• A UK market right-hand-drive example
• ‘Early bay’ VW Bus ‘blank canvas’, ready for your plans
• Was driven 25 miles to the auction venue

First registered in the UK and in right-hand-drive on 1st January 1970, this ‘early bay (window)’ Type 2 (T2) is a stalled project due to loss of storage. Appearing to be solid and straight with good shut lines, it could be a perfect opportunity to put one’s own signature on one of these pretty and very much-loved early VW buses. This example has the 1600cc (1584cc) air-cooled VW engine. With a strong following and vibrant club scene, good examples command very strong prices. Economical and simple to maintain, parts are plentiful and relatively inexpensive.

Reportedly ‘mechanically good’, it ran well at the time of consignment and drove the 25 miles to our premises without fault. Being an ‘early bay’ machine, it is one of the more desirable ‘bay window’ VW buses, they still look classic but had begun to be modernised by VW in terms of ride quality and use of internal space. The body looks surprisingly straight, all windows are in good order, doors open easily and the roof is uncut – a rare thing these days, as many were cut for pop-top roofs. It could remain uncut or is ready for your own conversion plans.

The small rear lights, wrap around rear bumper and low front indicator lights are popular with those wishing to ‘slam’ customise (lower ride height). The paintwork is poor and, as always, we would recommend viewing the vehicle to assess how it might work with potential plans. Although previously White over Red, the previous colour appears to have been White over L63H Sage Green.

The interior has been completely stripped, with the headlining somewhat serviceable, both front seats have worn and split covers and there is a recent folding CE Approved rear seat/bed frame with seat belts, cut plywood base and back, just ready for upholstering. There is no lining to the door panels or rear panels, but these are readily available from a plethora of vendors throughout the country.

Recorded as a ‘Motor Caravan’ with the DVLA, we understand it is rated to carry up to 6 passengers, and enjoys the 70mph limit on dual carriageways (useful when travelling in Europe), as opposed to a ‘commercial’ rated 10mph less. With specialist car insurance and being road-tax free and ULEZ charge exempt, economically, at the very least, its hardly surprising they are still so popular as a leisure vehicle for attending events or camping.

The VW factory chassis plate, normally fitted behind the battery, has been removed but is included in the pack with a few receipts and a number of old tax-discs dating back to 1999. Kept in dry storage for many years, the last MOT expired on 21st May 2019 at the odometer reading of 89,540 miles, at which point there was a brake overhaul and the wheel bearings replaced. There were also some minor advisories noted. The mileage today is displaying just 90,640 miles.