1950 saw the arrival of what the Americans were to call the ‘Microbus’ or more regularly by us Brits the ‘Splittie’. Recognisable the world over the Type 2 VW Camper, Kombi, Bus and Transporter became a workhorse for all walks of life and business.

Made in Wolfsburg from 1950 to 56 then from 1956 to 1967 in an all-new factory in Hanover, the Type 2 followed the technology of the Beetle by utilising the same flat-four air-cooled layout and suspension set up.

Becoming available in so many various body styles for different purposes along with ever-increasing engine capacities, the Type 2 (T1) attracted the attention of the opposition with many manufacturers following suit and providing their own multi-purpose vehicle to compete.

The popularity of the Type 2 (T1) continued way beyond the point general production ceased in Germany but continued in Brazil until 1975.

The vehicles were not identical to the original German design as the Brazilian versions utilised a variety of components from across the eras and models and were often nicknamed Type 2 (T1.5). It is common, particularly among American enthusiasts, to identify each model by the number of windows.

The basic Kombi or Bus is the 11 window, 2 windscreen windows, 2 front door windows, 6 side windows and a final rear window making 11. The Deluxe model had 8 side windows, 2 curved rear corner windows making it the 15 window.

The owner purchased this 15 Window Deluxe from Kleft en Klok of the Netherlands back in 2009 as a genuine Hanover built vehicle. The VW immediately underwent some significant welding work including new Cargo and cab floors, door bottoms by Kleft before being shipped to the UK.

Once here and stripped down the shell was delivered to DC Customs of Dudley where it was acid dipped before having the roof, front panels, battery cover and fuel tank either repaired or replaced.

Time and effort has also been spent on the oily bits too with a stroked and fully modified 2110 cc engine. This engine boasts upgrades such as an Auto Linea case and heads, Scat I beam rods, Mahle Pistons and a full-flow oil kit.

There’s a pair of Dual Kadron Solex Carbs. This vehicle certainly packs more punch than standard. The owner has continued his efforts to improve the bus above and beyond the factory design with gearbox and suspension modifications creating a truly remarkable vehicle.

After years of continued upgrading and modifying it is now time to move on to other projects enabling the next owner to benefit from the extensive work carried out.

There is a veritable mountain of receipts, invoices and photographic evidence supporting the sheer volume of work that has taken place over the years since its purchase in 2009. There is a V5 as well as a very useful original VW Workshop Manual.

Painted by DC Customs 11 years ago, the overall quality of the paint remains quite good.

There are some imperfections and damaged areas that have occurred over the years that if dealt with would certainly improve the overall finish.

The worst area of paint damage is on a bottom panel adjacent to the exhaust which has suffered heat damage.

The interior is as original and as intact as could be made possible. The steering wheel has been replaced as the original had corroded within and had split. A genuine Bendix Sapphire radio is fitted which has been upgraded with modern internals and auxiliary input but has not been wired in.

The seats are recovered in period materials and a spare un-restored folding seat comes with the vehicle. All the original ‘Jail Bars’ are still in situ and all interior lighting functions normally.

All the mechanicals have been modified, upgraded or replaced without sparing expense.

These include; a 2110cc engine with Auto Linea case and heads, Scat rods, 82mm crank, Mahle pistons, full-flow oil kit, wide cooling fan, thermostatic vane system, lightened flywheel, Pertronix ignition, Dual Kadron Carbs, Carter fuel pump. All rotating engine parts were balanced by Gosnay.

The suspension has been upgraded to include an independent rear suspension set up, new shocks and steering damper and a dual circuit brake conversion. The ZF steering box has been overhauled and the often missing steering box pan is fitted.

I’m sure we all have that inner Hippy inside us as there can’t be many people that don’t appreciate a VW Bus. The split-screen version is one of the most sought after in almost any guise. 

This one, although needing a little bit of TLC in just a few areas, has had a large amount of work done with a so-far uncalculated cost attached. All the classic weaknesses of this kind of vehicle have been professionally addressed. 

Originality and modifications live side by side to provide the subsequent owner with a robust Type 2 to make their own. Sure, there are a few things to be done but any owner of a 60-year-old vehicle can expect a little fettling to be required, and that’s got to be half the fun.