1957 VW Split Screen Camper Van. Beautiful early bus restored with an incredible specification.
£TBC SOLD
One of our all time favourite buses that we sold in 2015 to a meticulous and caring owner who has only used the bus a handful of times since ensuring it is always garaged and never goes out in the rain.
Finding a bus this early is incredibly difficult and the colour scheme is year correct in early Volkswagen colours; Palm Green / Sand Green. One of the most desirable early colour schemes of all time and the only scheme that from factory featured a pin stripe following the waste line on the top half, a unique and original feature highly regarded amongst enthusiasts. Other desirable early features are of course the purer shape of the rear tailgate which is smaller housing the iconic small rear window as well as the central rear brake light and early rear light units. Full width original front bench seat is still present and front opening Safari windows have been retrofitted.
This bus has spent the vast majority of its life in a dry climate which meant that upon being imported to the UK several years ago, the underside and entire shell was virtually rust free and required a very small amount of remedial work for restoration before being repainted inside and out. The metal work is superb and the underside is clean and bone dry having not been blacked or covered in any form of thick coating throughout its entire life. You can actually see the metal work completely with your own eyes and just a coating of clear Waxoyl is all that will be required for rust prevention treatment for years to come.
This bus is honestly one of the best buses I have ever driven having had several thousand pounds worth of upgrades fitted by Type 2 Detectives. The engine is a reconditioned 1600 Twin Port unit running on twin weber carburettors that provides an incredible amount of power. Recon gearbox and straight axle setup on the rear makes for the ultimate ride quality meaning the bus will cruise easily at 70MPH. Front disc brakes, dual circuit braking system and a Gene Berg quick shifter have also been installed to add further to the amazing driving experience!
In 2015 we customised the interior for the new owner which included a full wool cloth headliner in coffee beige as per 1950’s VW specification trimmed neatly down to the waistline which looks absolutely stunning and 100% indicative of this era of motoring. We then supplied a full width rock n’ roll bed resplendent with coffee beige vinyl upholstery and piping. This is a 3 person rear seat that folds down to make a lengthy and comfortable double bed ideal for camping. The bespoke joinery work and detachable table were built by ourselves to the highest standard as per the customers specification in oak veneer with light green Formica worktops, draws and cupboards. The handles are original 1950’s and swallow handles for the draws as well as swallow inspired curtains for the overall internal theme. Original style lap belts retrofitted and also a Retrosounds radio and speaker in the original radio slot that looks period but features IPhone connectivity and DAB radio.
Overall one of the finest examples on the market today, this is a bus that can be jumped in and driven anywhere with the turn of a key.
Please note that we specialise in the restoration of these vehicles and in particular, the build and installation of bespoke interiors from start to finish. We are able to easily remove the current interior layout and build a brand new interior from scratch to your exact specification if required. This can include gas cookers, sinks, fridges, change of upholstery, curtains etc.
