1981 Volkswagen T25 Devon Campervan
Highlights
- Retains its original Devon camper interior
- Commendably straight bodywork
- Full-length elevating roof in good order
- 2.0-litre air-cooled ‘Pancake’ engine
- Accompanied by a substantial history file
The Appeal
Following the immense success of the ‘Splitscreen’ and ‘Bay Window’, Volkswagen introduced its third Type 2 van in 1979. Called the T3 in Europe and T25 in the UK, the new van had more angular proportions than its predecessors yet retained the age-old rear-engined, cab-over-wheel configuration that maximised interior space while maintaining a small overall footprint. Independent camper conversions continued too with likes of Devon and Westfalia producing the most popular interiors.
We’re pleased to offer this 1981 T25 Devon which remains commendably original and well-preserved. This is one of the most usable classic air-cooled campers on the market, benefitting from the well-regarded 2.0-litre ‘Pancake’ engine allowing it to keep pace with modern traffic. The original Devon interior and elevating roof present very well for their age and both are hard to find today. The vendor provides photographs of recent work and a collection of invoices detailing the servicing it’s received in recent years.
Don’t miss this great opportunity to acquire a fine example of the much-loved T25.
The History and Paperwork
- V5C present
- Five former registered keepers
- UK-supplied in right-hand drive and converted by Devon
- Exempt from road tax and MOT testing
- The vendor provides photographs showing recent work to the rear suspension, brakes and driveshafts to rectify a 2022 MOT fail
- 23,225 miles indicated (unwarranted)
- Numerous invoices for parts from leading specialists including VW Heritage
- It also has the original service book (but not the manual VW handbook)
The Condition
- A straight and solid-looking example
- Smart white paintwork
- While there’s some slight bubbling and various small imperfections visible upon close inspection, this van presents very well indeed
- There is some visible rust here and there, most of which has been treated over time and patched up
- The sills have been professionally repaired together with the rear trailing arm mount (a common problem area)
- The bumpers and trim present well with light patina
- Some signs of age to the steel wheels although they appear in good order
- The underside presents well, with no obvious issues
- The vendor demonstrates that the elevating roof operates correctly
- As with older VWs, the gas struts need replacing for holding the boot lid open and also the pop top
- Slight staining to the roof fabric
- Equipped with a tow bar
- Original Devon camper conversion
- Up-front in the cab, the controls, instruments, dashboard and floor mats present impeccably
- The upholstery has some wear in places, yet remains eminently usable
- The original Devon cabinetry presents well for its age, with only light signs of use
- Equipped with a sink, gas stove and fridge
- There is no traditional stereo as I have been using modern Bluetooth/iPhone setup
- The vendor has never used the gas fridge, so that would need testing
- Equipped with convertible bed and removable table
The Mechanics
- 2.0-litre air-cooled ‘Pancake’ flat-four
- Four-speed manual gearbox
- Original and well-presented engine compartment
- The previous owner has a reconditioned engine fitted in 2005 with 10,998 on the odometer
- The engine had a tune just post-Covid
- The vendor has carried out their own (frequent) servicing and oil changes
- Rear suspension, brakes and drive shafts recently rebuilt/replaced as necessary
- The leisure battery needs replacing - (wiring in place)
- The front suspension could do with a service but the front brake callipers and pads have been replaced and the single-circuit system bled correctly
- The vendor comments that the van is "really easy to look after (just watch for air leaks after performing any servicing work) and as long as the oil is regularly checked and topped up it remains a robust fun and original vehicle"
- We’re informed that it runs and drives well with no apparent faults
- The vendor finds the unassisted steering responsive and not at all heavy once underway
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.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.
✓Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
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]
Auction Details
- Year 1981
- Make Volkswagen
- Model Type 2
- Colour White
- Mileage 23,225 Miles
- Engine size 2000
- Seller Type Private
- Town Charlton
- County London
- Country United Kingdom
-
Auction ends
19
bids
- sh•••• £8,000 01/07/24
- ty•••• £7,600 01/07/24
- sh•••• £7,500 01/07/24
- ty•••• £6,700 01/07/24
- sh•••• £6,500 01/07/24
- ty•••• £5,700 01/07/24
- sh•••• £5,500 01/07/24
- ty•••• £4,500 01/07/24
- bl•••• £4,300 01/07/24
- ty•••• £4,200 01/07/24
The Gallery
About Max Bids
The max bid process allows you to bid without any hassle.
Enter your maximum bid and we will then bid on your behalf to ensure you're the highest bidder - just enough to keep you in the lead and only up until your maximum.
Anti-sniping
Car & Classic prevent auction snipers from bidding in the last seconds to win an auction.
Auctions are extended by 3 minutes if anyone bids within the last 2 minutes to allow other bidders to react and counter-bid.
Auto-bidding increments
- If your maximum bid is equal to or below the reserve price, your maximum bid will be applied in full if you are the highest bidder.
- If you are the highest bidder and place a maximum bid above the reserve, we will automatically put in the reserve as your first bid.
-
- Once the reserve has been met, Car & Classic will make sure you are the highest bidder using only the bidding increments stated below.
- We will keep you in the lead up until your maximum bid OR the increment closest to your maximum bid, providing your maximum bid is enough to cover the increment value.
| Bid Amount | Increment |
|---|---|
| £0 to £9,999 | £100.00 |
| £10,000 to £49,999 | £250.00 |
| £50,000 to £99,999 | £500.00 |
| £100,000 + | £1,000.00 |
Automatically outbid immediately
When you place a max bid and are outbid immediately that means that another bidder has placed a max bid limit which is higher than yours.
You can bid again and we will use our automatic bid system to try and get you as the highest bidder.
Matching max bids
When there are two max bids of the same value, the one placed first remains the lead bidder.
Pre-authorisation
We may hold a pre-authorisation charge on your card until the end of the auction when the hold will be cancelled. If you win, we'll take a security deposit which counts towards the payment for the vehicle and isn't any extra cost to you.
What are pre-bids?
A pre-bid means you're able to place a bid before the official start of the auction.
You will be notified whether or not you are the highest bidder when the auction starts.
Problem with your bid
Bids are contractually binding. To help protect you, we have some rules in place if we think it's been mistyped. Please check and amend what you have entered.