Highlights

Rare 1961 double-door panel van in original, highly patinated Dove Blue paint
Over £30,000 spent on mechanical restoration and upgrades
Imported from California, registered as a historic vehicle with the DVLA: exempt from MOT and road tax
Vehicle history and VW 'Birth Certificate' included in sale

The Appeal

Looking for a classic you can use and enjoy without worrying about the odd stone chip or the flaky original mechanicals letting you down?

That's where this richly patinated and mechanically sorted 'Split Screen' Volkswagen Type 2 comes up trumps. It's a rare 1961 double-door panel van, imported to the UK in 2022 from sunny California, USA. As the photographs show, the original Dove Blue paintwork exhibits a time-earned patina while the underside and engine compartment look as fresh as can be. That's because over £30,000 has been spent on mechanical restoration and upgrades during recent years. The van is now powered by a 1,641cc engine with twin Weber carburettors, Hex linkage, electronic ignition, an electric fuel pump and much, much more.

The list of work done is exhaustive and we've included the vendor's account below. It comes with a copy of the VW 'Birth Certificate' and a detailed vehicle history fo the next owner to pour over. Exempt from road tax, MOT and ready to enjoy, this characterful van is ready to enjoy.

History and Paperwork

Bought in 2019, originally from California, imported to the UK
Registered as a historic vehicle with the DVLA: exempt from road tax and MOT
Invoices available for all work done, service, and new oil pipes
Vehicle history and VW 'Birth Certificate' included in sale
Restored since arrival in the UK, no exposure to UK winters
Used only a few times in summer, including a 250-mile drive to its current home
99,775 miles indicated - although very miles few have been covered since the fitment of the new engine and other mechanical work - (vendor estimates under 1,000 miles)

The Condition

Original paintwork in VW Dove Blue, no new paint added since 1961
We're assured that the body is solid with minimal rust for its age
New passenger door installed and straightening of a pillar and the front panel completed
BRM “rolling stock” used alloys (x4)
Bodywork includes fully stripped and repainted engine bay
Repaired and painted/distressed engine cover
Replacement of o/s/f door
Repaired and straightened front panel
Repair to one of the pillars (previous damage)
Fitted towel rail bumpers with new bolts
Underside treated, refinished and now very sound
The interior is original and would perhaps benefit from restoration
Wiring loom replaced to accommodate new additions, including a USB charging point
Solid, honest van with no hidden issues, potential for an amazing van

The Mechanics

Complete mechanical restoration and one subsequent service with new oil pipes fitted
The vendor comments that it now drives like a much younger vehicle; stops, starts, and steers really well
New engine, carefully run-in

The vendor provides the following technical specifications:

Engine and drivetrain:

1,641cc engine installed
Twin Weber carburettor kit added
Hex linkage included
Electronic ignition system installed
Electric fuel pump conversion completed
Filter King fuel pressure/filter/regulator kit added
New flexible and hard fuel lines with fittings
New tinware and fittings, colour-coded
High power alternator installed
Four into one exhaust system with stainless exhaust fitting kit
Engine bay seals, grommets, and bolts replaced
Complete throttle pedal assembly
Electrical work includes engine bay rewire
New ignition barrel and keys
New IRS late model four-speed manual gearbox
Full straight rear axle conversion kit with IRS (reduction boxes removed and frame forks fabricated)
Gearbox nosecone conversion completed
New gearbox mounts, frame, and fixings
New driveshafts and CV joints
Gear linkage and bushes replaced
Gearstick bush and new bolts
Rear gear linkage and bushes replaced

Suspension, steering and brakes:

Adjustable spring plates and bushes installed
New rear shock absorbers
Rear brake rebuild kit installed
New custom pattern brake drums
New rear brake lines and fittings
Rear bushes and new bolts installed
Various new cables, nuts, bolts, and brackets
Custom front adjustable beam installed
Various beam bolt kits
Beam bushes replaced
Front shocks (x2) installed
Beam bearings and fitting kit
Torsion leaves installed
Rebuilt/refurbished king/link pins
New dropped spindles for disc brakes - bearings and fitting kit for above
Disc brake conversion kit including new backing plates and fitting kits (x2)
Disc brakes (x2) and late bay callipers (x2) installed
New brake pads
Complete front brake fitting kits and brackets
Steering damper installed
New tie rod ends (x4)
Full dual circuit brake master cylinder conversion kit
New brake lines and fittings

Miscellaneous:

Various new cables, nuts, bolts, and brackets
Twin battery conversion (leisure battery) with power cut-off
Miscellaneous items include brake fluid, oils, greases, and underside paint

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

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or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand..