1966 VOLKSWAGEN T1 13-WINDOW SPLITSCREEN CAMPERVAN

This Volkswagen (T1) Kombi is a characterful 13-window campervan, with a classic two-tone finish and which benefits from a number of modern upgrades. It is powered by a rebuilt 1776cc Steve Strong flat-four engine, coupled with a four-speed manual transmission. The odometer currently indicates 27,250 miles, though this is not warranted. 

Its chassis number corresponds to an original VW Kombi built in January 1966, and the bus is believed to have originally been registered in that year. The date of first registration in the UK is recorded as July 1969, and this T1 was initially used on military airbase in East Anglia for around three years, after being imported from Germany by a US serviceman on overseas postings. It was purchased by the vendor in 2010, who notes that it was originally manufactured as a Kombi bus, though it has been converted to camper van specification by Vworks in Kent.

The bus has undergone a complete mechanical and electrical overhaul, complete with the fitment of a rebuilt 1776cc air-cooled flat-four, a rebuilt Beetle gearbox, custom rack-and-pinion steering, uprated brakes with the important conversion to front discs, and adjustable suspension. There is a new adjustable beam on the front and Creative Engineering IRS on the rear, with the removal of the axle reduction boxes to enable the bus to get up to modern motorway cruising speeds.

It also features a retro Bluetooth stereo, a camping battery in the engine bay, various wiring upgrades, and additional temperature and pressure gauges in the cabin. Meanwhile, its rear section has been fitted with a gas cooker, a sink, a ‘rock and roll’ bed, folding table, various storage units, a Webasto diesel heater, and a pull-out flat screen TV, with the cabin also benefitting from high quality sound insulation.

The unique bodywork of this T1 camper is all said to be in excellent shape, and it is finished in the iconic turquoise and white colour scheme. The vendor reports that the bus underwent a respray over ten years ago and now presents with some age-related imperfections, such as a few small blemishes on the lower nearside panels. A few marks have been reported in the side windows, while the door shuts and hinges show some light surface wear. The vehicle rides on a set of 14-inch wheels, which are in excellent condition.

Inside, the cream fabric upholstery is in good shape, with turquoise piping and just a few age-related creases. The door cards feature smart cream inserts, and the windows are decorated with custom-made floral curtains. The white-painted dashboard is free of any significant scuffs, though the chrome-trimmed dials and switchgear controls present with a few scratches. The vendor reports that the dashboard clock is currently inoperative, and that the fuel gauge works intermittently.

In the rear, all of the wooden kitchen surfaces are in great shape, and the unused gas cooker and sink are both free of any notable wear. It features a single rear seat and sleeping room for two, with minimal wear to the upholstery and smart piping throughout as per the front cabin.

The most recent MOT test was on 22 March 2018 at 27,351 miles, which resulted in a clean pass with no advisories or defects.

This VW T1 Kombi campervan is a superb example of an iconic classic, which has undergone a complete mechanical overhaul, and now benefits from a raft of upgrades and custom features. Offered in very good overall condition, this T1 would make a great road trip or holiday companion, or as an occasional day van.

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.