VW/Porsche camper 1972 Bay Window - tax exempt, full custom restoration.

OK. where to start.   This late 1972 built tax exempt Bay window Devon Conversion Campervan has recently undergone a full restoration and custom build refurbishment covering 5 ½ years of painstaking devotion.   This is her second summer on the roads and has only covered a minimal mileage since. being used solely for camping weekends away and the odd show – she won best in class on her very first show entered last yearJ.   An absolute fortune spent on her during this build; the custom orange flip metal candy paint job alone cost £6000!  De-seamed bodywork just prior to the paint. all those long perfectly flat panel lines now really set her off well.   I built this bus as a custom exercise project but need to move on to another project for next winter. hence reason for sale [cash and garage space limited unfortunatelyL].   I could write a book about how great Mubbsi is but thought it easier to simply list some of the work done during her ‘journey'.   Please view below data and if you have any questions about anything at all simply get in touch.   Would strongly recommend viewing before bidding as you need to see her in the flesh to fully appreciate.   The engine is as sweet as a nut and pulls from tick-over. though there is a small oil leak coming from somewhere around the oil tubes.   A 911 mechanic friend informs me this is pretty usual for these motors and nothing to get unduly worried about provided the motor makes a decent oil pressure – which this bus does! Gearbox is a matched 915 Porsche 5 speed unit. linkage mod's to route through the length of the bus means selection can be a ‘challenge' sometimes. and with hindsight would probably have been a better bet going the twin cable selector route?  These are the only niggles she has but thought it only fair to mention.

Mubbsi is what she is. something very different amongst a world of ‘same as' motors. she hasn't ever broken down since putting her back on the road last summer and returns 30mpg on unleaded fuel and goes over any hill and dale effortlessly. cruising  motorways at a sedate 2500rpm in 5th.   She does have her quirks and lots of things that drive my missus up the wall but I love her and wouldn't change her character in any way. I've kept with the air cooled theme intentionally and did introduce a bank of forced air cooling fans but have found she runs so cool I haven't ever needed to deploy them; this bus could literally go anywhere and not overheat!  Mubbsi is sold with her registration. a full 12 months MOT will be guaranteed with purchase. presently expires end of July. and a fully documented build history with volumes of receipts and information including engineer's inspection report following this build.

I have got bored over the last winter having no proper project to progress so have decided to move on and look for a very early barn door to restore. that is of course if I can find one? I was going to wait until the autumn to sell but a neck/shoulder injury has worsened such that I am not realistically going to be able to get out much this summer owing to a likely shoulder operation.

Please view below and good luck with the auction.

One-off fabrication parts:-

Front sculptured 4”stainless steel bumper.

Full width low mounted Stainless air splitter.

Maltese cross mirrors all round.

Stainless steel customised swage line throughout.

Dash board insert with all Porsche 911SC clocks and gauges as well as retaining the original VW items.

Stainless steel/Leather steering wheel.

Strengthened rear chassis sections to accommodate larger/heavier engine.

Two separate 2” performance side exit exhaust systems. one per bank.

Rear light cluster fabricated in stainless.

Rear 4” dia stainless steel bumper.

Rear number plate high level light clusters.

Full length sculptured Stainless steel / seasoned wood baton roof rack.

Forced air induction stainless steel rear air ducts for extra engine cooling.

In addition to the above. loads of intricate hand crafted pieces throughout the bus. but limited space here to list!

Performance upgrades:-

Rossini competition disc brakes and power assisted servo fit. Stainless Goodridge brake hoses and DOT 4 fluid.

Porsche 911SC 3. 0 litre flat 6 air cooled engine. 915 5 speed manual gearbox and full transmission.   1981 donor vehicle – one of the last very sought after air cooled boxer engines!

911SC gear change assembly.

Heavy duty front anti-roll bar.

Lowered suspension all round on performance GAZ-ADJUST variable damping shocks front / KYB rears.

Modified Californian import front beam. perfect condition.    Fox'y adjusters fitted and ride height easily altered if you find it to be too low!

SSI stainless exhaust heat exchangers.

Additional external Porsche oil cooler and large bore braided stainless steel oil lines.

Petrol tank modified for feed + return fuel injection lines.

Rebuild new parts list:-

Both front cab doors and handles.

Steering damper.

New leather upholstery on both front cab Porsche 911 slim-fit seats; these are the scarce early series versions that are difficult to get hold of these days.

 6-point FIA full rally harnesses at the front with 4 x lap belts fitted in the rear.

Complete fuel injection distributor fully overhauled by a specialist.

Empi 5 spoke 15” alloy wheels with H rated tyres.

All lower section A. B. C+D posts and outriggers replaced or strengthened throughout using heavy gauge zinc plated sheet and plate wherever possible.

High output Porsche alternator with full specialist overhaul.

New clutch and Omega spring fitted. the spring alone costs £90!!

New fuel pump with new filters. before and after.

There is a reserve based on what this build stands me at financially from a basic build perspective. I haven't included any labour costs as I have always considered it a labour of love but I am realistically looking at a figure approaching £30000.   I will let the auction run its course unless someone offers above my realistic expectations. I'm not in any hurry to sell and Mubbsi isn't being given away so if I still have her in late summer I intend to do Busfest at Malvern 3 counties showground in September so can be seen [and heard J] there.

If you wish to view the video of her first trip out after the build please go to the following YouTube link.

http://youtu. be/1cAJwYxubhU

 For any further details or photo's please get in touch by either email. alternatively bell me on 07922 139647 Jim.

Normal auction rules apply. with a holding deposit of £1000 payable within 48hrs of end of auction closure.  For full payment will accept bank wire transfer or cheque.

Thanks for looking and good luck if you decide to bid.  

Also published at eBay.co.uk

Want to buy this car?