1966 Volkswagen Type 2 T1

Up for sale is my German made Walk-Through 1966 VW Splitscreen camper van.

I've owned this van for the past 8 years and it's been my pride and joy. Originally a micro bus imported from the USA, I'm the first registered UK owner.

My van is very solid being a California import with a desert climate and it's been stored in my garage at all times.
There are signs of surface patina from the USA which I personally don't mind but there is no corrosion or rot anywhere. Literally none. Underneath is in great shape and rock solid!

This van originally had a two-tone paint scheme from factory with a white upper and a 'sea blue' lower. At some point in it's life in the United States, someone has painted over this with an off-white colour. You will notice in the photo's two shades of off-white paint. This is because I used a VW Pastel White paint I had from a previous VW project to touch up any areas that needed a small amount of body work.

My intention one day was to fully respray the van when I have the time and make it a real minter. After doing all of the mechanical work to the van over several years, I made the decision not to worry too much about the paint being one colour just yet as I needed to enjoy it and have some holidays in it.

For someone who is looking to make this special van their own and get it painted in their colour of choice, this van is perfect as all of the mechanical work has been done to a high standard. Or just use it as is like I have.

The van was a rolling shell when it first arrived and my main focus was to repair any metal work which was minor, rebuild the suspension, brakes, engine etc. So gradually over time, It's now a fully usable turn-key van that's Tax and MOT exempt.

Front suspension has seen new shock absorber's, king and link pins, bushings, seals, track rods, ball joints etc.

Original brake drums have been professionally machined/ skimmed to improve braking performance and re-assembled with new shoes, cylinders, adjusters, backing plates, brake lines throughout, unions, brake flexi pipes, brake and clutch cables etc.
In addition, many other upgrades including a dual master cylinder and a 'Butty Bits accelerator pedal kit'.

1600 single port engine completely rebuilt from crank up. Case professionally cleaned, Crank shaft has been balanced, polished, new end shells, con rod bearings, Engle 100 High lift cam, piston rings, cylinders honed, re seated valves and new valve guides, case halves sealed with Elring Curil sealant as per factory spec, End float set, new exhaust system, refurbished original heat exchanges, all new gaskets, new fly wheel oil seal, strainer, dizzy oil seal, rebuilt original vac advance Bosch dizzy, rocker gaskets, spark plugs, HT leads, Fuel lines, New Brosol carburetor, Fuel pump, Timed and maintained with regular oil changes, the works!

The Engine starts first time and runs sweet as a nut. No smoke or anything like that. Just a nice, strong single port motor that pulls well on the motorway and up hills.

Since getting the van road worthy, I've done some really long journeys to stretch its legs and test it's reliability.
This included an 800 mile round trip holiday to Sennen Cove in Cornwall and a slightly shorter 600 mile round trip to Devon.
Photos and videos to prove. Economy is great for an older vehicle and drove lovely at 55-60mph fully loaded with an awning and camping gear.

The van is currently running it's original transmission (slightly noisy in 4th gear if i’m being picky) and reduction boxes which work absolutely fine however I have been gradually collecting the parts needed to carry out an IRS conversion using a 1600 GT Beetle gear box with the taller 4th gear.
So far I have the AT code gearbox (super rare), Axles, CV joints, boots, swing plates, trailing arms from Creative Engineering, backing plates and 69 brake drums which need refurbishing. Pretty much a complete kit ready to install.

Full new wiring harness, UK spec Hella headlights and tail lights, Wiper motor, all working correctly.

Inside the van is Birch ply lined and clear coated with Osmo clear oil, a custom westfalia style side wardrobe and R&R bed made from birch ply trimmed with original spec trim from NLA VW.

Full Mad Matz natural sisal mats through out inc rear shelf, cargo floor, walk through, wheel arches and front cab.
Front cab also includes custom cab floor liner.

Van has been completely soundproofed with DODO sound deadening mats and Thermo liner on top. Literally every inch has been covered. I have a brand new TMI headliner from the USA ready to fit.

Side windows are factory pop-out and have new seals all round, Hinges refurbished. Westfalia awning rail. Inside of doors have been wax oiled. Photo's to prove all work carried out. Brand new premium van rated tyres fitted all round with as new tread.
15'' Early split style wheels powdered coated and balanced including a spare wheel. This van is a ready to go, reliable turn-key van which can be enjoyed as it is or carry out the finishing touches to make it your own. Price wise, It's one of the most complete, rust free vans out there in this price range. As a California import, the metalwork is completely solid and is an honest van. There is no under-seal what so ever so you can see everything on inspection and appreciate just how solid the chassis is.