Volkswagen T2 Bay-Window Camper

Click Here for Full Screen Image - Click Here to Download Image

When Volkswagen launched its Transporter in March 1950, it probably wasn’t aware of what it had really started.

Not only was it the first commercially successful ‘forward control’ minivan, but more significantly it formed the basis of a new religion. To Volkswagen themselves it was simply the T2 (the T1 being the Beetle) but to an emerging generation of fun-seekers it would become a way of life. The Kombi/Bus/Camper would be hand-painted with flowers, stuck with no-nuke/air-cooled stickers, stuffed with surf boards/guitars/children and driven all over the planet.

Though it might not look it, the T2 actually used the Beetle floorpan and 94.5-inch wheelbase, though the track was wider. It took the car’s standard, rear-mounted air-cooled boxer engine and four-speed transaxle, through a steep 5.13:1 final-drive ratio which gave it sufficient low gear performance to climb the steepest mountain road. A myriad of versions proliferated – from flatbeds to ambulances – and all have a habit of congregating at numerous Dub Fests across the globe.

Dating from 1972, this T2 Bay-Window Tin Top Camper Van was recently imported from Montana in the Western region of the United States. Although it looks a bit shabby in the photos, we are assured that it only suffers from light surface rust and that the body and structure are basically very sound and solid. The interior has been fitted out with all the usual kit including cabinets, rock-and-roll bed, fridge and cooker.

The vendor also states that it runs well with a healthy-sounding engine that is fitted with an external oil cooler and remote oil filter system. Although it is capable of being driven as it is, he advises that the brakes would benefit from some attention before it is used on the road.

A straightforward restoration project, it comes with a USA Certificate of Title and is recorded on the NOVA system confirming that all duties have been paid so getting it UK registered should be simple enough with the relevant DVLA form.

Please note that at the time of cataloguing we had not had chance to examine either the vehicle or its documentation so we are not sure exactly what size of engine is fitted.