A sight iconic around the world, quite possibly, one of the most recognisable automobiles in history, the Volkswagen Type 2 is truly the physical form of the phrase cult classic. The simplistic design and no nonsense rear mounted air cooled engine shot the VWs into popularity in all forms, with all sorts of vans, pickups, service vehicles and most famously, camper vans rolling out into the world.
But what if you wanted a slice of the classic VW camper lifestyle, with a substantial power increase? In that case, the best option is, rather surprisingly, to look to the Japanese, more specifically Subaru.
NOR 676L takes the ever popular term sleeper to the next level. Fooling even the most astute VW camper enthusiast, this early T2 looks like a bog standard original example from the outside, but those who like to get to their campsite quicker than the rest will be pleased to hear that hiding under the decklid is a mighty 2.5 litre Subaru boxer engine.
With a custom build completed to the absolute highest of standards, from both an aesthetic and mechanical perspective. This super van is ready to take its next owner to all corners of the globe in an absolute flash.
Just 4 owners from new including the current keeper
Been under current ownership since 1993, when it was bought from current keeper’s Brother
V5 registration document present with the vehicle
Tax and MOT exempt due to historic status
Formerly owned by the current keepers brother for some 15 years, this early T2 was acquired by the keeper at present circa 1993. Under this ownership, the heavy restoration work started. A keen classic vehicle restorer and mechanic, the current owner and a friend began the work of revitalising the camper back to its former glory, having been somewhat neglected under its prior ownership. Restoring the van back to near original condition from an aesthetic perspective, before the decision was made to bring the T2 up to modern speeds, achieved via the fitment of a 2.5 litre Subaru engine from a 2001 donor car.
Some incredibly intensive engineering has gone into this little van and it really shows. Presenting in impeccable condition, the T2 is now ready to be moved on to a new home, having had many adventures during this chapter of its lifetime.
Highly original in style with more useable modern amenities
Fridge, microwave and removable cooking pod
Upgraded inverter and leisure battery
Now, we get to the party piece of any camper van, the interior. Opening the sliding door reveals a smart revamped cabin, recommissioned courtesy of upholstering legends Bernard Newbury, who were given the challenging brief to restore the original Westfalia styling but blend it with more modern and contemporary amenities.
Absolutely hitting it out of the park, Bernard Newbury has created an interior that is nothing short of a masterpiece. At first glance, the cabin looks to be a standard Westfalia interior, but closer inspection reveals a plethora of clever features and hidden modern amenities to aid with general usability and convenience. Sporting a combi microwave fridge and pull out sink where the cooker was previously located, with the cooker now located in a pod that lifts out and can be put into the large awning that will accompany the camper upon sale. To increase space inside the cabin, one can drop the cooking pod out and survive on the main kit if just going away for a shorter stay.
Perspective buyers curious about the power situation will be pleased to learn that the T2 has a large inverter to run the microwave and extra leisure battery to cope with the added appliances and electronics.
With the term versatility coming to mind, the cabin of the T2 can be rearranged into various forms to provide more or less seating and space at the request of the user. We find a well upholstered bench seat that can fold into a “rock and roll” style bed within the rear storage section. Of course no camper worth its salt would be complete without a pop up roof, and the one on the example we see here is in great shape, opening to full lift with ease, the upholstery within is of a great standard and features unzipping windows to aid light and airflow.
At the front end sit two smart leather sport seats for the driver and passenger, both upholstered in a matching brown leather and present in great order. The large, minimalistic dash piece and wonderful black rimmed steering wheel are of an equally good quality, as is the upgraded CSP shifter.
Is there a more instantly recognizable shape than the Volkswagen T2? The simplistic design stands out wherever it may be, especially when sporting the infamous two tone paint job like this example. The rather iconic blend of blue and white are the order of the day when it comes to the exterior of this example, a wonderful colour choice which thoroughly sets the van off from an aesthetic perspective. The paint itself has been done to a brilliant standard and as such presents with a brilliant deep shine from all angles.
Having been on the cusp of becoming a bucket of rust too far gone to save, the current owner set about extensive bodywork refurbishments not long after purchasing the van. Starting with a full soda blast before all of the rot that had made its way throughout the van was replaced, including the front tubs, half the floor and half of the rear and side panels on the van.
The concept behind this super van was, to all intents and purposes, to look like a completely standard T2 camper, with the thunderous mechanical modifications being a hidden surprise who whoever finds themselves sat next to the van at the traffic lights. As a result the VW presents in highly original condition, we find standard bumpers and trim to help play the part, all of which is in impeccable condition.
To further aid the van’s sleeper status, a set of 15” Mercedes steel wheels have been fitted, along with a set of factory chrome hubcaps. All four wheels and trims are of a great quality. A full size fifth spare wheel can be found sitting proudly on the front of the van within its VW cover.
Those familiar with the model, will now be sat expecting to read a lengthy description of a 1600cc or perhaps 2000cc air cooled four cylinder nestled into the rear of this camper, however, that couldn't be farther from the reality of the situation.
What we find shoehorned behind the decklid of this van is a behemoth 2.5 litre Subaru engine, rocketing the T2’s horsepower figure right the way up to 150bhp. Utilising the services of RJES, one of the leading companies in the VW Subaru conversion market, a 2001 donor car was sourced, from which the 2.5 litre engine was pulled and with some clever engineering, was fitted into the camper van, alongside a custom wiring loom and uprated cogbox gearbox to better handle the van’s new power.
When it comes to cooling the new powerhouse, a new, bespoke, belly mounted radiator has been installed and plays the part well. The current owner also reports that they also managed to keep the air conditioning compressor and made a heater box that sits under the van as well.
There will be no worries about stopping all this new found power as behind the Mercedes steel wheels sit four uprated disc brakes.
Testimony from the current owner highlights that the T2 drives really well and keeps up a steady 70mph on the motorways with all the power one needs to join traffic from slip roads or for required bursts of acceleration. It has been used for the last 4 years or so and been down to Cornwall, out to Snowdonia and up to the lakes with no problems at all.efsGb98YvqUm7qwEPdlBqgARkOIT20xqOZXwhs3R.jpeg712.94 KB
Summary
The ultimate sleeper. There really is no other way to put it.
From the outside this camper presents in remarkably clean original condition, but within that lies a truly monstrous engine to take this camper well and truly to the next level. Restored and built to an incredibly high standard, this camper wants for nothing and is very much ready for many more years of great, and rather fast adventures.
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