Volkswagen T2
ENGINE 1584cc/flat-4/OHV POWER 57bhp@4400rpm TORQUE 81.7lb ft@3000rpm TOP SPEED 65mph 0-60MPH 37.1sec FUEL CONSUMPTION 20-25mpg TRANSMISSION RWD, four-speed manual MoT 12 months from sale ODOMETER 58,434 miles
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO DRIVE?
Once you’ve mastered the imprecise gearchanges – which, incidentally, are just as they should be on a VW ‘bay’ camper of this vintage – this T2 is a fine example to drive. There’s a healthy throb from the reconditioned flat-four engine with no misfires or splutters – the engine is characteristically correct. The steering is neither vague or sloppy and the drum brakes don’t judder or pull you off course. There are no creaks or knocks from the suspension, either – just about the only noise you might not be expecting is a metallic rattle from the camping fittings behind you.
BODYWORK CHECK
The two-tone Cool Blue and Dunes Cream paintwork is in excellent condition throughout, with an even finish and no signs of overspray or microblistering. The panel gaps are even and consistent and the front and rear bumpers are the periodcorrect white rather than aftermarket chrome. The lights work correctly and are free of scratches or scuffs, and there are no marks or hazing to the windscreen and window glass. There’s plenty of tread on all four tyres, and there’s no kerbing damage to the steel wheels or chrome hubcaps.
HOW’S THE INTERIOR?
We don’t often have to check out a refrigerator during a
Chasing Cars piece, but we’re pleased to report that this one’s intact and works correctly, as are some recently fitted charging points with three-pin sockets and USB ports. The roof is in good condition and rises as intended, and there are no scuffs or marks to the bleached wood fittings. It’s a similar story up front, where the carpets, switches and body-coloured metal dashboard are in excellent condition. Just about the only niggle we could find was a missing element from the left-hand dial on the instrument binnacle, but that’s an easy fix from a specialist.
UNDER THE BONNET
The 1.6-litre horizontally opposed engine is so free of grime and dust that looks as though it was installed by Volkswagen’s engineers yesterday. There are no signs of any fluids seeping out, the battery and all of the auxiliary components are in excellent condition, and the bodywork around the engine is in good, corrosion-free condition. The camper comes with the added reassurance of a photographic record of its restoration.
THE CCW VIEW
This T2 has been superbly restored and the flat-four engine has been reconditioned, so it should prove a no-brainer if you’re looking for a troublefree classic to go camping with this summer. It’s not the cheapest one out there, but we reckon the condition and the record of its restoration makes it well worth a look.