Volkswagen Devon T2 Bay-Window Crossover

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The first ever Volkswagen Transporter was launched at the Geneva Motor Show way back in 1949 and was initially just a small van for commercial use.

However it soon attracted the attention of customisers who saw it as an ideal basis for conversion into a mobile home. By 1951 Volkswagen themselves were offering a camper version, spawning a whole industry of copycats across the world offering off-the-peg conversions based on the standard van. Many of these were sold through the local dealer network.

The Devon conversion was one of the most popular in the UK, the company converting literally thousands of VWs into a home away from home. Their efficient layout and clever pop-top, complete with ‘rock n roll’ bunks gave families of up to four the freedom to roam.

This very smart 1972 bay-window was converted by Devon from new, joining the vendor’s family in 2001. Over the years, they have travelled to every part of the UK, the van doing exactly what a VW camper is supposed to do. An early bay, it is one of the rare ‘crossover’ models, retaining the small rear lights and quarter panels of its predecessor.

The odometer read 96,000 miles when purchased 15 years ago, a total which has increased to just over 114,000 miles according to its latest MOT which expires in February 2017. There are 19 old MOTs in the comprehensive history file, the earliest dating from 1997 at which time the odometer read 91,800 miles, although there is no earlier documentation to substantiate this as the true figure at that time.

A large file of invoices show that regular restoration and maintenance work has been undertaken over the years, a major body renovation and respray taking place in 2009. A year later the vendor experienced engine trouble, eventually deciding to fit a fully reconditioned 1,776cc Thurrock unit in 2011. This comes with a twin-choke Weber carburettor and twin exhausts and runs well with just 5,100 miles under its belt.

The interior was built by a craftsman kitchen builder and the rather austere front seats were replaced by very supportive leather seats from a Saab convertible. It is extremely clean and tidy and has been owned for many years by non-smokers. It comes well equipped, including a mains hook-up, 12/240v split charging system, power sockets and a leisure battery as well as a spotless Kampa cooker and grill, Sony radio/CD with USB port and a little-used Just Kampers ‘Munich’ drive-away awning. Sitting on a matching set of Firestone CV3000 tyres, it sports a small roof rack up front and a handy tow bar behind.

After 15 happy years of summer touring, mainly around the UK, the vendor and his wife have decided that they would like to travel further afield and have ordered a new Volkswagen T6 California. Doubtless this will offer more in the way of comfort, performance and economy, but surely won’t have anything like the character of the original. Ready for immediate use, a snug duvet and some tasty provisions are all that is needed for the perfect weekend away….livin’ the dream.

Bidders are advised that the rugs in the photographs are not included in the sale.