Volkswagen T2 1968
General description :
Amazing one owner from new 1968 until October 2014 VW T2 RHD UK delivered Devon Torvette camper with 52k miles.
and the best bit, it is the 2nd #2 Bay window Devon Torvette ever made so quite possibly the earliest still in existence (there can only be #1!)
I acquired this original unrestored early bay window camper October 2014 from the original owner who I have known for 20 years.
The van has been well cared for all its life by the gent who bought it new in 1968 from a local VW dealership in Manchester. Now in his 80's he decided to part with the camper late in 2014. It had not been on the road since 2000 and so despite being dry stored require some recommissioning work so I carried out the following:
Full brake system rebuild (new ATE cylinders, new master cylinder, new flex hoses and new shoes) - needless to say full fluid refresh
I removed the 1500 single port engine (which ran fine), stripped it to the long block and had the tinware blasted and painted. Fitted a new main seal (as the engine was out) and other gaskets and reassembled the engine.
Whilst the engine was out I had the fuel tank restored professionally with the RENU process (at a cost of £400) and replaced the CV joint boots as access was easy. Fuel line was of course replaced throughout with R9 grade Ethanol resistant hose.
The Devon Torvette interior shows little usage and is almost new. It has a pull out double bed, Dudley cooker and all original cushions and curtains. It also has a Westfalia style cab bunk suitable for a child. The only thing I can see that is not standard is the flooring which has been re-carpeted at some points.
The body was repainted about 20 years ago, has original sills and battery trays, door steps and floors so is an amazingly original RHD van.
It is unlikely that an effectively one owner Devon camper will every come up for sale again as very few people would keep a vehicle for 46 years and it is this which brings me to the asking price.
Many more photos and details of recommissioning work can be seen here:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=7460570
Document description :
One owner from 1968 to 2014
1968 Volkswagen T2 is listed for sale on ClassicDigest in MANCHESTER for €30000.
Car Facts
Car type : Van Make : Volkswagen Model : T2 Engine size : 1.5 Model Year : 1968 Sub type : Van Color : White Condition : 5 Location : Manchester, UK Vehicle Registration : Historic
30000 €
People who viewed this Volkswagen T2 also viewed similar Volkswagen listed at ClassicDigest
Volkswagen T2
27500 €
Contrada Fuorchi 84030 Atena Lucana (SA), Italia
Volkswagen T2
29500 €
Reijmerweg 78A 6871 HG Renkum, Netherlands
Volkswagen T2
20000 €
west yorkshire
Volkswagen T2
11900 €
Fritz-Peters-Str.45DE-47447 Moers
Volkswagen T2
18500 €
Achterathsheideweg 14DE-47447 Moers
About Volkswagen
The Volkswagen story is indeed an intriguing tale of innovation, resilience, and post-war revival, marked by various models that have become iconic in automotive history.The People's Car (Volkswagen): Initially envisioned by Adolf Hitler in the 1930s as a "people's car" or "Volkswagen" in German, the idea was to create an affordable and practical vehicle for the German people. This concept led to the development of the Volkswagen Beetle (or the Type 1), designed by Ferdinand Porsche.
Post-War Challenges: After World War II, Volkswagen faced significant challenges. The factory was heavily damaged, and the brand's association with the Nazi regime led to a lack of interest in the car in some regions.
British Intervention - The British Army & Ivan Hirst: The British Army took control of the factory in the immediate post-war period. Major Ivan Hirst, a British Army officer, played a crucial role in reviving Volkswagen. He recognized the potential of the Beetle and advocated for its production, convincing the British military to order several thousand cars. This decision helped jumpstart the brand's revival.
Export Success and the Beetle's Global Appeal: The Beetle gained popularity not only in Germany but also globally, becoming an icon of affordable motoring. Its simple, reliable design and unique appearance made it a favorite among consumers worldwide.
Model Evolution: Over the years, Volkswagen introduced various models alongside the Beetle, each contributing to the brand's growth:
Type 2 (VW Bus or Transporter): Introduced in the 1950s, it became an iconic symbol of the hippie movement in the 1960s, loved for its spaciousness and versatility.
Golf (Rabbit in the U.S.): Launched in the mid-1970s, the Golf (or Rabbit in the U.S.) marked a shift towards front-wheel-drive, modern design, and hatchback practicality, becoming a cornerstone of the brand's success.
Passat, Jetta, and Other Models: Volkswagen expanded its lineup with models like the Passat and Jetta, catering to different market segments.
Challenges and Innovations: Despite success, Volkswagen faced challenges, including quality issues in the 1970s. However, the brand continued to innovate and develop new models and technologies.
Rise of the GTI and Global Expansion: The 1980s saw the rise of the iconic Golf GTI, a high-performance version that sparked the hot hatch trend. Volkswagen also expanded its global presence during this period.
The British intervention in reviving Volkswagen after World War II played a pivotal role in the brand's resurgence. While there might have been some tensions or competition among automotive companies in the 1950s and 1960s due to Volkswagen's post-war success, the brand's ability to produce innovative and popular models solidified its place in automotive history.