Listed out of Interest

Description:

I’m listing my Classic 1969 VW Devon Camper van out of interest. You need to read all of this to appreciate what this vehicle is. It will take an awful lot to pry this out of my hands. That being said, it is sat in storage most of the time doing nothing and rarely gets used as I spend a lot of time abroad.

It is all working and could be on the road immediately, subject to a bit of fettling. Storage seems such a waste of a rare and exceptional VW camper van, so I would consider letting it go for the right deal, which would be a property in Europe, possibly a barge/boat or cash... no less than £20,000 as I've spent over £30k... (I also have a standing bid on it).

I’ve Kn-’owned’ this vehicle for 25 years; the 2 previous owners are long-time friends. I’ve spent years conducting a fully photographed bare metal restoration on this vehicle. I did this as a project in order to use it when it was finished and not to win competitions, so if you are a VW purist, you might as well stop reading now.

Firstly, I got rid of the piece of crap, 16mpg, gutless air cooled engine and replaced it with an efficient, reliable liquid cooled 1.9 Turbo diesel – at a cost of £6000, it's a known conversion (Peugeot 1.9TD) but this is one of a kind. The work was undertaken as a favour by race car mechanics and a VOSA inspector, who are friends.

We did this as a challenge with no expense spared; I can give you the full details of the conversion specifics if you’re really interested, it was the subject of many VW forums. Consequently, the camper now has a more modern motor and gearbox (£1000) that makes this viable as an everyday drive, we called it the 50/50 because it gets close to 50mpg at 50mph and pulls like a car.

* Long story short we retro fitted custom radiators into the VW rear air intakes in order to provide adequate liquid cooling to the engine and also give you a cab heater that actually works. The gearbox was completely rebuilt to accommodate the difference in toque and speed from the new engine.

The brakes and suspension were updated to accommodate the required upgrade from old style drums to more modern Type 2 disk brakes. It has all the working functionality of a newer vehicle but all the original features and looks of the T2 early bay window… which is (almost) exactly what I wanted. A lot of time, thought, effort and money went into this restoration.

I had new chrome/stainless bumpers added at great expense along with all the associated trim... try to find another all chrome trim VW T2, you won't (or will struggle), this vehicle really is a one off and catches every eye as it passes.

The interior has been colour coded red and re-upholstered in burgundy and cream, it has a pop top roof (Devon conversion) along with matching fitted kitchenette and appliances, fridge, sink, hob and rock n roll bed.

It also comes with a VW cab-over roof rack for extra carriage space or tent/awning and a VW bicycle rack for the back door which carries 2 bikes. You can also buy bunk beds to fit in the pop top roof to accommodate the kids if needs be... I don't have; but I tried to tick all the boxes when restoring this VW.

Free road tax, £150 insurance Per Annum, 50MPG and it will run on Vegetable oil if needs be... it had a Bosche fuel pump fitted and I have the oil Pre-heater kit to run on veggie oil. Personally I thought it too much hassle and easier to run on normal diesel but the option is there should you wish it, I don't.

None the less, you are NOT going to find a cooler, safer, cheaper to run vehicle in the country... GUARANTEED, I did all my research on this so if you've got the money and want to look cool a snowman's extremities uni... this IS the vehicle for you, and the future asset you're looking for.

Unfortunately, you can’t take the 1960’s out of the design and engineering. With over £30,000 drip spent on this vehicle it still drives like a 60's bus; I could easily spend another £30,000 or more. If you know anything about VW's, you will find they become a hobby and you never stop spending on them... so be warned, it's a love/hate relationship you're getting into. :o)

This is an excellent example of a 1960's Early bay window VW T2 that it's hard to put a price on, similar newer ones are in region of £40-50k+. This one can be used as a daily drive if necessary because it's not really 'that big'. Needless to say, it's an investment and it certainly isn't going to lose money if you look after it.

I have a vested interest in keeping this vehicle on the road and will provide you with my mechanic details and all related contacts needed. However, I have to say that if you're a hobby mechanic, this car is a dream to work on... so simple and basic. A complete engine change in less than 4 hours, no problem.

I can easily see this vehicle lasting ANOTHER 50 years. it is a good investment if looked after and this is why I think my VW T2 is way better than most, if not all of the others that are currently available... but of course I'm biased, all VW owners are!
I will take £25,000 cash if you are interested... but offers over £20 are expected.