1964 Volkswagen Type 2 (T1) Splitscreen Sundial Campervan

Highlights

• Lovely example of a split-screen camper
• Dry state Californian import
• Excellent chassis
• Seven-seater with two-berth rock’n’roll bed – dual purpose camper or day van
• Last owner for 11 years

Overview

Vehicles don’t achieve iconic status for nothing, and whether it’s free love, surf culture or the Californian custom scene, there’s no denying that the Volkswagen Type 2 has got there well and truly on its own merit.

With an unrivalled continuous production run of over 60 years, the archetypal VW Camper is the most famous motor home in the world, the subject of T-shirts, coffee mugs, art prints and the affections of thousands – if not millions – of people across every continent. And among aficionados of the breed, it’s the pre-1967 split-screen models that are the most sought-after. Conveniently, it’s also what we have here – your opportunity to own one of the most iconic vehicles ever made.

The Type 2 “Splitty” was manufactured between 1951 and 1967 and was one of the most versatile commercial vehicles of its era, offered as everything from a basic panel van to a fully-fledged ‘Westfalia’ camper (the vehicle with which the world’s VW Camper fixation began).

Other spin-offs included the eight-seater ‘Microbus’, a flatbed pick-up and a crew cab, along with a high roof van and even an ‘Adventure Van’ designed for wild camping – Volkswagen wasn’t shy in promoting its versatility.

This example, like many, began its life not as a camper but as a transport van, converted by US converter ‘Sundial’ in the 1960s. Sundial vans are common in the USA, and were non-approved VW conversions, recognisable by their three square windows in the rear saloon. It was converted into its current format in the USA circa 2000 and came to the UK in 2013, just two years before it was acquired by the vendor.

It's still in fabulous condition as well, with a few very minor signs of wear and ageing, and a brilliant dual-purpose nature – as a six- or seven-seat day van ideal for days at the beach, or as a two-berth camper with a rock’n’roll double bed. It’s also ideal for camper van or wedding hire, the latter of which has helped the current owner maintain the van in tip-top condition.

History and documentation

• UK V5C in the name of the private vendor
• Imported in 2011
• Two previous UK owners
• VW Heritage engine fitted in 2016 at 44,204 miles
• Invoices for extensive bodywork repairs in 2015 totalling over £5,000
• Old tax discs
• Three sets of keys

Interior

• Two-tone cream leather upholstery with green panelling
• Fold-out two-berth rock’n’roll bed
• Green-stained wood panelling
• Hand sink, cupboards and pop-up table
• Hob and space for gas bottle
• Seven-seater potential with six seat belts at present
• Electric hook-up with three 240v plug sockets
• Retrimmed cabin with some wear around original dials and switchgear
• Minor issue with indicator stalk, which doesn’t always self-cancel
• JVC CD-Radio stereo
• Front cab carpet
• Heating works, though dials are said to be stiff and require a bit of care
• No rips, no tears and only a few scuff marks belying 13 years of regular use
• Left-hand-drive

Exterior

• Lovely Pistachio Green lower bodywork with white upper panels
• Reported by the vendor to be in good condition, with a few small signs of bubbles and blistering here and there
• There are a few small scratches and chips in the paintwork but nothing of any great note
• Underneath appears to be mostly in great condition, with signs of rust and light corrosion showing on the right-hand floor pan
• Extensive repairs carried out in 2015 along with a full respray – still looks great nine years on
• Chassis appears to be in superb order with no evidence of prior welding
• The van has the wear of a much-loved vehicle still being used after 60 years of life, with many of its original features in place
• It’s gently patinated throughout so please don’t expect a new van, but it’s in great overall condition for its age
• Period roof rack
• Excellent chrome and trim with period white-band tyres

Mechanical

• 1500cc air-cooled flat-four
• New VW Heritage engine with associated ancillaries fitted in 2016, installed by Dr V-Dub in Southsea
• Battery isolation device, which has kept battery in good condition
• Standard braking system, steering and suspension
• Standard manual transmission
• The vendor reports that the van drives really well with no known problems, but is due a service as it hasn’t had one this year
• Twin exhausts – the van makes its approach and arrival known with a typical (and loveable) air-cooled VW clatter

Summary

This is a wicked little van – a relaxed and unfussy conversion that will happily lead a double life as both day van and camper van, as well as having the potential to be a bit of a money spinner on the wedding circuit, as its previous owner found out.

It’s still in great condition several years after being restored and is in very clean and tidy condition inside and out, ready for you to make your own with your individual taste and style, or pep-up mechanically with some custom parts. It’s a blank canvas as well as being timelessly cool.

To arrange a viewing, please request this in the Q&A section. You can click through to the seller's profile and use the 'Email Me' function to arrange a viewing privately. This seller is located in Hampshire.