with all metalwork clean and shiny, drive belts and pulleys looking like new, and hoses all in great condition. Evidence of some welding during the restoration is present, but it has been painted and is protected and done cleanly. It has been cared for over the years, and with the restoration as well as the current and previous owner’s high standard of upkeep, it’s said to be in a fully ready and reliable state. Suspension, steering, and pickup are all as good or better than to be expected for a van of this age and design. The car runs straight and does not wander. The transmission and clutch work as they should. While it is an undeniably quirky van to drive, it is in top order and is reportedly a pleasure to operate.
The current owner states the attention this van gets is second to none. There is just so much character and personality to a van like this that it’s truly something you can’t experience in other vehicles. Even the short distance to the photo location, we experienced quite a few huge smiles and waves when people saw us coming.
Ready for your next car show or camping adventure with the included awning and sunshade, this bus is ready to get there in style and enjoy the destination in luxury. And with the fully restored condition this one is in, it doesn’t come along with all the worries of a vehicle this age can often bring to the party, you’ll be able to enjoy it to its free-spirited fullest as often as you’d like.
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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