VW BUS/ CAMPER T2 - CALIFORNIAN IMPORT. STUNNING, RUST-FREE, ABSOLUTE BARGAIN

You are bidding on. without exception. one of the finest examples of the legendary. sought-after and highly investable 7-seater Type II VW Microbus. I am yet to see a better one of this year (1978) in this price range and I can categorically guarantee you will not find a better one for less. This will not be around for long so act now to avoid disappointment. This is a rare find.

This late (manufacturing of the T2 halted in Germany in 1979) and highly desirable (the best engine and paint combination) time-warp Californian import is a beauty to behold. Recently subject of an extensive and top-quality restoration and finished in what I consider to be one of the finest colour-combinations going (the timeless brilliant orange over pastel white) and re-upholstered in a period. matching brown vinyl upholstery. I am told on good authority that this was a special order model so no doubt the next owner will enjoy making these enquiries and researching their purchase.

This classic wonderful specimen now wants for nothing and is a true investment.

Background & Technical Information

The T2. introduced in 1968. made an immediate and highly-visible break with Microbus tradition by doing away with the split windscreen that was such a trademark feature of its predecessor. This model is affectionately known among enthusiasts as the “bay window” or the “breadloaf” – thanks to its larger size. heavier build and generally blockier shape. The new curved windscreen did actually have considerable benefits for drivers in terms of visibility. Improvements to the bus's cargo capacity and load-carrying ability also made the latest model a far more attractive proposition over the wonderful yet woefully impractical original bus.

The first T2s went into production in Volkswagen's Hanover factory in Germany. Major changes were made to the engine and transmission. A new half-shaft axle system was introduced to overcome the handling problems suffered by the earlier model's suspension layout design. In the following years there came a stream of improvements introduced in Volkswagen's trademark evolutionary style.

This particular specimen benefits from the excellent and most desirable engine of the lot – the Type 4 1970cc 70PS (fuel injected with hydraulic lifters) engine borrowed from the mid-engined Porsche 914 – which was introduced to the 1976 model. With a focus on power and reliability (she is surprisingly nimble and sits at 70 without issue). the inclusion of the Type 4 engine was a big improvement for the Microbus. It is certainly far superior to the excellent 1800cc engine fitted to a 1975 Westfalia I recently owned.

The later T2 models also featured better brakes and wheels plus a bigger engine compartment and improved air intake vents that were essential to provide the substantial increase in cooling capacity needed by the vehicle when the new engines were on board. Better crash protection and lighting was also introduced.

Those enthusiasts out there will know that VW continued to improve the bus throughout the 1970s. Given this. the later ones tend to be the best prospect for those in the market for a practical. reliable and classic piece of motoring history that drives as good as it looks. The endless stream of revisions brought about considerable gains in safety. performance and reliability. The interior became more spacious and comfortable and the van easier to handle and drive with far more engine power available.

All in all. the T2 represents a good compromise these days for a prospective buyer looking for an authentic slab of Microbus history and a reasonable degree of comfort and safety. What a great vehicle for those with a large family. a desire to travel. the owner of a wedding car business or car hire business. Why not earn back your initial outlay?!

Questions are actively encouraged. I would ask prospective buyers to refrain from making silly offers to end the auction early please. Although I require a sale. this will not be given away. Those who know their VWs will bid accordingly. I urge you to browse through the classifieds. websites and VW magazines. TII Microbuses in this condition are few and far between. As it is. any buyer is making an immediate investment and profit! Don't sink money into cheap examples likely to require great expenditure in the first months of ownership. It is a false economy. Trust me. I've been there! Buy a sorted US import from a dry state such as this.

Condition & History

This Bus is now 35 years of age. I really have to remind myself of this as the condition has to be seen to be believed. The bodywork is in superb condition and it  has just been subject to top-bottom restoration during which time every panel was re-sprayed and rust-proofed and every rubber and seal replaced. All chrome-work was either rejuvenated or replaced and even the windscreen professionally changed for an expensive laminated and tinted replacement. As below. within the last 500 miles/ six months the engine was completely overhauled (new heads. pistons and gaskets). the brakes renewed. the gearbox serviced and the clutch replaced and all belts. filters. oils. points and plugs changed! Just take a look at the photographs and compare what you see to inferior examples up for sale elsewhere and commanding a similar price.

The bodywork is completely free of notable dents. scratches and corrosion (thanks to the dry Californian climate) and is likely to stay that way (with regular cleaning and wax-oiling) thanks to a rust-proofing treatment post-application of paint.  The paint has a deep sheen and really does gleam. Continued cleaning will only improve its lustre.  Its paint-scheme suits the contours and character of the bus perfectly and I can't think of a better colour combination for this year and model type. It is guaranteed to bring an immediate smile to your face.

The door-shuts. lower valances and sills are in superb order as are the desirable chrome hubcaps fitted (to steel wheels with three nearly new tyres and one brand new tyre). You really must come and see it. The photographs do not do this old girl justice. It really is an unmolested. beautiful specimen that has been subject to a respectful restoration with originality in mind. Prepare yourself to be seriously impressed. It was love at first sight when I picked her up from the importers last month!

The interior is utterly superb. With the exception of the original dashboard and headlining (both of which are in amazing condition for the year). it has been completely overhauled. This extends to the seats. flooring. door cards. cargo area and front footwells. The dashboard is completely devoid of sun damage or discolouration and every single dial and gauge works as it should. Examine the photographs carefully or view it before placing a bid. There are of course a few tiny dents and minor imperfections but nothing that stands out or is worthy of mention.

Regular cleaning will only add to the car's superb finish both inside and out. Minimal effort and expense could bring this up to concourse level. It is certainly a contender at show level as is!

As above. the excellent 2. 0L power-plant has been completely overhauled. It always starts up without fail; with absolutely no hesitation whatsoever. I will let the photograph of the engine compartment do the talking. I have driven a great number of Campers and Beetles and this is by far and away the best engine I have come across.

She uses minimal oil and water and holds fantastic oil pressure. There are no leaks and all electrical/mechanical items work as they should. Every gauge is at the correct level and no warning-lamps illuminate after start-up. The list of replacement componentry is endless. This Bus benefits from a nearly new exhaust system (this bus went through the rigorous California ‘Smog Check' earlier this year and passed with flying colours). new brakes and brake callipers. numerous new suspension and steering parts/bushes. new fuel lines. a reconditioned transmission and clutch. new headlamps and bowls. battery. wiper motor. and so the very long list continues.

Even the ventilation and heating system operates as it should which is a rarity on these old girls!  

You will struggle to find any fault worthy of note. Minimal work (limited to a fault with the windscreen wiper motor and a worn steering parts and bushes) was required to get her through the MOT. She now carries a ticket until July 10th without a single advisory on it! Not bad for a 35 year-old bus! Unusually. it appears to have had little welding done during its life and the tester (who has examined no end of such buses and campers over the years) said it ranks amongst the best he has ever seen! She is simply fantastic and you will not be disappointed. The underside is a pleasure to behold. The pictures give you a good idea but don't do it justice.

Prior to my importing it to the UK. it was subject to an independent inspection. The only faults identified were: -

I am aware of no other faults. This is quite remarkable for a vehicle of this year. The vast majority out there are without comparison to this example. Please see a few before coming to see mine. The condition and recent expense bestowed upon this wonderful specimen should provide peace of mind to the next owner. No expense was spared in the importation and homologation process and I can now say with certainty that everything is as it should be. Hopefully the £4417. 97 invoice for the services of the shipping and importation company should attest to this fact!

Summary

Please do not miss this opportunity to acquire this beautiful Microbus. It represents superb value for money and I am convinced you will not find one anywhere near as good for less. I would be happy to drive her anywhere. Collect and drive through Europe! Indeed I drove it to work (60 mile return trip) for a week in August and she never missed a beat. I was pleasantly surprised by the fuel economy too!

It has over 10 months MOT left to run and 5 months tax and was recently serviced. It has been fully valeted and all levels checked. All import taxes and registration fees have been paid and this Bus will come with the following documention: -

All she needs is a loving home in which she is enjoyed and cared for many years to come. As previously stated. I anticipate a very quick sale as I am sure you will agree.

Please contact me via email (ben. wright176@yahoo. co. uk) or ring me on 07886203047 or 01767 262505 with any questions/queries you may have. She is stored at my parent's house in South Cambridgeshire (SG7). I will deliver for the cost of petrol. a return train fare and a small fee to cover other expenses dependent on how far I am to come.  

Copy and paste the attached link: http://s1358. photobucket. com/user/BEARLET/library/

It will guide you to numerous additional photographs but I am happy to provide close-up pics of other areas should you so wish. Just name what you want. Viewings are actively encouraged and I know she will stand-up to any professional inspection should you so desire. Test drives are permitted but I would expect to see proof of insurance beforehand. Failing that. I am more than happy to accommodate a decent run on a variety of roads.

 Please only bid to buy. Non-paying bidders will be reported accordingly and legal action ensued. It is impossible to cover every aspect of the vehicle but I have tried to give as detailed and full a description as possible. It is thirty-five years of age and I cannot account for every tiny imperfection it may have. She is not concourse but a fully restored Type II Bus in superb order that is worth every pound of the reduced £13750 price tag. I was hoping to get nearer to £15k but need to make way for the next purchase.  I am very critical and discerning but realistic too. Having scoured eBay. the classifieds and various VW publications. it would appear that this is very sensibly priced. I could have advertised it for £16K but I'm not into haggling and welcome a quick and hassle-free sale.

The decision to terminate production of this beloved VW in Brazil come the end of this year will undoubtedly push the values of these classics up further still. It is therefore a very good time to buy.

I have been as honest and as thorough as possible and my feedback should be testament to this. I have never been one for wasting peoples' time and would ask for the same courtesy to be extended in return. The vehicle must be collected and paid for within 7 days of the auction's end. Payment via banker's draft (must clear before release of vehicle); electronic transfer or cash on collection are all acceptable. Contact MUST be made within 24 hours of the winning bid. I reserve the right to end the auction early.

Although offers are invited. I know what this Bus is worth and have priced it very competitively. Please don't insult me! J

Be assured that I am not a trader but a raving-mad enthusiast who enjoys occasionally buying and selling interesting vehicles as an aside to my demanding and very different day job.

Good luck & happy bidding – don't miss out!

Ben Wright

Also published at eBay.co.uk

Want to buy this car?