1958 VOLKSWAGEN T1 SPLITSCREEN PANEL VAN

This 1958 Volkswagen Type 2 (T1) Split Screen Panel Van is an extensively customised but well-loved example of the once ubiquitous utility vehicle. Now powered by an upgraded Subaru 2.0-litre Boxer engine in place of the original air-cooled flat-four, and benefitting from a number of performance-enhancing modifications, this Type 2 is a true ’wolf in sheep’s clothing’. The odometer shows 2,927 miles, which is the distance covered since a new digital odometer was installed.

Originally registered on 1 January 1958 in the US, the first owner is believed to be Mac’s of Lewiston, Idaho, on account of the branding that is still visible on the tailgate, though this is unable to be verified. The vehicle was subsequently imported into the UK in September 2007, and has been in the vendor’s possession since February 2013, during which time it has been subjected to extensive modification and mechanical work. While little is known about the car prior to 2013, there is a full history file available for everything that has been done since it came into the vendor’s ownership.

As shown in the extensive photo gallery below, this is certainly not a pristine or concours example of a Type 2 panel van. Instead, the vehicle wears a mixture of genuine patina and artificially aged paintwork with pride. During the vendor’s ownership, the vehicle has benefitted from several replacement lower body panels, which have been sprayed to match the original upper panels at a total cost of £4390. There is cosmetic impact damage to the offside passenger door, which has not been addressed as it fits in with the ‘rat rod’ aesthetic, but otherwise there is no reported damage to the bodywork.

All the wheels have been powder coated in contrasting Old English White and present very well indeed, along with the contrasting high-gloss black bumpers. The work to the body was completed in December 2019, and there are plenty of invoices and photographic records of the work.

Inside, the condition is generally that of a well-used commercial vehicle and is beginning to show its age, though the vendor has fitted a number of upgrades and ‘creature comforts’ to this van. The bench seat is from a classic Jaguar, and was fitted by Subaru conversion specialist Fellows Speed Shop. The seat itself is in generally good condition, with only minor blemishes as seen in the photographs.

A new wood-rimmed steering wheel has also been fitted, along with the aforementioned digital odometer, opening ‘safari’ windows with wiper deactivation extensions, and a two-way cab heating system. The driver’s door lock does not work from outside, and the passenger door does not lock correctly, but there are no other known foibles. It is accompanied by some paperwork, plus a Scorpion S5 vehicle tracking system with remote immobilization facility, which has around four years of a five-year subscription for the next owner.

The most notable upgrade to this Type 2 Panel Van is the installation of a 2.0-litre Subaru Boxer engine during 2018, complete with the associated support systems, including a set of vented four-pot Porsche 944 front brakes. This installation is fully documented, and has completely transformed the performance and driving characteristics of this classic van, although the V5C currently still shows a 1600 engine as being fitted.

The gearbox has also been upgraded to a straight axle Freeway Flyer unit to improve drivability. Under the flip-up engine cover, the flat-four and ancillaries present in near-pristine condition, with plenty of carbon-fibre and chrome detailing in the engine bay. In addition to the engine work, the vehicle also benefits from a set of dropped spindles and a narrowed front beam for the much-loved ‘retro VW’ look.

The vehicle is now exempt from mandatory MOT testing due to its age. All four tyres are in good condition with over 3mm of tread and even wear patterns, while the cambelt was replaced on 26 October 2018 when the Subaru engine was fitted.

With invoices totalling in excess of £25,000 during the vendor’s ownership, this Volkswagen Type 2 (T1) Panel Van is incredibly well-sorted underneath the purposely shabby ‘patinated’ bodywork, and has been enjoyed on several trips to continental Europe in recent years. From its incredibly usable nature to its unique appearance and hidden performance, this Type 2 Panel Van is a unique vehicle that would be great for a retro or vintage focused small business, or even as a strong foundation for further customisation.

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. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing. A basic HPI check may show an insurance marker relating to a scooter with the same short VIN number – but the van is completely HPI clear.