1975 Volkswagen Type 2 T2 Camper Van

15th Mar, 2023 13:00
Imperial War Museum | Duxford, Cambridgeshire

https://www.handh.co.uk/auction/lot/l...

Comprehensively restored between 2018-2019 to an estimated cost of £35,000
Desirable UK-supplied, right-hand drive example
Well equipped with plenty of VanWurks Ltd. hardware and a 'The Engine Shop' uprated engine
Only 3,500 miles covered since the completion of the restoration
Accompanied by an Erdé trailer which has been rewired
Introduced in 1968, the T2 generation of Volkswagen’s iconic, forward-control Type 2 which has proven versatile enough to serve as a panel van, minibus, camper van and even fire engine was immediately recognisable due to its adoption of a large single-piece windscreen. Nicknamed the ‘Bay Window’, the newcomer incorporated a revised half-shaft driveline to the rear which not only facilitated an increase in ride height but also improved handling. The T2’s lengthened wheelbase was welcomed by motor caravan builders if only because the increased interior space it yielded made conversion and customisation easier. Facelifted in 1972 for the following model year, the Volkswagen gained more visible / higher set indicators and stronger square-profile bumpers that enabled the so-called T2b to meet contemporary US passenger car safety standards (tests from which vans were technically exempt).

Chassis number 2342009591 was manufactured in 1975 and is a desirable UK-supplied, right-hand drive example, being first registered on the 20th of March 1975. Purchased by the vendor in 2018 as a restoration project, the Volkswagen was subsequently the subject of a comprehensive restoration. Numerous new panels were acquired, with extensive bodywork repairs completed throughout, especially to the bottom-half of the exterior and internal panels. The vendor elected for a new, more powerful engine, with a “Big Bore Super Street” 1641cc unit selected from and supplied by The Engine Shop, with twin Weber carburettors, “Quiet Pack” stainless steel exhaust, electronic ignition with Petronix Vacuum Advance Distributor and a Flame Thrower coil all elected.

A Super Flyer gearbox with a longer cruising 4th gear and CSP Shifter was mated to the engine to make the gear-change experience the drive more to modern standards. Stopping power was upgraded too, with servo-assisted front brake discs, with all new lines and flexi hoses. To further improve the driving experience, the front suspension was slightly lowered using a handling kit built for such a VW application. The exterior was then finished with a professional respray by AutoWerk in Hunstanton, in original VW colour Pastel White (L90D) over Beige Grey (L472), with the steel wheels fitted with new period-correct thin-band whitewall tyres.

Inside, the Type 2's space was kitted out with a full interior by VanWurks Ltd., which cost over £9,500, featuring a full-width rock-n-roll bed; Propex HS2000e gas/electric heating system with “vehicle in motion” bracket; CRX50 fridge; electric hook-up 12v & 230v distribution and split charger with 75Ah leisure battery and sockets; twin gas hob; LED lighting; turn-table front passenger seat; removable centre table. Full new interior upholstery including door panels, a curtain set, and soft furnishing finished the interior look. Tow bar and electrics were fitted, with a colour-matching Erdé leisure trailer, with a hard top, included in the sale. Covering just c.3,500 miles since the restoration's completion, the vendor estimates that approximately £35,000 has been lavished on the Volkswagen over the two-year renovation. 'HYW 929N’ is offered with a history file which includes the invoices relating to the restoration, information about some of the features fitted in the Volkswagen, rolling-road set-up information, an article in the Type 2 Owners Club magazine about the restoration, and a current V5C document.

For more information, please contact:
Paul Cheetham
[email protected]
07538 667452