Description
1979 Volkswagen Palomino conversion, 2. 0ltr 4 berth.
115000 miles (may change as in current use) Original UK RHD.
This ultra rare Palomino conversion by Bariban. Was a top spec luxury conversion made for just one year and thought to be only around 70 produced and only a handful of survivors remain.
Most have been painted in other classic VW colours and interiors painted over to modernise.
This version is one of the original Pastellweiss L90D (white) versions produced and has been lovingly restored, at great expense with bills in excess of £45k!
It has been subtly updated right down to the reproduced original factory option “go faster” 70’s side stripe vinyl decal! (Can be easily removed if required).
A little history… The first Palominos were built by Bariban Motorhomes of Newton Abbot in Devon in 1979-80. They also built the Mercedes Autobahn and the VW Autostrada. The Palomino was a real eye-catcher when it was launched, as no other VW bay at that time had such a grand high-top, or luxurious interior.
The first of the original Bariban Palominos, based on the 2-litre Type 2’s, was produced in 1979. They were designed by Tony Dilnott.
The Palomino name came from the MD who had an interest in all things equine. Bariban only converted new bodies, produced in RHD and a few LHD. The only colour Bariban produced was white.
The fibreglass roof was made to match that colour. The originals had ‘stylish’ stick-on decal strips (go-faster stripes), classic 70’s guady style, with very few survivors today.
The production run was very short because VW stopped producing Type 2s in 1979. However, the design was then adapted for the new VW T25.
The current owners acquired this Palomino “JFK” in 2012 and began on the classic never ending and deep pockets 10 year journey of restoration to bring it up to the standard it is today.
The bills far outweigh the asking price! It is now a super fun, usable classic camper that we have thoroughly enjoyed owning and using over the years.
It’s a rock solid and extremely versatile 4 berth wagon that has been a super reliable, easy-to-live-with camper.
Over the years it has had extensive panel replacement, engine out service work (twice) and a huge list of new parts, panels, welding and professionally painted and finished to a high standard.
The upgraded retro luxury velour interior re trim gives a modern twist to the inside and is a happy place to be.
Rock solid chassis and all lower sections have been professionally welded and replaced with new metal as required.
A snapshot of the restoration and new parts;
New wheel arches tubs and steps.
Front panel.
Windscreen frame.
Underside floor section.
All rain gutters both sides and rear corners.
Inner and outer sills.
Engine lid.
Full rear quarters complete pair.
Rear valance.
Bumpers and rubber trims sliding door inner and outer repair panels. Sliding door window trim fabrication.
Battery trays door check straps sliding door track cover sets.
All door, window, light seals and rubbers all round extensively professionally wax oiled in all cavities.
Full engine out strip down.
All posh rod tubes, fuel pump and gaskets, reset valve clearances, oil filter.
Plugs, fan belt.
Clutch.
Starter motor.
Fuel pump.
Inlet manifold and gaskets and elbows.
Heater control pods, riser elbows and heater tubes heater cables replaced repaired and painted tin wear.
Alternator and regulator.
Blower motor and heater hoses.
Heat exchangers and exhaust.
Engine mounts.
Boge shocks carb rebuild kits rolling road engine tune and carb set up full brake service including, new brake pipes, wheel cylinders, back plates
Brake reservoir.
Anti roll bar bushes.
Gear shift selector and bushes.
Battery and leisure battery/ split charger 240V hook up connector in engine bay.
Rear light lenses and seals.
Vinyl “go faster” retro stripe as per factory original style.
Windscreen washer jets.
4 new tyres.
Scissor jack and handle and wheel brace.
Period correct number plates white cork flooring.
Glove box lid.
Wing mirrors.
All new curtains.
Blaupunkt radio (not working).
Heater lever set 2 rear lap belts gas safety check.
Gas fitments original 2 burner gas hob, with grill is in excellent order and works a treat. It has been professionally tested and checked although that was a few years ago.
Brand new (August 2022) Isotherm compressor fridge
New loom
Front spot lights freshly painted colour coded metallic brown wheels, to match the stripe as it was from the factory.
Front kick panel.
Petrol locking cap new badges.
Rubber floor mats.
New seat and rear seat foams and all cushions made new as per original style in orange velour all new carpet in brown as close to original spec.
Wiring/ electrics inc mains sockets and lighting split charge relay new sink, tap and electric water pump.
Bespoke sink cabinet original fitment roof fan checked and working restored interior including all woodwork veneers and cabinet repairs where necessary and refreshed varnish all with plenty of storage.
Roof windows and seals refurbished original rock and roll double bed with additional foam toppers black out heat reflective window blinds and retro drive away awning included Retro drive away awning included. Its a little tatty but works.
Notes…. Although this rare beast has been extensively restored, please remember it is still essentially a 45 year old VW and in current use. 2 pull out bunk beds (original canvas material is clean but shows some discolouration over the years)
Please note;
You may see areas in the photos that look like the paint has discoloured or rust.
This is wax oil in the key areas for long term protection. Classic formica cooking cover and swivel table do shows sings of wear and tear. Unfortunately it has a small parking scratch to rear wheel arch and coupe of very tiny micro blisters, although hardly visible. Rev counter not working Small rip in passenger seat . Large detailed history file full of all receipts for parts and work completed and some original Palomino sales brochures.
The van drives great and has the decent 2. 0ltr air cooled engine so ambles nicely along.
The gearbox is all good and a new clutch has been fitted.
Brakes all work as they should, steering is nimble, although you do have to hang on bit tighter in high winds but its an easy to drive bus, easy to park and navigate around the lanes of Cornwall.
It has been totally reliable and has not let us down!
There are a few little areas for improvement but overall its a get in and go camper van that's ready for adventures or equally would make a great quirky additional camper fleet hire van.
HPI Clear Although tax and MOT exempt it will come with a fresh MOT and oil service prior to delivery.
We're asking £24, 995 for this beauty.
We're based in North Devon.
Delivery can be arranged nationwide.
Full extensive photo file showing restoration work, old sales brochures and 200+ photos and walk around video available upon request- Thankyou for reading.
