1963 VOLKSWAGEN T1 SPLITSCREEN CAMPERVAN

This Volkswagen T1 Splitscreen is a beautifully built classic campervan, which was conceived and completed by its current owner of 16 years, and presents in very good order. It is powered by a 1.6-litre air-cooled flat-four engine, coupled to a four-speed manual transmission driving the rear wheels.

An original splitscreen Kombi; the chassis number corresponds to May 1963 production, and it is understood to have been first registered in July that year. The van was found and purchased by the current owner as a solid shell from Oregon, US, in 2005, and it was subsequently transported down to San Francisco and shipped over to the UK via the Panama Canal.

After the Kombi arrived in the UK, a comprehensive custom build process was commenced, with the van being cosmetically restored and also mechanically overhauled. The work was completed over the course of two years, and this VW T1 was re-registered in the UK as a motor caravan on 6 April 2010. Since then, it has been used sparingly and garaged whenever not in use, covering around 5,000 miles on the road.

During the restoration, this T1’s body was given a full strip back to bare metal, before being prepared and resprayed in a classic combination of black and white paintwork. Its 11 windows were all replaced as part of the refurbishment, as were each of the rubber body seals. The six rear windows are all pop-out items, and there are also opening quarter lights in the front side glass. The front and rear bumpers have been painted in gloss white to match the upper body. Today, the van still presents very well, with the vendor noting some small stone chips from road use, some lacquer blemishes on the driver’s door, and a black scuff mark on the rear bumper.

The underside of the van was thoroughly refurbished, and was given a Waxoyl underseal treatment, and it was also equipped with an EMPI stainless steel side step and kerb feelers on the passenger side. It rides on EMPI 15-inch five-spoke alloy wheels, with Atlas white Portawall tyre trims. The Kombi comes with a three-bow stainless steel roof rack with varnished wooden slats and a white side ladder.

This VW’s interior was given a complete makeover as part of the build, incorporating custom-made front and rear facing benches fabricated in marine-grade ply, which also convert into a full length bed - built by VW specialist Bluebird Customs). There are also handy storage bins under the seats that are ideal for leisure gear or camping equipment, plus an internal roof box. The black leatherette upholstery is accented by white piping, and there are also custom-made door cards with built-in speakers. Ahead of the driver is a Wolfsburg polished wood-rimmed steering wheel, while Wolfsburg lap belts are also fitted.

Mounted in the body-coloured dashboard is a Ripspeed head unit with a motorised flip-out touch-screen, incorporating a CD and DVD player. There are also multiple speakers, an amplifier, and dual subwoofers; and an iPod connection is fitted in the ashtray. The vendor has also installed custom-fit rubber and carpet floor mats in the front cab, a ‘jail bar’ kit for the rear window, and a klaxon-type horn. All of the switches and gauges are in good order, and while the odometer currently shows 14,715 miles, it is assumed that this is probably 114,715 miles from new - though only around 5,000 miles since the rebuild.

The last full service was carried out in May 2017 at an indicated 13,816 miles, when VW Autobodies SW Ltd changed the rocker cover gaskets, installed a new fuel pump and push rod, changed the sump gasket, and fitted a new fuel filter, condenser, points, and alternator belt. The engine oil and filter were changed, and the engine was given a tune-up.

In July 2016, the drive belt and pulley were renewed, and the distributor cap was also replaced. The carburettor was removed and given an overhaul with a service of the butterfly and choke unit. In 2010, the four-speed gearbox was replaced with a reconditioned unit, with the work completed by Jeff's VW Shack in Bristol.

This campervan benefits from an independent rear suspension kit, which greatly improves ride comfort, and is also lowered on splines to give the van a raked stance at the front. There is an upgraded accelerator linkage kit installed, as well as a SCAT T-bar gear stick and handbrake release. All of the brakes and wheel hubs were also refurbished as part of the restoration.

Now exempt from annual MOT testing on the basis of age, it was last put through an inspection on 24 April 2017 at 13,816 miles. The tester noted a slight oil leak, slight play in the axle king pin, and some corrosion on the rear brake pipes. Some dampness was also spotted around the steering rack, though the vendor states this has been the case during his ownership and is not in urgent need of attention; and the rear shaft rubber gaiters were showing signs of deterioration.

The vendor notes that the battery has gone flat during the winter, but a fresh one will be installed ready for the next owner. The tyres have been replaced during the last 10 years, and are estimated to have covered only 2,500-3,000 miles, so there is still plenty of tread.

Accompanying the van is a good file of paperwork on all the work carried out since arriving in the UK, including receipts for almost every part that was purchased. All previous MOT certificates are also present, and there is also a rare Autopress workshop manual, which is similar to a vintage Haynes book. The vendor is including a DVD walkthrough on how to remove the engine, disassemble, rebuild and refit it; plus a disc containing digital versions of all the shipping, tax and registration forms from when the van was imported. He can supply digital copies of the restoration photos that are shown in printed form in the gallery, and there are also spare keys.

This VW Type 2 (T1) Splitscreen campervan is an iconic classic that benefits from an extensive cosmetic and mechanical restoration and a raft of discerning upgrades. It remains in very smart condition, and the engine is reported to pull strongly and smoothly. The striking black and white colour scheme makes this Type 2 a real head-turner, and it would make a great van for shows as well as touring. Offered from cherished 16-year ownership, it is now ready for another enthusiast to enjoy with friends or family.

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