1965 Volkswagen Type 2 Split Screen Motor Caravan

Highlights

Older restoration in great condition
Very rare RHD twin-door Splittie in UK since 1965
Uprated for modern driving including oil-cooled 1,776cc engine
High specification including disc brakes and IRS kit
Gas heating, electric hook up, rock and roll bed and pop top
Lots of historical paperwork

The Appeal

When it comes to classic campers, is there any serious alternative to a good VW Splittie? And this certainly is a good one. For starters it is a rare RHD version first registered here in 1965. From its two-tone colour scheme to the versatile 'barn doors' and pop top, this is a camper that appeals to the eyes and the head.

Beyond the visuals, the specification is similarly appealing. It has been sympathetically upgraded for modern motoring by someone who knows what they are doing. At the heart of things is a 1,776cc twin port, oil-cooled engine, delivering plenty of power for long distance, high speed treks. That is complemented by an IRS kit, disc brakes, uprated clutch and a performance exhaust. The list continues with gas struts and improvements to the gear shift and linkage.

Inside the modified cabin there is gas heating, electric hook up, rock and roll bed and LED lights. And of course that pop up roof that makes things considerably more comfortable inside.

The VW was extensively renovated by its previous keeper and has been owned by the vendor since 2013. There is a lot of history to reinforce the sense of well-loved, enthusiast owned classic. This is a Splittie that works for the head and the heart - it looks great and goes well too.

The History and Paperwork

First UK registered 20th July 1965
11 registered keepers recorded by DVLA since 1965
Current enthusiast keeper since 2013
Used sparingly by current keeper for personal and wedding use
UK V5C in current keeper's name
Historic Vehicle that is tax, ULEZ and MOT exempt
Restored several years ago with photographic record of restoration showing rust being cut out
Invoices from VW specialists for parts and service items
Old MOT certificates
Parts catalogues
Has been used as a wedding vehicle for the past few years, so kept spotless and well-maintained with most servicing carried out by vendor
Always garaged by last two keepers since restoration was completed
Regularly serviced and MOT'd by the current keeper himself

The Condition

Presents beautifully in two tone teal and blue correct colour scheme
Chassis very good with all prior welding completed to high standard
No obvious evidence of structural issues and comprehensively undersealed
Some very minor marks to paint but nothing of note – some scuffs on roof and one small bubble on one barn door
Minor mark on rear bumper
Front badge damaged and partially missing
Retrimmed at time of restoration in smart grey upholstery
Two-berth Rock’n’roll bed
Quick shift gear lever
Wood door cards and cab trim
Gas locker and hob
Concertina roof
Modern USB/Bluetooth stereo
Supplementary rev counter and temperature gauge
Gas heating
LED Interior lighting
Electric hook up
Tow bar fitted

This is a gorgeous van. For a 59 year old working and leisure vehicle the state of preservation is impressive. Finished in dark blue with white, it looks very tidy with only minor signs of age to note in photographs. None detract from the overall impression.

Inside, it has a two-berth Devon-style interior with a rock-and-roll bed, while the roof is of the pop-up concertina design and operates flawlessly.

It has 240v electric hook-up and a gas valve for camping and is in great overall order.

The Mechanics

1,776cc high compression, twin port, oil-cooled flat-four
Four-speed manual with upgraded gearshift and linkage
Stainless sports exhaust
IRS kit and gas shocks
Disc brakes
Upgraded clutch
New wiring loom

The Volkswagen T1s is beautiful. No camper does charisma quite like it. But where standard vans can fall down is on the road, where the small engines and hefty weight can make smooth progress, particularly where hills are involved, somewhat challenging.

Not so here. This Splittie has been sympathetically upgraded to deliver more power, better stopping performance and a more relaxing driving experience. That is courtesy of some clever upgrades including the 1.8litre oil cooled flat four, disc brakes, improved clutch and even a modified gearchange and linkage. There is also an IRS kit and gas shocks.

Other improvements include a new wiring loom and stainless steel exhaust.

Alongside the upgrades this van has been sparingly used by the current long term keeper. He has kept on top of the maintenance by servicing it himself. Thanks to his knowledge and careful garage storage, he reports that it is very reliable and easy to drive. A point further helped by that RHD configuration.

BEFORE YOU BUY

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