Volkswagen T1 Type 2 Split-Screen Combi Safari

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Loved by generations of surf-dudes and independent travelers, the iconic VW Transporter was launched way back in 1950 and only stopped flying off the production lines of Volkswagen’s Brazilian factory a few years ago.

Initially coded the T1 Type 2 (the Beetle was the original T1), the iconic Transporter has gone through five generations of development, the first ‘split-screen’ model remaining in production until 1967 when it was replaced by the T2 Type 2 ‘bay-window’ which ran until 1979.

In a miracle of Tardis-like packaging, it used the same wheelbase as the Beetle, its functional and boxy lines providing a huge amount of interior space and a useful 1,000kgs payload - hard to believe that its footprint is virtually the same as the cramped saloon. Performance wasn’t the main priority, the first vehicles using the rather asthmatic 1,131cc engine which was geared down to cope with the job in hand. In 1963 a more lively 1,593cc version of the air-cooled flat-four was introduced which lasted until the arrival of the bay-window in 1967.

Dating from 1963, this split-screen Combi Safari T1 was shipped new to Australia, air-cooled VWs being especially popular in the Outback where reliability and ease of maintenance have always been prized above out and out performance - when you’re covering such enormous distances across such inhospitable terrain, what difference do a few hours make provided you arrive safely?

At some point a previous Australian owner took the Combi to California, no doubt to savour the delights of the thriving surf culture over there, and it was to remain in the Sunshine State until being imported to the UK fairly recently. A rare factory right-hand drive export model with double ‘barn doors’ to the nearside, it has remained in remarkably sound and original condition thanks to over four decades in dry climates

Described by the vendor as “running well” it has the ‘changeover’ 1,600cc engine, retains its original 6-volt electrics and would make an easy recommissioning project or the perfect basis for a 100-point restoration.

All import duties have been paid and the necessary customs documents, USA Certificate of Title and NOVA documentation are all in place for the new owner to send to DVLA once the vehicle is MOTd which will complete the registration process and get the VW on UK plates with a V5C.

With such a strong demand for project VWs, this very sound and original ‘dry climate’ RHD Combi is the perfect canvas from which someone can create the van of their dreams. Get stuck in and you’ll have it ready by summer. Surf’s up!

AMENDMENT - NOVA documentation is not with the paperwork, as previously stated, but an importation document is.