Volkswagen Split-Screen DeLuxe

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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 six generations of development, the first European ‘split-screen’ model remaining in production until 1967 when it was replaced by the T2 Type 2 ‘bay-window’ which ran until 1979.

Not long after its introduction, one of Volkswagen's most successful export markets, Brazil, suddenly imposed swingeing import duties on completed cars which led the firm to set up a plant assembling CKD kits in 1953. Demand grew rapidly and a dedicated manufacturing plant was built, opening for trade in 1957. This produced both the familiar Beetle (called the Fusca) and the T1 Type 2 split-screen commercial which was sold as the Kombi.

Remaining out of step with developments in Europe, the Brazilian factory continued with the split-screen design right up until 1975, some eight years after the later bay-window had made its debut in Europe and America. Fitted with the usual 1,500cc air-cooled engine, it was sold to numerous export markets, although the Brazilian-built 15-window DeLuxe, as offered here, was never officially sold in Europe.

Already the owner of a well-travelled six-berth ‘Super Viking’ bay camper (and a large family), the vendor of this incredibly straight Brazilian-built DeLuxe just couldn’t resist getting his cheque book out when he spotted if for sale in 2013. Freshly imported from South Africa, it had recently been repainted and showed none of the wrinkly panel work often associated with restored examples that have been rescued from the ravages of severe corrosion. A quick look underneath was enough to persuade him how good it was and it was soon parked in his garage.

After a few short drives, it became apparent that the engine wasn’t as good as the rest of the bus and so he commissioned The Engine Shop to supply an exchange 1,500cc unit. This fresh engine was duly installed, although a busy family, manic job and a faster and more practical alternative has meant that barely 100 miles have been added to the van’s total since the new engine was installed.

Fully UK registered and MOTd until June this year, it has been fitted with ‘sofa style’ rear seating which proved very popular when taking the kids to their school prom, the vendor only offering it for sale as he has realised that he is never going to use it as he had hoped.