VW Type 2 Camper

This 1960s Type 2 drives wonderfully, partly due to its fully reconditioned engine coupled and a silky gearbox that was rebuilt in February 2018. The 1.5-litre motor pulls very well and the steering is light and direct with negligible play, while the brakes require a little force but do work well. On the road, the van feels solid and instils confi dence, driving more like a VW Beetle than a large camper van. Older VWs can be a little rickety, but there are no such concerns here. The only noises we heard were from the air-cooled engine and the wind coursing though the windows.

BODYWORK CHECK

Restored to an incredibly high standard and with no expenses spared, the bodywork is exquisite. Finished in Lotus White, a desirable colour only available from Volkswagen in 1967, the paintwork has an incredible shine and lustre, with no marks or swirls. All trim pieces, including the roof rack and side ladder from Creative Engineering, are flawless and really set off the exterior. The bumpers and wheels are painted in matching white and look great. All tyres have good tread and have been inset with a white stripe to tie them into the overall aesthetic. There is no rust anywhere on the vehicle and the underside is just as tidy as the rest of the bodywork.

HOW’S THE INTERIOR?

German-built and supplied to the UK in factory right-hand drive format, this particular camper is an original walkthrough model. It features a Devon Spaceway confi guration, with two individual front seats instead of a bench, leading straight through to the rear and front facing seating at the back that allows for a total of seven people on board. The interior is in fantastic overall condition throughout. Tastefully fi nished in wood and leather but with practical hard-wearing carpets, everything appears clean and factory-fresh. What little equipment there is functions perfectly, including a Retrosounds Model Two stereo.

UNDER THE BONNET

The area housing the motor is spotless with no evidence of grime or standing water. The fully reconditioned 1500 engine looks great and all ancillaries appear to be new. Firing straight up, it doesn’t hesitate or smoke, nor does it make any unwanted noises, just a healthy idle. Suspension and steering components are unworn, all bushes are in fi ne fettle, and the brake hoses and pipes remain corrosion- free. The final section of the exhaust looks a little tatty – it isn’t damaged or leaking but a stainless piece would be a better match the rest of the vehicle.

THE CCW VIEW

With a full restoration totalling thousands of pounds and some choice upgrades, this ‘Splitty’ is one of the fi nest we’ve ever sDeaelne. Vinten