The VW Split Screen is probably one of the most iconic and recognisable van, bus, or pickup ever made. Development for the project started in 1948, and in 1950 the T1 was released for general sale by Volkswagen. What was then known as the “Transporter”, now known as the Camper, was used as Ambulances, transport and panel vans for various commercial businesses.

It wasn't until the swinging 60’s when the VW T1 became hugely popular, and it is strongly associated with the influential cultural movement. The T1 was perfect with it’s low running and maintenance costs, whilst providing a place to live. The Type 2 came along in 1954 and was available in a range of models to choose from, whichever was best suited to your needs.

Panel van, Double door panel van, Kombi, Bus, Samba, Flatbed, Crew-cab plus more, just like this Campervan, which is perfectly practical for a weekend away resulting in a huge amount of fun!

The seller of this wonderful 1966 Volkswagen Split Screen camper purchased the vehicle some 12 years ago from the previous keeper, who had imported it from the sunshine state of California, and it was registered in the UK on 20th April 2009. 

The Camper has previously been restored in white over Bermuda Blue which was carried out prior to it’s arrival in the UK. With the bodywork taken care of, the seller in recent years has concentrated on the interior and the mechanical side of things, ensuring the VW was equipped and ready for either a weekend away in the countryside, or to a VW show where it fits in just perfectly! 

With the family now outgrowing the camper, it has been a tough decision to part with the camper after making plenty of memories, but they know the new owners will enjoy it just as much as they have.  

The V5 is present and shows that the vehicle was registered in 1966, and then when it came to the UK and registered on 20th April 2009. 

There is the Certificate of Title from the previous keeper in the State of California, which shows when the vehicle was exported. A number of invoices are present for various parts purchased over the years, and there are a number of previous MOT certificates, and instructions for the Webasto heater/timer. 

The last MOT expired in 2018. Looking back through the MOT history it can be seen that the VW has regularly been taken for an MOT, and it hasn't covered a great deal of mileage between them. 

Inside the Camper is pretty much home from home. To start the restoration of the interior, it has been treated to a layer of sound deadening which offers a much quieter ride when on a weekend adventure. It also adds some insulation and cuts down on condensation. 

The interior has been re-trimmed by Dubfather Car Trim based in the West Midlands, who have trimmed the seats in cream vinyl with blue piping, and this can be seen throughout the camper on all of the seat cushions, which are in excellent order. The dashboard is typical of any VW Split Screen and features a fuel gauge and odometer, which is reading 74,863 miles. The steering wheel looks to be the original and has a few marks to it, but nothing too excessive. 

The front has been carpeted, which is nice and clean, and into the rear is a more heavy duty laminate flooring, fitted for easy cleaning. Up above, and the headlining has been replaced, which is fitted nicely and looks taught. This continues around the windows to finish them off, and then the same material has been used on the door cards.

The rear is where the Camper comes into its own, with a nicely equipped kitchen area, comprising of a sink/hob unit with under cupboard storage, with doors that lock shut with the press of the button. There is a nice size Webasto fridge and a Eberspacher heater fitted to keep the chill off at night. Sleeping arrangements are the fold down rear seat to create the bed in the rear, and the front hammock fits over the front seats. 

There is a 600w inverter fitted which will easily cope with charging essentials like torches, phone chargers and suchlike whilst on the move, but when stationary there is the option of a 240 volt hook up. This is protected by a Power Management System with the relevant trip switches in place to cover everything.

Externally, the VW certainly looks the part. There are some areas where the paint has worn through, but this just adds to the cool patina look often seen in the VW world. 

Looking at the front of the VW, the White over Bermuda Blue is in nice condition, with just some area where the white has worn through as mentioned. Stone chips are minimal as is any sign of corrosion around the usual areas of concern like the bottom of the split screens. The headlights and indicators are in good order with just some slight tarnishing to the chromework. The front bumper has been replaced and therefore in excellent condition.  

Around to the sides, and the doors look to align as they should. Again, there are some areas which show where the paint has rubbed through, but looking at the arches and sills, they don’t show any areas for concern. The windows are the originals and have slight age related marks as you would expect, apart from the windscreens which have been replaced. The window rubbers are all in excellent condition, some of which have been replaced as necessary.  

To the rear, the VW looks stunning, with a new bumper to match the front. The engine cover and rear door align as they should and the lights are free from any splits or cracks. On the roof is the roof rack holding the full size spare wheel, with still enough room for a suitcase. 

The wheels have been powder coated and finished with a chrome hubcap. The tyres have a good amount of tread remaining. 

The engine which has been fitted to the Camper is a refurbished 1600cc twin port Venga engine, which has replaced the previous 1500cc. Doing this has made the split much more drivable. This is coupled to a refurbished gearbox, which is a 1303 S&F from VW Bus specialists Type 2 Detectives. The VW has also benefited from a new fuel tank and a full engine respray whilst the work was carried out.

The engine fires up as it should, with the classic sound of the air-cooled engine recogniseable from a distance, and there are no untoward noises to be heard. With the refurbished gearbox, the change is smooth and the 1600 pulls well through the gears. 

Helping the Splitty stop is a CSP front disc brake upgrade, and type 3 rear drums fitted to the rear with dual master cylinders. The steering has also been given an overhaul with a Creative Engineering steering rack coupled to new track rod ends, fitted by Type 2 Detectives, who also fitted front Bilstein shock absorbers to the front end. The underside has been given a full waxoyl to help future proof it from any unwanted corrosion.

Sitting at 56 years old, this is a really nice, well kept, Split Screen Camper. It made its way from the sunshine State of California in 2009, so is nice and solid on the underside. With the same owner for the past 12 years, the VW has seen a refurbished 1600 cc engine fitted, plus gearbox, and any other mechanical parts either overhauled or upgraded. The interior has been given a full retrim and is perfectly suited to cater for your needs. 

Leave the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it's ready for you and your family to jump straight into and enjoy! A weekend away or at a classic car or VW show. Either way you will have fun whatever you decide.