Description
Volkswagen Type 2 Split-Screen Camper Van (T1) | 1966
Highlights:
– 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine, petrol, manual transmission
– Rare factory sliding side-door configuration, uncommon among Split-Screen campers
– Left-hand-drive, finished in an Ivory over Black two-tone livery
– Porsche-style wheels and an IRS (independent rear suspension) conversion
– Bespoke, fully rebuilt interior, with the same enthusiast owner for around 16 years
The seller offers for sale this 1966 Volkswagen Type 2 Split-Screen Camper Van, powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine, paired with a manual transmission. This left-hand-drive example is finished in an Ivory over Black two-tone livery and features the rare factory sliding side-door configuration, an unusual specification among Split-Screen campers, most of which were built with conventional hinged doors. It is further fitted with Porsche-style wheels and an IRS (independent rear suspension) conversion, and has a bespoke, fully rebuilt interior. The van has remained with the same enthusiast owner for around 16 years and is now offered for sale as part of a reduction of their collection.
There are some items for a new owner to address: the lower runner for the sliding door requires replacement, and the seller notes small areas in need of minor cosmetic and bodywork attention. A new battery and a battery isolator have recently been fitted. According to the seller, the engine and gearbox feel strong and the van drives well, though as with any classic vehicle of this age, routine inspection and servicing by the new owner is advisable. The van is supplied with its UK V5 registration document, together with supporting paperwork and historical documentation.
The seller reports that, over its time in the collection, the van has travelled extensively through the UK and continental Europe and has appeared in a number of film and television productions. It is offered as a vehicle with a long, well-documented ownership history rather than one that has recently changed hands.
Introduced in 1950 as a van and passenger derivative of the Beetle’s running gear, the Volkswagen Type 2 became one of the defining vehicles of post-war motoring, prized for its practicality, simple air-cooled mechanicals and, in camper form, its association with touring and outdoor life through the 1960s. The early, first-generation Type 2 is universally known among enthusiasts as the “Split-Screen” or “Splitty”, after its distinctive two-pane windscreen, a feature it retained until production moved to the Bay Window T2 in 1967, making this 1966 example one of the last Split-Screens built.
Mechanically the Type 2 carries over the rear-mounted, air-cooled flat-four engine and simple platform chassis of the Beetle, and the IRS conversion fitted to this example replaces the original swing-axle rear suspension with a set-up that gives more predictable, modern handling. The sliding side door, Porsche-style wheels and rebuilt interior together give this camper a distinctive character within the Split-Screen market, while its practical layout leaves scope for a new owner to finish it to their own taste, whether as a touring camper, an event vehicle or simply an iconic classic to enjoy.
Condition of the bodywork & paint
4 — Very Good. Clean with minimal wear; might need minor replacements for small missing or broken parts.
Condition of the interior
4 — Very Good. Displays only minimal wear and can hit the road any time.
Technical condition
4 — Very Good. Mechanically solid, with potential for minor servicing.
Overall condition
4 — Very Good. Displays only minimal wear and can hit the road any time.
This item is sold on an as-is basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and descriptions of the listing are for information purposes only.
