1965 VW Transporter Type 2

Highlights

• Stylish camper interior

• Split windscreen

• MOT and road tax exempt

• Cleverly hidden TV screen

• Twin-carb air-cooled engine

Overview

Some vehicles come to define their niche, perhaps none more obviously so than the Volkswagen Type 2. Although it had a more mundane start to its life as a commercial platform, people soon realised the potential these vehicles had as means of multi-day transport. Hippies took them to India. Surfers took them to the beach. And a legend was born. 

Fittingly, the example we see here started life in 1965 as a plain old van, with its twin side doors giving access to the rear. It has more recently been beautifully converted into a camper, with a rock and roll bed, and a stylishly curved base unit from which a television screen rises. The finish looks to be very good quality throughout. 

Mechanically, the 1.9-litre engine has been upgraded in capacity and with twin carburettors, to give it a little more oomph, and it sits at the rear of the vehicle, reducing noise for the driver when underway. The left-hand drive configuration remains original, along with charming yellow headlamp lenses, having been previously imported from overseas. 

This camper is ready to take on your dream adventures, providing comfort away from home. It is full of character and charm, and is sure to be greeted by smiles and waves wherever you go. 

History and documentation

• Declared manufactured in 1965

• Historic Vehicle — Road Tax and MOT exempt

• V5 present in owner’s name

• HPI clear

• Service history prior to the current keeper has been misplaced

• Invoices for service work in Jun 2021, Jan 2025 from Bughaus, specialists in air-cooled VWs

• Reportedly garage-stored and only used occasionally for day trips and shows

• London ULEZ compliant

Interior

• Original features have been retained, with camper fittings

• The camper conversion has been carried out to a high standard 

• Excellent access is afforded by the two side doors

• Parquet-style flooring

• Stylish curved base unit

• Concealed television, on a powered rising system 

• Rock and roll bed

• Leisure battery

• 240V electrical sockets  

• The original seats, front and rear were sympathetically replaced during its earlier refit in the UK with what you see currently, including matching cabinetry.

• No obvious rips or damage that we could see 

• Fitted sisal floor mats are an attractive feature 

• Left-hand drive 

• Original two-spoke steering wheel

• Body colour painted dashboard 

• Auxiliary oil temperature gauge 

• Door cards match the seat upholstery

• The right-hand door handle has snapped 

• Headlining clean but sagging in places 

• The windows slide to open

• Rear window curtain 

Exterior

• Unmistakable T2 shape

• Desirable split windscreen

• Charming level of patina: slightly faded paint, without looking neglected 

• A few chips and scratches, some of which have been touched in

• Some specks of corrosion

• White painted bumpers

• The body panels generally look good for their age 

• 15-inch alloy wheels

• The tyres all appear to retain good tread

• Wheel rims well preserved, with no obvious scuffs or damage 

• White painted VW badge at the front 

• Yellow headlamp lenses 

• The underside of the bus looks clean and tidy

• The seller informs us that the underneath has previously been treated, and remains free from corrosion

Mechanical

• Four-cylinder 1.9-litre air-cooled engine

• Twin carburettors 

• Four-speed manual gearbox

• Taller 4th gear for comfortable cruising at speed, lower revs and less stress on the engine

• Rear-wheel drive

• Engine bay in good clean condition

• Auxiliary oil temperature gauge fitted 

• Mechanical linkages underneath all appear to have been well greased 

• The seller tells us that the car starts easily, ticks over well, and has that distinctive air-cooled sound, which is enhanced by the stainless steel exhaust system 

• The engine is said to pull well and is comfortable to drive 

Summary

If you’re going to go camping, then you might as well do it properly. And the Volkswagen Type 2 we see here is just the ticket. It provides comfortable accommodation and oozes characterful features. It’s not overly shiny, so you won’t be worried about actually going places in it, so you’ll be keeping your weekends free to hit the road and go wherever the fancy takes you. 

To arrange a viewing, click the 'Book Viewing' button located under the 'Place Bid' button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to 'Contact Seller' for further enquiries. This seller is located in Nottinghamshire.