1956 VOLKSWAGEN SPLITSCREEN - OWNED BY JENSON BUTTON

KEY FACTS

• A unique example of the iconic Splitscreen panel van, owned and used by Jenson Button and his triathlon crew for transporting team bicycles.
• Under the rear hatch is a ‘Bernie Burgmann’ 2.0-litre engine, producing 190bhp, powering the rear wheels through a four-speed manual gearbox with a Hurst shifter.
• Initially registered overseas, it was imported to the UK and re-registered in November 2007.
• This meticulously crafted van was expertly modified by well-known VW specialist Terrys Beetles, and features a new engine and suspension as part of its two-year restoration and upgrade between 2008 and 2010.

EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES

• This Type 2 boasts a particularly rare layout with barn-door openings on both sides of the load bay.
• The build specification includes independent rear suspension with lowered Toxic shock absorbers all round, a full rewire including new instrument gauges, and a dashboard-mounted Sport-Comp rev counter. There is also an external Mocal oil cooler, a new steering rack, and disc brakes to all four wheels with Porsche rear hubs.
• Externally, the van is finished in a striking red-over-white colour scheme, featuring the Ichiban Triathlon Team decals and Make-A-Wish Foundation logo.
• The interior features a grey vinyl bench seat with white piping set behind a white-painted dashboard.
• The van is currently equipped with a vinyl-lined load area fitted with bike racks, but it has excellent potential for the new owner to re-fit it as they please.
• The van rides on 16-inch Porsche Fuchs alloy wheels shod with Toyo Proxes tyres.
• Accompanying the vehicle are some receipts for the restoration work and recommissioning that was carried out.
• Unfortunately, most of the previous history paperwork was lost during a house move.

CONDITION

• There is no known bodywork damage.
• The paintwork presents well overall, with a few stone chips to the front end of the vehicle and some minor bubbling above the front bumper. There are some small blemishes along the sills, and an imperfection in the paint above the right-hand side reversing lamp.
• The interior is in good condition, with an attractive patina on the original speedometer and radio. The retrimmed bench seat has no rips or tears, and the load area is well-kept with partial vinyl flooring applied. There is some minor oxidisation along the bottom of the internal door shuts and sills, but there is no visible corrosion under the vinyl flooring.
• There are no known electrical or mechanical faults.
• Despite the vehicle being exempt from mandatory testing, the seller states that it will be sold with a fresh MOT certificate for peace of mind.

SERVICE HISTORY

• The van was most recently serviced in September 2021 by Opulent Automotive, who carried out an engine oil and filter change.
• Having been stored for the last five years, the van has been freshly recommissioned and is now ready to return to the road.
• The refurbishment and custom build took place between 2008 and 2010 following its importation from the US the previous year.

SUMMARY

This is a truly bespoke example of the iconic Volkswagen Type 2 (T1) Splitscreen van, having been extensively restored and discerningly upgraded. With an interesting provenance, being owned and used by Jenson Button as a triathlon support vehicle, this characterful classic would be an interesting addition to any collection. Furthermore, with its practical twin side doors, restored drivetrain and mechanical overhaul, this could also form a superb basis for further customisation as a unique campervan build.

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.