Highlights

Well-regarded 2.0-litre 'Pancake' engine
Subject to extensive work during recent years
Very well-equipped period Campmobile Conversion
Well-preserved right-hand drive Australian import

The Appeal

A Volkswagen Type 2 imported from Australia is guaranteed to pique our interest. These much-loved vans love to rust, but the dry climate of 'down under' is kinder to vehicles than most places. That's meant this 1978 Microbus is exceedingly well-preserved, while retaining its unusual period Campmobile interior.

It's had just the one previous keeper since arriving in the UK in 2011, and has clearly been very well-kept since then. The previous keeper spent countless hours and thousands of pounds elevating it to its current condition. Indeed, it is a gorgeous vehicle to look at, thanks to plenty of body and paint work, whilst the interior has seen just as much, if not more, work put in.

Mechanically, its desirable 2.0-litre 'Pancake' engine was fully rebuilt before making the trip to the UK and has since been excellently serviced and maintained. A number of resto-mod tweaks mean it is sure to continue travelling for many miles to come.

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History and Paperwork

Factory RHD Microbus
First sold in Australia in 1978
Engine reportedly rebuilt in the 1990s
Imported to the UK in 2011
Purchased by the previous keeper in 2012
Regular servicing evidenced by accompanying paperwork
Exempt from MOT and road tax; MOT until 7th April 2026
Several owner’s handbooks for appliances and equipment

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The Condition

Unusual camper conversion retained and in very good condition
Elevating roof functioning as demonstrated in the photographs
Upholstered and decorated to a high standard
The bodywork looks to be very straight and solid, especially for a '70s Type 2
The underside can be inspected in the photographs

This van looks to be exceedingly well-preserved throughout, resplendent in a pleasing period colour scheme and replete with '70s features like its cabinetry. The roof looks wonderful thanks to a respray; the windows have all been resealed; several sections of bodywork have also been replaced and repainted; and new taillights have been installed. The chrome trim throughout the van, including the wheel hub caps, badges, handles and light surrounds, all look great. Indeed, the wing mirrors were replaced with stainless steel examples that retain their shine for a long time.

Having spent much of its life in the drier Australian climate, the vehicle's structure appears to be in very good condition, barring some surface corrosion in places, which is to be expected for a vehicle of its age.

Inside this stunning camper, everything one would need for a trip away. Elegant upholstery and decoration throughout the cabin make for a wonderful place to be. Much like the exterior, it is finished in a combination of light green and off-white, whilst zebra wood veneer forms the many storage cabinets and finishes off the look.

Much of the upholstery was recently refitted, whilst the wood trim has been re-veneered. The flooring was also renewed.

It's also very practical. The rear bench seat folds out into a spacious double bed. Speaking of spacious, the pop-up roof opens up, making for plenty of headroom, allowing most to stand up straight throughout much of the cabin. Elsewhere, a cooker and sink mean longer journeys are possible. The interior also features a fridge, though the current owners mention it is older than the other amenities.

Up front, this is a bare bones VW Campervan as it should be. Having been imported from Australia, it remains right-hand drive, whilst the reupholstered front seats should make for a comfortable driving experience. Despite its age, this van features an impressively modern interior with an up-to-date Kenwood stereo, many speakers, UK power sockets and USB ports connected to a new leisure battery.

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The Mechanics

2.0-litre 'Pancake' flat-four
Four-speed manual gearbox
Engine rebuilt in the 1990s
Extensive service and maintenance history

Just above the rear axle sits the boxer engine, reportedly fully rebuilt in Australia in the 1990s. Indeed, paperwork suggests it was rebuilt before being imported to the UK.

Since then, the running gear has undergone plenty of work. Countless parts have been replaced over the years, including belts, tubes, leads and new batteries – both main and leisure. Elsewhere, the clutch and flywheel are relatively new, as are the ignition barrel and exhaust rear box.

In addition to these replaced parts and regular servicing, the running gear has been somewhat modernised. A fuel regulator and Cobra immobiliser have been fitted, whilst the new coil and 123 distributor connect to an app that allows one to track temperatures and pressures and perform tuning. We're informed that it doesn’t use much oil even on longer journeys.

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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.*

UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.

A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.

All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.

Comments

martin-••••

1 day ago

How can the mileage be verified when the speedometer cable appears to be disconnected (see pic 34)?

Braverk••••

Can you tell me what that tubing is for, underneath? Heat exchanger tubing? Also - the platform that one lies on in the roof. Where is it stowed away when you’re driving? Dittto the table. Thanks.

MBU••••

3 days ago

Hi. Is the engine fuel injected or single Carb ? Also how long is the upper bed when its all pulled out. Are you a dealer or private seller. Thanks

charles••••

The engine is the original 1911 cc twin Solex carb version. Upper bed is fine for 2 adults, definitely more than 1.8 metres but as the bus is in for service and mot right now I can’t measure it. I am a private seller, which should be in the information provided by Car and Classic. I have owned the bus since 2012.

An••••

Hi. Appreciate the heritage of the van but do you have any idea when the full body re-spray would have been completed? Thank you

I have bills from 2012 when she was purchased up to the present. The last bill for bodywork and paint is from 2020. Since then bills are for servicing and maintenance. Hope that helps.

brendac••••

6 days ago

Any way to find the full height of the vehicle

I have measured it, because of the Australian roof module, which has a front luggage area, the total height is around 2.08 meters. With the pop top up, probably an extra 70 cms. Hope that helps.