1970 VW Early Bay Richard Holdsworth Camper Campervan - Concours winner

1970 VW Early Bay Richard Holdsworth Camper Campervan - Concours winner

For sales this very rare early bay VW camper. This is a very original Richard Holdsworth conversion and is on the front and featured in in this month's Volksworld Camper and Bus.

The Holdsworth conversion. gives you very flexible family camping accommodation. with a large double bed in the Weathershield pop top and a double bed in the van. it also has double burner and grill. cooker. sink and cooler. The table can comfortable seat 4 people.

This van has been described by David Eccles. (author of many VW camper books) as the most original Holdsworth camper he has ever seen and possible one of only a very small number still in existence. This van truly is very rare early bay.

The speedo is showing just over 50. 00 miles and is almost certainly correct. as the former owner recalls it having very low original miles on it when they bought it from its second owner in 1996. The mileage is going up slowly as we do us the van at weekends and take it to a few shows.

The van is UK registered new in early 1970

I acquired the van in Sept 2011 from its third owner. who in turn had had it from 1996. They had taken the van off the road some 9 years prior to my purchase.

The van. when found was in very original condition but did require full restoration. which included lower level metal work repair. This was professionally carried out by Jeff. at JC Welding services. I have all photo's that detail the work done. The van was then professionally repainted in its original Brilliant Blue. The metal and paint finish is first class. The underside is shinny black and the inner wheel arches are shinny blue. I have the invoice for this work (~£8k) I have plenty more invoices for the other parts purchased during the restoration. In total I invested about 450 hours work on the project.

All brakes where rebuilt using new parts. The engine was removed for the restoration and re-commissioned by Steve at Johnson Autoworks and then re-installed. The van now drives. stops and turns as it should and is totally stock.

The interior is almost total original. The only element that needed to be changed was the seat covers in the back. and the fitting of a small 12v DC cooler fridge. in the space that had housed a cooler box. The rest is totally original. I have added a 12v DC leisure battery and split charger. plus a 12v DC socket output in the back and one in the front. for your tomtom. Both are concealed so you can't see them. There is also an Automatic Fire extinguisher in the engine bay.

The van. on its first outing won best in class concours at Stanford Hall. gaining a score of 132 / 140. At the show. David Eccles asked if he could feature the van in his magazine “Camper and Commercial”. this was in print in March publication. Also it is in this month VolksWorld Camper and Bus. With the story I captured during the project.

By invitation. the van was on display at Sandow on the 23/24th March. The van has won two other trophies. the last been best bay camper at bus stopover.

So in summary. I'm looking to find the next custodian of a very special historical VW Richard Holdsworth camper. I would want the van to be passed to someone who will enjoy the vehicle but also treat it with respect. These early bays are now becoming very collectable and values are increasing. I'm sure you can appreciate. this will not be cheap camper bargain. Please genuine enquires only and offers in excess of £25. 00. I would also consider the option of a PX for something of interest. either project and collectable. I have been asked why I'm selling the van and its simple that we already have another VW and owning and running two. seems silly and I have the bug to do another project. Please call to discuss on 07764 815207 and please if you make me an offer the come and see and drive the van. you will only then appreciate how good it is.

I have a full set of restoration photo's and receipts for parts purchased during restoration. I also documented a short story of the restoration period to be passed on as part of the van ongoing history.  I have invested around £14. 00 in the restoration and have many many receipts to show this. plus around 450 hours work.  I have also added a few more photos' to a photo bucket page http://s1295. photobucket. com/user/crosbyhorn/slideshow/

I have also arranged with a local VW specialist. VW Absolute. who now work with JC Welding for the use of their lift. should you wish to inspect the van from the underside. The van will come with a fresh service. inspection and MOT and 12 months tax. (which is free) Please feel free to come and view the van and we can take it for a drive.

If you have a classic or something of interest. then I may be willing to take in a part exchange.

Thank you for reading through the advert

If you have any questions please call me on 07764 815207

Thank you Ian

Want to buy this car?