HIGHLIGHTS

• One owner from new
• Original conversion by Bilbo Design from new
• Recent reconditioned engine
• Highly original

THE APPEAL

Volkswagen unveiled the brand new T4 Transporter in 1990 and it marked a big step forward in its ever popular van series. While its predecessors were rear engined, the T4 adapted a more conventional approach with the engine moving to the front. Front wheel drive was also another big change from the out going rear wheel drive T3. The new T4 quickly became a popular choice for the camper van conversion market, with a whole host of specialists creating very clever builds using the sturdy and reliable VW platform. One such campervan specialist was Bilbo Design of Surrey and they were responsible for crafting this 1998 Volkswagen T4 SWB, which they dubbed the “Breakaway”.

THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK

• V5C on file
• 1 owner from new
• Two sets of keys
• First registered on 2nd March 1998
• Valid MOT Certificate until 14th July 2024 with some advisories noted
• London Low Emission Zone Certificate valid until last day on July 2023 
• Invoice for LEZ system installation carried out in 2011 along with the Manual for Puritech System  
• Campervan conversion carried out from new by Bilbo’s Trading Co of Surrey
• Original Bilbo’s Sales Brochure which very closely matches the actual T4 itself both in colour and interior specification
• Original purchase invoice on file details the T4’s order and cost of £25,079
• Original Volkswagen Owners Book Pack on hand
• The original Service Book is on hand with 5 Service Stamps from 1999 until 2002
• A selection of invoices are on file which cover the cars maintenance over the years with the most recent service carried out on 22nd April 2022 during the engine rebuild
• Numerous old expired MOT certificates are included in the history file

THE INTERIOR

• The T4’s original cloth seats are in very good condition for their age. There are a few marks and signs of wear but the interior has worn incredibly well after 191,000 miles.
• Both front seats are captain swivel style seats so they can be both turned round to face back into the rear
• The original rear seating system as installed by Bilbo’s all works as it should which makes it a very flexible campervan and general use van
• The original sink, fridge and gas burner are installed as well as the original supplied swivel table which stows away in a compartment in the rear
• Original curtains as supplied by Bilbo’s are present and function as they should
• The current owners used the T4 on regular family holidays over the years and it comfortably slept 2 adults and 4 children
• The seller notes that the water pump for the sink isn’t currently working, the electrical fridge lead is not connected and one of the reading lights has stopped working
• A gas heater which is installed in the boot is included in the sale

THE EXTERIOR

• The T4 Campervan is finished in its original Ice Blue colour scheme with styling decals by Bilbo’s
• The paint is showing signs of fading and there are areas of rust in the sills and arches that will require attention
• There are some dings in the body work as shown in the photos
• The T4 was fitted with a fixed fibreglass high top roof system by Bilbo’s. The exterior is showing signs of fading and some wear on the edges of the fibreglass.
• The T4 has an original external awning rail installed and is supplied with the original Fiamma canvas awning and its carry case
• An original tow bar is fitted and the seller notes it was never used for towing. It was used for an external mounted bike rack, which is included in the sale.
• There is a hole in the drivers side wheel arch which is shown in the photos

THE MECHANICS

• 1.9 litre turbocharged diesel engine
• 5 Speed Manual Gearbox
• 191,477 recorded miles
• The engine was reconditioned on 22nd April 2022 at 188,584 miles at a cost of £3,967.70 which is shown in the history file 
• A LEZ compliant DPF system was installed in 2011 and this system was tested on 22nd May 2020
• The owner confirms that the T4 drives well after its engine rebuild

SUMMARY