"Known officially as the Volkswagen Type 2 and depending on body type, either as a Transporter, Kombi or Microbus, this VW was also known informally as the Bus in the US and Camper in the UK. Introduced in 1950 as Volkswagen's second car model, it was derived from their first, the Beetle, which was designated the Type 1. This second generation Type 2 lost its distinctive split front windscreen and was slightly larger and considerably heavier than its predecessor. Its common nickname is 'Bay-window' or Bay for short. The new model also did away with the swing axle rear suspension and transfer boxes previously used to raise ride height. Instead, half-shafts were fitted with constant velocity joints. Brazil contained the last factory in the world that produced the T2. Production in Brazil ceased on 31st December 2013 due to the introduction of more stringent safety regulations, thus marking the end of an era with the rear-engine Volkswagens which first originated in 1935.
First registered on 1st April 1974, just in time for the summer, this beautifully restored and bespoke example has recently been rebuilt, for our vendor, to an incredible standard, at an eye watering cost in excess of £45,000, this is not including the cost of the T2 in the first place. A labour of love, our vendor commissioned Campervan Coachworks in Broxted Essex to undertake much of the transformation. The later T2 shell was picked but an early 60's camper style coveted, so the colour scheme was sympathetically picked as Savannah Beige over white with a tan and cream interior trim, all finished to a very high standard.
Having covered a mere 200 miles since the restoration which was completed in October 2018, this camper has barely done enough miles to run in the newly installed and mechanically overhauled 1,600cc short-engine, which is coupled to a CSP Bus T2 gear selector, providing a far more positive feel and improved performance. The restoration included comprehensive structural welding to ensure the body is fault free prior to the bare metal respray. Upon attention being turned to the interior, a no expense spared philosophy was adopted, the van was retrimmed in white accented tan hide, to a very high standard and complemented by a complete cabinet refit in a rosewood finish with the addition of chrome fittings, sympathetic to the backdating look our vendor wanted to achieve. A brand new fridge and gas hob is complemented by Designers Guild curtain fabric and mood light settings to complete a unique ‘boutique luxury hotel’ feel for the interior. The cabin has a chrome finished retro-look stereo system with bluetooth connectivity and a Wofsburg style polished wood and chrome period steering wheel. The history file contains an extensive amount of photos detailing the restoration process for this excellently presented T2, accompanying this is the UK V5C registration document and an MoT test certificate valid until October 2019. Quite possibly the best combination of a classic camper with modern creature comforts, this example is offered with an estimate of half the build cost. A fabulous example for sale in time to truly make the most of the great British spring and summer..... when it eventually arrives!"