Originally introduced in 1950 the Volkswagen Type 2, known as the Transport, Kombi, Microbus or informally as the Camper in the UK has served many purposes in its long production period, including being used as a Fire Tender, Ambulance, Pick-up and even as single vehicle transporter for Volkswagen dealerships. However in its guise as a Microbus or Camper and with the freedom offered by weekend escapes, California dreaming / surfing, the growth of the VW scene has progressively moved the Type 2, be it Split Screen (T1) , Early Bay (T2a) or Late Bay (T2b) to almost legendary status and as such, through continued development, changes to production location (Brazil), the Type 2 amazingly remained in production until 2013!
This gorgeous and utterly unique example, a genuine right-hand drive Volkswagen Camper, Early Bay, Devon was delivered to its first owner in April 1972. Since 2008 she has been with same owner and in this time the camper has been subject to a ground up, no expense spared, bare shell restoration, the likes of which we have never seen before. The fantastic history file, detailing ever last penny spent, fills an entire box file and from examination we have totalled in excess of £45,000 of invoices ..... that excluding the original purchase price of the vehicle, which at £5k, represented the price of a sound and useable example.
Walking around the Camper, she looks simply sensational! During the restoration the Camper was completely stripped to a bare shell, then acid dipped to reveal all weak areas and after detailed repairs, preparation and paint we can safely say the the Pastel White over Savannah Yellow paintwork has an amazing finish, panel gaps are superb and with some of our images showing parts of the Camper, others might shy from (check out those roof channels) we think you'll find it hard to not fall in love instantly! The Devon 'Pop-top' works exactly as it should and with the roof elevated its just fabulous to have the extra light coming in, the small additional skylight allowing a breeze of fresh air when the doors / windows are all shut. Finishing off the Camper we've gone the extra mile too, sourcing a period luggage rack and with this fully refurbished to match the Pastel White paint work, you're just a couple of travel bags or a picnic hamper away from your first adventure.
Complementing the fantastic bodywork the interior of the Camper has undergone a complete make-over too, with seats front and rear, note the full width Rock n Roll bed, being retrimmed to match the exterior paint. There's a new roof lining, flooring throughout, seat belts front (2) / rear (3), period looking DAB radio, bespoke cabinets by 'The Camper Shak', full kitchen set-up with sink, gas hob, electric fridge, 3 pin power sockets / USBs, LED lights, the list is endless. This work alone cost £1000's and can be used with either just the Leisure Battery connected or via Mains Hook-up which has also been installed along with the appropriate consumer unit / isolator switches.....she's had the works!
Mechanically the Camper is spot on too. A glance to the underside, confirms that not only has she been painted under there too, but more importantly there's a raft of new parts.....in fact it's nearly all new. The front and rear suspension has been completely rebuilt / replaced. The front end now rides on a 'Red 9 Design' twin-wishbone and adjustable coilover front beam with rack and pinion steering and disc brake conversion, with the rear featuring 'Creative Engineering' adjustable spring plates with Spax adjustable shock absorbers and rebuilt drum brakes. Complimenting the 'lowered' look the Camper now rides on a set of Empi design 15" white / diamond-cut alloys and opening the engine compartment the new owners will find a new highly detailed VW Heritage 1641cc engine, with Empi dual down-draught carbs, alternator upgrade and electronic ignition conversion kit.
Better than when new, but still very much a classic this '72 Camper represents a unique opportunity to own a bespoke built classic for the fraction of the restoration cost and with all the 'mod-cons', she's just a set of curtains away (a personal touch) from being ready for your first festival, classic car show or staycation.
