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Vehicle History
- Full, bare metal restoration
- October 1966 manufacture certificate, issued by VW Germany
- New, retrimmed interior
- Rebuilt 1.6-litre air-cooled, flat-four engine
- As featured in Umbro Korea advertisement
- Westfalia replica camping interior
- Rare, unmodified ‘tin top’ roof
Vehicle History
Overall condition: Fully-restored
Number of owners: 1
History: Part
MOT: Exempt
Although introduced in 1950 primarily as a commercial vehicle, it didn’t take long for the versatility of the Volkswagen Type 2 to be well and truly exploited and before long, models were being sent out to German company Westfalia to be converted into campers.
With the space available expertly packaged to offer sleeping, cooking and ‘day’ facilities, the VW campervan quickly became a highly desirable conversion – an appetite that remains to this day, more than 70 years later.
Although designated as the Type 2 (the VW Beetle being the Type 1), these now classic offerings were then divided into sub-variants – the T1 being the early splitscreen models, T2 introducing the ‘bay window’ front and T3 displaying a new, squared body style – more modern T4, T5 and T6 models would then follow and bring production into the 2000s.
With the explosion of surf culture – both in the US and Europe, the late 1950s and early 1960s in particular saw the VW camper – and particularly the early splitscreen models – become ubiquitous within, and inextricably linked with the scene, further boosting its popularity as a compact and stylish ‘all-in-one’ touring vehicle that was capable of accommodating the entire family.
Exterior
Finished in classic two-tone green and cream, this 1966 South African import Kombi campervan has been fully-restored, from the ground up. One look underneath (possible thanks to the included video), proves that the chassis and floor panels appear to be ‘factory fresh’ in their presentation and, having been prepared with Raptor tough bed liner, provide excellent underpinnings for what sits on top.
This bare metal restoration has clearly been done without restriction and the exemplary bodywork looks to be as straight and corrosion free as one could wish for. Twin barn-style doors provide access to the stunning interior and it is worth noting that this remains a rare solid roof example that has either never been cut and fitted with an elevating or ‘pop top’ roof, or that it has been professionally reinstated and trimmed accordingly.
The original option split screen ‘Safari’ front windows open to offer increased ventilation for when parked or when driving on warm days and a set of painted bumpers and whitewall tyres neatly completes the original-style appearance of this truly classic camper.
Watch a video of the 1966 VW Type 2, T1 Splitscreen Camper
Interior
Open up those barn doors and you are greeted by a stunning interior that just begs to be used on days out or camping trips through the UK and beyond.
Interior panels and the underside of the roof have been expertly trimmed with polished birch plywood, offering a warm and welcoming environment that also has the benefit of being relatively hard wearing – as does the classic-style, original specification checkerboard flooring.
The full Westfalia replica camping interior provides all the basics you need, including fridge and storage lockers and, coupled with the full width ‘rock ‘n’ roll’ bed, nights away will never be easier! A split-charge leisure battery keeps everything running nicely and provides the ability to run small appliances and charge phones – the storage locker even has space to accommodate a pop-up TV should you wish to really roll out the luxury!
Up front, the warm grey-trimmed interior invites you to sit behind the large steering wheel – the original radio, converted to receive FM and providing an AUX input, keeping you entertained on long journeys and the fully-working original heater keeping you warm during the winter months.
Although the speedometer still needs overhauling and is currently not working (as any VW owner will know, life is about the journey – not how quickly you get there!), every other aspect, from the seats, footwell mats, seatbelts and curtains to the beautiful wood interior and Westfalia fittings are absolutely as you would hope, and the addition of thermal and Dead Mat insulation should serve to enhance the experience.
Mechanics
As with the structure, bodywork and interior, the mechanics of this exemplary vehicle look to have also been treated with the same care and attention.
The suspension and steering has been fully overhauled and the camper now boasts adjustable fittings on the rear – helping to offer the best possible experience on the road.
Pushing the VW along is an air-cooled 1641cc ‘AS’ flat-four engine – fully rebuilt to VW specification and which provides ‘on the button’ starting and a trademark soundtrack to your splitscreen adventures, while the all-important accelerator linkage has been upgraded with a ‘Buttys Bits’ throttle kit and a CAT 6 tracker fitted so you can keep an eye on your pride and joy.
Why bid?
Good, original specification examples of early Volkswagens are becoming hard to find – ones that have had such levels of attention lavished upon them and are ready to hit the road are even harder to find, but this splitscreen Kombi is just waiting for its next owner.
It’s good enough to be part of a collection, yet practical enough to be used and enjoyed: camping trips, shows, trans-European jaunts or just shopping trips and family days at the beach – the Type 2 was, and still is, a truly versatile vehicle, but the real bonus is that it has bags of character and appeal. Buy the right one, and it will not only hold its value, but provide plenty of smiles along the way – whatever you do with it, and for one lucky new owner, this IS the right one.
Notice to bidders
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Vehicle Specification
- 56,785 Miles
- 4-Speed Manual
- RHD
- 1641cc
- Green/Cream
- Warm Grey
- 237007339
Seller Overview
Location
- Hildenborough, TN11
Seller Type
- Private
Notice to bidders
Please note whilst Bidding Classics offer the most descriptive auction listings and in-depth photos and videos, we cannot claim they are totally accurate reflections of the condition of each vehicle listed for sale. Therefore, we encourage all bidders to do their own due diligence and arrange a viewing of each vehicle for sale. Viewings can be arranged by posting in the comments section below, this will trigger an email to the seller, who will get in contact to arrange a time of mutual convenience.
Also, it is likely that many of the classic cars sold through our platform will have had repair work in the past that we cannot verify. As such we do not warrant (and no warranty shall be implied) that the repairs have been carried out to a high standard or that any replacement parts are genuine.
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