Highlights
・Only the second owner since 1985
・Very solid, and was being restored
・Very solid, and was being restored
・Work stopped by owners health declining
The Background
The T2, or Bay Window, VW van replaced the Split Screen in 1967 and ran until 1979, making this one of the last before being replaced by much squarer the T25. It was larger than the splitty so has a bit more useful space inside, and was available as panel or Transporter vans, camper or Kombi vans, microbus and pickups.
It was of course rear engined and air cooled, with capacity growing from 1.6 to 2 litres over the years.
They have remained incredibly popular with all sorts of buyers for all sorts of reasons but remain effortlessly cool no matter the body style or how they are presented.
They have remained incredibly popular with all sorts of buyers for all sorts of reasons but remain effortlessly cool no matter the body style or how they are presented.
The History
The current owner bought this Bay in November 1985 when it was almost exactly six years old and had been using it for all that time. Over the years it has had odd spots of welding to keep it solid and safe for the MOT but hasn’t needed any significant work. Around three years ago he decided it was time for a refresh refresh give it a colour change, going from its original grass green to darker VW Sumatra green, and overhauled the brakes with new callipers from a VW specialist.
Unfortunately he suffered a stroke around this time so the van was put on hold and he has now decided to part with it as he went be able to drive it.
The Paperwork
The MOT history shows the VW was MOT’d until August 2019, with its last test in 2018 only showing advisories for drive shaft boots and slight wear to a damper, the previous test had shown low brake efficiency so they were overhauled with new callipers and other parts but unfortunately due to ill health and a house move the receipts for the brakes weren’t available at the time of the shoot.
The Interior
The cab is a two seater, with a pair of dark tan woven textured vinyl covered chairs, there is a split in the drivers squab, but otherwise good. There are matching door cards with a tiny warp on the drivers rear edge and a larger curl on the base of the passenger side. The headlining is good.
On the floor is the original rubber matting and carpet between the seats. The dash top is good with no splits, and the right hand dial has been replaced with a voltmeter. Over on the passenger side, the glove box is missing its lid and card back.
A wooden divider has been fitted with a window looking into the rear of the van, where the interior is bare in original paint and shows the factory panels are in good solid condition. It's a blank canvas ready to be converted to a camper or used as a transporter.
On the floor is the original rubber matting and carpet between the seats. The dash top is good with no splits, and the right hand dial has been replaced with a voltmeter. Over on the passenger side, the glove box is missing its lid and card back.
A wooden divider has been fitted with a window looking into the rear of the van, where the interior is bare in original paint and shows the factory panels are in good solid condition. It's a blank canvas ready to be converted to a camper or used as a transporter.
The Exterior
The VW was painted about three years ago but has cracked on the drivers rear side panel, and in a couple of spots blisters are showing through. On the side load door there was an extra handle which has been taken off so there is a screw hole now.
On the contrast white roof the paint has lifted around the raingutter and at the back there are some blisters on the corners and back edge.
On the contrast white roof the paint has lifted around the raingutter and at the back there are some blisters on the corners and back edge.
All four wheels have Semperit tyres which were changed not long before the van was painted so haven’t covered many miles, the wheels have aftermarket hubcaps and the rims were painted in matching Sumatra green.
A good set of headlamp bezels were bought for the van but not yet fitted and colour matched paint has been ordered which will be supplied with the van.
A good set of headlamp bezels were bought for the van but not yet fitted and colour matched paint has been ordered which will be supplied with the van.
The Mechanics
The air cooled 1.6 litre flat four is a tough and reliable unit, and it starts and runs well and the brakes have been overhauled with new callipers just before the VW was parked up. Manoeuvring the T2 around the gears select easily and the steering feels tight with very little play.
Looking under the bus it appears generally solid with surface rust in places which would need attention soon.
Looking under the bus it appears generally solid with surface rust in places which would need attention soon.
The Appeal
Bay window buses are an icon, the go-to camper conversion and this is a blank canvas waiting to be built into your perfect holiday home on wheels.
Although it runs and drives and being over 40 years old could be driven without an MOT, it has been parked for a little while so should be viewed as a driving project which will need a few things looking at before use and we would always recommend putting a car through an MOT for your own piece of mind and safety.
Although it runs and drives and being over 40 years old could be driven without an MOT, it has been parked for a little while so should be viewed as a driving project which will need a few things looking at before use and we would always recommend putting a car through an MOT for your own piece of mind and safety.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the sellers discretion.
