1968 VW T2 Bay Window
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Highlights
・Sundial model
・4 owners registered
・1600 cc
・USA import
The Background
The VW Split Screen is probably one of the most iconic and recognisable van, bus, or pickup ever made. Development for the project started in 1948, and in 1950 the T1 was released for general sale by Volkswagen. What was then known as the “Transporter”, now known as the Camper, were used as Ambulances, transport and panel vans for various commercial businesses. It wasn't until the swinging 60’s when the VW T1 became hugely popular and is strongly associated with the influential cultural movement. The T1 was perfect with it’s low running and maintenance costs whilst providing a place to live.
The T1 was in production until 1967 when the new design T2 came along, the second generation VW T2. Commonly known as the bay-window, the T2 is slightly larger and heavier than its predecessor and was given the 47 bhp 1.6 litre engine and a 12 volt electrical system.
The suspension side got a complete rethink and rather than using the old king and link pin, things were moved to a more modern ball joint front suspension. The rear was treated to independent rear suspension otherwise known as IRS. This replaced the reduction boxes and swing-arms. It was a completely new bus with just about every body panel and mechanical part changed.
This particular model is a Sundial camper which was an American company converting the buses into camper vans. It is quite similar to the more common Westfalia but often thought of by many as inferior compared to the Westfalia. Despite this, being an American company, this gave it great popularity over the Westfalia model in the USA.
The History
This 1968 Volkswagen T2 Sundial Campervan left the factory on the 5th January 1968 and was heading for the USA, where it spent a good number of years in the dry climate of California, which as we all know is dry and dry equals no or very little corrosion. The T2 made the journey to the UK and was registered for the road on 6th September 2007.
The seller has owned the Sundial since the 6th January 2018. He bought the T2 with a view to use it for a bit of fun on weekend outings. Since getting the van though, the seller hasn't given it any use and it's spent all of its time in a dry lock up, with just regular starting to keep things ticking over.
With the Bay window not getting as much use as originally intended, the seller has decided to part with the van to give someone the chance to make some memories on weekends away.
The Paperwork
The V5 is present and shows 4 previous keepers. The last MOT carried out on the vehicle was on 16th October 2020. There are some old MOT certificates with the paperwork along with a handful of receipts dating back to 2007 when it first arrived on UK soil.
Also present is a registration card from an owner in California, and also the Volkswagen build certificate which was produced for the owner at the time on the 12th September 2007.
The Interior
Inside the Sundial Campervan it is quite practical for the odd weekend jaunt to the coast or maybe a VW show. Starting in the front, and obviously being a USA model, it’s left hand drive. The driver’s seat and the twin passenger seat are both trimmed in cream vinyl, which is in a nice tidy condition. The steering wheel has been swapped in favour of a wood rimmed three spoke wheel. The odometer is showing 11,177 miles. All the switches in the T2 are working just as they should. There is a stereo fitted, but this is not connected up. The lower part of the dashboard is covered in vinyl which has slightly started to crease. The door cards and also the side panels to the rear have been remade and covered in some cream vinyl.
As you enter through the side door of the Sundial there is a pull out step to help you in, (standard on early model T2’s) and there is a cupboard with a pull out table and a sink. There are no taps, it is just a bowl and the waste is not connected. The rear seat is trimmed in the same vinyl as the fronts and this lies flat to make the double bed. Curtains fitted to the sides and rear windows add some privacy when sleeping. There is also the hammock which is still in the original box. This clips onto the front window and door pillars to enable sleeping over the front seats. With the front seats being like a full bench, this is also another sleeping area, making the T2 Sundial a four berth. The headlining has been finished like the side panels and is fitted with some bright LED spot lights.
The Exterior
This 1968 T2 bay window is finished in Lotos white (L282). Starting at the front, and the front panel is in quite good condition although there are some signs of repairs and where it’s been repainted in the past. The lights and indicators are free from cracks and the chrome surrounds to the headlights are bright and clean. Down to the bumper, and this is the original which does have a couple of dents in it and has been painted white to match the body.
Around to the sides of the Sundial, the bus is nice and straight with the door gaps aligning as they should. There are the odd few age related chips and dents that you would expect on a vehicle of this age. The seller did mention that there are a couple of areas around by the front bumper that need a bit of attention by fetching some body filler out and welding a couple of plates in. The chrome door mirrors are clean and bright with no corrosion, as are the door handles.
Around to the rear, and the engine cover and tailgate align nice and straight. There is a crack to the nearside indicator and also to the offside tail light. The bumper like the front is the original and does have a couple of dents in it.
Coming from the USA has meant that the camper has escaped the dreaded tin worm and looking at the underside it is relatively clean, but could probably benefit from some form of rust protection just to prevent anything creeping in.
The wheels on the T2 are classic look camper wheels, EMPI- BRM 5 spoke wheels. These do have some slight tarnishing where water has got under the lacquer. They are fitted with matching tyres, all of which have plenty of tread left on them.
The Mechanics
The Early-Bay’s were fitted with a 1600 cc air-cooled engine which produced 47 bhp and this was mated to a 4-speed gearbox. The seller confirms that the van drives well and changes gear as it should. The engine fires up to reveal the classic VW air-cooled sounding engine, which sounds just as it should though the Vintage Speed exhaust, with no noises that shouldn't be there. The seller did mention that there is a misfire on the engine that comes and goes, but this would need to be investigated. It could just be something as simple as putting a set of plugs and leads on.
The T2 has been lowered at some point, but the seller doesn't know how or what has been used to achieve this as it was already carried out by a previous keeper. We think you'll agree though it sits just nice.
The Appeal
What’s not to love with a campervan? You can easily load it up and off you go for the weekend, touring around the countryside, down to the coast or a classic VW show for the weekend. The possibilities are endless for a nice quick getaway.
With more and more people opting to holiday around the British Isles, this could be the perfect time to grab this 1968 Sundial campervan. It could be taken to the next level by the new owners or quite simply used and enjoyed for some weekends away with the family. Let's face it, you don’t even have to go far, just being away from the day to day things could make you feel like you’re a thousand miles away.
Here's your chance to get the perfect classic campervan and make those memories!
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the sellers discretion.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1968
- Make Volkswagen
- Model T2 Bay Window Sundial
- Colour White
- Odometer 11,177 Miles
- Engine size 1584
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Location Yorkshire
- Country United Kingdom
25
bids
- Em•••• £13,500 08/07/21
- Br•••• £13,250 08/07/21
- Em•••• £13,000 08/07/21
- ca•••• £12,750 08/07/21
- Br•••• £11,750 08/07/21
- ca•••• £11,500 08/07/21
- mi•••• £11,000 08/07/21
- ca•••• £10,500 08/07/21
- le•••• £10,000 08/07/21
- le•••• £9,500 08/07/21
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