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1966 Volkswagen VW T1 ‘Split Screen’ Campervan
Highlights
- Eminently desirable ‘Split-screen’ model
- Period Sundial camper conversion
- Subject to a complete respray in a fetching two-tone scheme
- Ride height lowered by VW specialist in Aldershot
- Subject to copious recent expenditure: £4,187 spent in Nov-December 2023 with Beetlelink bringing it up to a very good roadworthy standard
The Appeal
As a lifestyle statement, not much comes close to a T1 “split screen” camper. As the transport – and often living quarters – of the '60s and '70s counter-culture revolution, it’s left an indelible mark on the automotive landscape.
This lovely white-over-yellow camper is a textbook example of a very original T1. It's one of the rare few to have undergone period conversion by Sundial - which unlike other specialists at the time, used T1 panel vans as a starting point.
With a delightfully retro interior and lovely period touches still (remarkably) in very good shape, this collectable vintage camper could well be the perfect getaway companion.
A great deal of time, money and new parts have been lavished upon this Volkswagen in recent months, culminating in a £4,187 invoice with renowned specialist Beetlelink at the end of 2023. The vendor gave them free rein to carry out any work necessary to bring it up to a very good roadworthy standard, and it's a credit to them that they allowed this vehicle the attention it deserves.
With a delightfully retro interior and lovely period touches still (remarkably) in very good shape, this collectable vintage camper could well be the perfect getaway companion.
A great deal of time, money and new parts have been lavished upon this Volkswagen in recent months, culminating in a £4,187 invoice with renowned specialist Beetlelink at the end of 2023. The vendor gave them free rein to carry out any work necessary to bring it up to a very good roadworthy standard, and it's a credit to them that they allowed this vehicle the attention it deserves.
The History and Paperwork
- Genuine German-built camper
- First registered in 1966
- Imported to the UK in 2005
- Just two owners since import
- Current owner since 2007
- Mostly been kept in storage since import
- V5C present
- 2019 MOT certificate present
- SORN and in storage since 2019
- 35,915 km indicated
- Historic vehicle - MOT and road tax exempt
- MOT valid until 7th December 2024
- Some invoices for works carried out and maintenance
- Aforementioned Beetlelink invoice included and photographed (see gallery below)
The Condition
- Completely resprayed in white-over-yellow
- Chromed bumpers and front badge (original bumpers and badge also supplied)
- Original white steel wheels with chrome hubs
- Original front seats, retrimmed to a high standard in “Coffee Beige”
- Original 2 point seat belts
- Sundial Camper badge
- California specification: folding table, rock-and-roll bed, storage cubbies, electrical socket, matching sun blinds and rear door cards
Sporting the iconic split-screen design and two-tone paintjob, so reminiscent of sunny Californian beach days, this joyous little camper is presented in very good condition.
The paintwork has been refreshed, a full respray having been undertaken. Custom chrome bumpers and a chrome front VW badge have also been added, while the originals will be supplied as part of the sale. All of the exterior trim is intact and in good condition, wearing expected levels of patina and with some marking, blemishes.
There are some blemishes and marks in the paintwork, and a few spots of surface corrosion are beginning to appear in some areas. Also, the headlight seals may require some attention. Overall though, the bodywork and associated trim appears solid and clean. This shouldn’t be a surprise as the van has been well maintained and has been stored for most of its life, so has not been exposed to the harsh elements.
Underneath, the camper looks largely clean, straight and very neat. The chassis rails, sills and floors – usually areas of concern with these vehicles – are very tidy and show no obvious signs of damage or corrosion.
It's similarly lovely on the inside. With pastel striped wall material and window blinds complement the cream cushions and pastel blue polka dot table of the rear compartment very well, without ever being too much for the eyes. It’s absolutely on-the-money for the period the van hails from.
In the front of the van, both seats are original and in good condition, having been retrimmed in “Coffee Beige” vinyl. They feature original-spec lap-belts. One point to note is that at some point the screen-wash tank has been removed and replaced with a water bottle on the steering column. This can, of course, be relatively easily reversed. The dashboard and instrumentation are rather minimal, but what is there is functioning well and in good condition, wearing its age clearly. This patina follows through the whole interior of the van and really adds to its charm.
The door cards are in above average condition for the vehicle’s age too, as is the ‘rock-and-roll’ bed, table and bench seat. There is a small amount of laminate peel on the table, but this is relatively minor. Much of the interior, including the inner roof, floor and many of the fitments, are finished in a rich coloured wood. With practical storage cubbies, a wardrobe and a mirror, it makes this T1 a quirky yet sensible camping tool.
There is some light damage – scratching, chipping and peeling – to some of the wood finishes, but nothing that should be off-putting. Overall, the condition is generously original, calm, relaxing and much better than most vehicles of a similar age.
There is some light damage – scratching, chipping and peeling – to some of the wood finishes, but nothing that should be off-putting. Overall, the condition is generously original, calm, relaxing and much better than most vehicles of a similar age.
The Mechanics
- 1.6-litre flat-four
- 4-speed manual transmission
- Left hand drive, German-built camper
- Lowered by a VW specialist
- Copious mechanical work and servicing by Beetlelink at the end of 2023 - see the itemised invoice in the gallery for full extent of the work
- Voluntarily MOT tested - resulting in a clean pass
With a simple and easy to maintain powertrain, it’s no wonder the T1 has long been a popular choice for campers and vehicle collectors the world over. Its flat-four, air-cooled engine is robust and long-lived, and makes the classic “VW” burble as expected. The current owner has also had the vehicle lowered by a VW specialist in Aldershot.
We’re informed by the vendor that the vehicle has been serviced and maintained regularly, and the copious list of improvement work with Beetlelink adds further reassurance that this is a very good example along with the advisory-free MOT pass in December 2023.
According to the owner, the vehicle drives very well and is in full working condition, with no mechanical issues they are aware of.
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 deposit. 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.. If requested, we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected]
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