1972 Volkswagen Type 2 T2

This is a 1972 Volkswagen T2 Bay crossover (right-hand drive), built on 29th November 1972 and first registered on 30th March 1973. I hold the V5 in my name, the original VW Birth Certificate, and an extensive file of paperwork, including a record of the 10 former keepers, MOT certificates (the current MOT is valid until June 2025), and receipts for various work—most notably a comprehensive respray in 2012. I originally purchased this camper from a private seller who hadn’t finished installing the engine or put it back on the road. From 2010 to 2012, I completed the engine installation, addressed various mechanical tasks, and got it fully roadworthy.

The van is powered by a 1600cc air-cooled engine fitted around 2010, with the odometer currently showing roughly 83, 673 miles. It starts reliably, and the four-speed manual gearbox engages gears as expected. The brakes pull up straight, and its last service was carried out in June 2024. All lights, horn, wipers, and indicators operate as they should. The current MOT has a few advisories: slight perishing on the front tyre, front shocks with light misting of oil, a minor oil leak, and some front panel corrosion.

Several upgrades and improvements have been added for better reliability, safety, and overall stance. A Butty’s Bits Accelerator Linkage Through Shaft Kit and Bearing Carrier (Right Hand) helps the accelerator pedal feel smoother. Dropped front spindles and a rear suspension adjustment lower the ride height by about 1. 5 to 2 inches from standard, giving the van a subtle, more purposeful look without compromising driveability. There’s also a Fire Fighter VW T2 Bay Engine Fire Suppression System designed to activate automatically if a fire ever breaks out in the engine bay—an essential peace-of-mind feature for classic camper ownership.

As mentioned, it was resprayed in 2012, and all exterior door/ window seals were replaced with genuine VW rubbers at the same time. The front panel and lower sliding door have some rust that needs attention, and there are a few minor rust bubbles elsewhere (commensurate with age, see photos). All the external locks work on a single key (separate ignition key) and I have two sets of keys.

Inside, it features a front-hinged Westfalia-style pop-top with a replacement canvas, plus upgraded Porsche 944 front seats for extra comfort. I installed JK interior panels covered in red cloth and carried out extensive soundproofing and insulation in 2017/ 18 using non-adhesive sound barrier foam, foil-faced polymer mats, and bubble-foil insulation behind the panels to reduce noise and improve warmth. The full-width rock-and-roll bed needs a permanent cover, and the rear seat belts were fitted with aftermarket extending brackets. Curtains made from recycled jeans and cloth give a unique, eco-friendly vibe. A Kenwood head unit is also fitted (though no speakers are currently connected), leaving you free to choose your preferred audio setup. The rear section of the headliner still needs replacing, and the floor is awaiting your finishing touches or cabinetry—making it a blank canvas to customize as you wish.

I’m asking £9, 000 (open to sensible offers) for this Bay, located in Brighton (BN1). Viewings are welcome—weekends preferred, though some weekdays can be arranged with notice. Test drives are fine with proof of insurance. I’m selling because I no longer have the time or resources to complete the remaining projects this classic deserves. I originally bought this VW camper as a project with my mother and father, which meant countless hours spent together hunting down rare parts, chatting with fellow enthusiasts in online forums, and tinkering away on long summer evenings. It was all worth it when we finally got it on the road and started creating family memories, taking my children camping regularly—watching them grow from excited little passengers to young adults getting ready to leave school. One of my favorite adventures was the long haul to Busfest in the Malverns back in 2014. We drove at a relaxed pace, appreciated every wave from fellow VW fans, and loved how the journey itself became part of the holiday. Now that my kids have grown up, I’ve decided it’s time for this van to bring the same sense of joy and discovery to someone else. If you like the idea of being part of the VW community—scouring meets for that elusive part, sharing tips on forums, or just enjoying the slow, simple pleasure of classic road trips—this Early Bay could become an unforgettable part of your own story, just as it has been for mine.