1965 Volkswagen Camper Split Screen
(Featured on 30th May 2014)
Make: Volkswagen
Model: Camper
Year: 1965
Sellers original description:
Perhaps one of the finest VW Split Screens in existence. This bus has been subject to a meticulous restoration, which took over 900 hours to complete.
This bus was originally supplied to Portugal as a CKD (Complete Knock Down Kit). In other words the bus was supplied as a rolling shell without any interior or main components and left to the dealer to spec for sale to the Portuguese market. The bus has some very quirky and unusual attributes, which have all been kept during the restoration to retain its originality. These include the original 6 side pop out frames and glass from new with original Portuguese stamp marks on the edge of each glass pane. The original pop out catches are in place also and in fine working order. Another interesting feature is an original badge mounted on the dashboard from new with the supplying dealers address on it. The bus still has its original Blaupunkt Blue Spot Radio which has been restored and is in good working order although is currently not connected up. These are extremely sought after and will fetch a lot of money at auction.
The bus is now in the UK and is UK registered although the restoration took place in the south of France and was completed by a well known and respected VW fanatic and enthusiast at the end of last year. I must stress that the quality of workmanship put into this restoration is absolutely second to none and not a penny has been spared in getting the bus to its current ‘Near Concours’ standard. Below I will outline some details of what was included in the restoration.
Panels Replaced
Rear Floors
Cab Floor
Outriggers x2
Jack Points x2
Outer Sills
Inner Sills
Engine Bay Trays x2
Front Valance Inner
Front Valance Outer
Front Infill Panels
Rear Engine Valance
Work Includes
Complete Strip Down to bare metal
Rebuilt 1500 Single Port Engine
Standard Rebuilt Gearbox
Rebuilt Reduction Boxes
Brand New SSP GT 5 Spoke Alloy Wheels Fitted October 2013
Brand New Tyres
All new wheel bearings/seals
All new Gaiters
All new Cables
All new brakes/pipes/shoes/cylinders
Rebuilt Fuel Tank
12 Volt Conversion, Including Wipers, Gauges & Starter Motor
Rebuilt Steering Box
New Tie Bars / Track rods / Selector Rod
Every single piece of rubber replaced with new, even the vent flaps.
New Creative Safari Front Windows.
Original Pop outs from new polished and refitted with original catches
Brand New Headlining
All new locks and handles
Original Seats Rebuilt & Recovered (New Foam & Pads)
All new recovered door and interior panels.
New carpet and Coia mats front and rear (Madmats)
Rear Bench Seat re-trimmed in matching vinyl material
Rear Safe fitted to keep all valuable safe at shows / camping etc.
Full Length Creative Engineering 6 bow roof rack fitted October 2013 (£1000)
Spare Set of keys including spare safe key.
Full Photographic Record of restoration included on CD
The bus has been fully re sprayed in its original colours, Sealing Wax Red & Beige Grey. The paintwork on the bus is exceptional and any subsequent driving has been done with a VW Apron on the front so there are no stone chips ruining the front panel. All the door gaps are very good and all doors open and shut nicely as they should.
The bus was put on a rotisserie to be restored so the underside is in equal condition to the top and has been stone chip coated and painted in matching sealing wax red without any nasty black under seal to hiding anything.
The bus is an absolute joy to drive and starts on the turn of the key every single time without fail. The drive is perfectly balanced and even with a full restoration feels very original and unmolested without a million and one aftermarket products being fitted. Recently driven up from the South of France without any problems the bus oozes reliability and I have every confidence to drive the bus anywhere at anytime.
This bus has to be seen to be fully appreciated as the quality is in another league compared to most busses. Such class, precise workmanship would never have been accomplished when this bus left the factory from new!
Comes fully serviced & MOT’d and of course is road tax fee exempt. I have a birth certificate with the bus confirming its identity and original specification (CKD). All numbers match with chassis plates and stamps on vehicle.
Photos:
