Six questions with TYPE 2 owner

David Brown tells us about the bus he has owned for 12 years…

What have you got?

‘A 1972 T2b with a 1700 engine. It started out as a panel van, so there’s no pop-top – one less source of leaks into the cabin. The construction is different from a factory-built camper, as you don’t have the box sections to screw into – so watch out for fixings poking through single skin panels.’

What do you tend to use it for?

‘I try to use it throughout the year as much as possible, for camping weekends and shows. The engine has to work quite hard as this is a big vehicle, so fuel economy suffers; I typically get no more than 20mpg.’

Is it easy to work on?

‘I do the routine maintenance myself, but access to many of the mechanicals is awkward without a lift. If you don’t plan to do everything yourself, it’s essential that you find a good air-cooled specialist you can trust.’

How reliable has it been?

‘It needed a bit of TLC when I first bought it, but it’s been reliable since then. The key is to buy original parts where possible; some pattern stuff is poorly made, so you must shop with care.’

How usable is it?

‘It will cope with long distances no problem, it’s very comfortable and it’ll carry five people with ease. But you need to garage a Type 2 and that’s often easier said than done.

Many owners put up with tired mechanicals thinking that’s how things are; some refurbishment here and there can transform the driving experience.’

So – hit or miss?

‘Definitely a hit. A Type 2 is the perfect antidote to modern life. You can fit in all sorts of stuff, sleep comfortably in one and the soundtrack is brilliant. But the Type 2 isn’t for everyone and there are lots of wrecks about. The key is to hire one for a weekend first, then get a professional inspection on any potential purchase, as many of these VWS need significant expenditure even if they look really tidy.’