1955 Volkswagen Campervan Split-Screen

Delivered new in 1955 to South Africa, this VW Kombi was originally used as an Ambulance, hence the attractive feature of lacking a rear window

Supported by a VW Certificate of Authenticity, the car was imported by its current owner in 2015 when it was immediately sent to the renowned Type 2 Detectives with an 'open cheque-book' approach to converting it into a reliable, usable camper van - and the Detectives have certainly achieved that!

Now presenting in a two-tone pale grey over a luscious deep blue, and mildly lowered sitting on Empi 5-spoke wheels, this magazine-featured VW is certainly an eyeful, and is in fantastic condition having seen little use since its restoration.

Cosmetically, it benefits from Deluxe side trims, chrome ribbed bumpers, powder coated bumper irons and splash guards, roof rack, pop-out front windows and working semaphores with the addition of modern indictor lights for modern motoring

Open the door and you’re greeted by a glorious navy blue and cream piped interior with bespoke units in light oak. There’s a wood-rimmed steering wheel, a vintage-looking RetroSounds stereo with connectivity and telephone, JBL speaker system, chrome buckled seat belts throughout, grey headlining, a Rock&Roll Bed and LED lighting.

Not only is this van a nice place to be, it’s also fully mechanically sorted to an unbelievably high standard.

It’s fitted with front CSP disc brakes with a servo upgrade, and new brake pipes under Bilstein Shocks. It has new drop spindles, drag link, link pins, idle pin and braided hoses throughout. The steering rack, rear brakes and accelerator linkage have all been rebuilt along with a full rebushing. It has a straight axle conversion, adjustable rear spring plates, hydraulic clutch system and a hi-spec gearbox making this camper more than capable of keeping up with modern traffic.

Added to this is the superb engine built by The Detectives. With a 2007cc forged engine, the Super Case has been cut for a full flow oil system. It has a forged crank and a forged 8-dowel flywheel mated to a Vintage Speed exhaust, it goes without saying that all the internals of the engine and the ancillaries are new and of the highest specification possible - there’s certainly no corners been cut with this build.

The electrics have also been fully rewired with a Leisure Battery, a 240V hook-up, and a Suretrak tracker fitted for additional security.

Being of SA origin, it was already a corrosion-free vehicle, but the underside has still been treated to both wax and cavity wax

Having covered only minimal miles since its full restoration, this is a car that turns heads wherever it goes. It represents a fantastic opportunity to own an amazing Campervan that has been featured in multiple magazines and been built by probably the best air-cooled specialists in the UK. Not only that, with restoration costs exceeding £33k, it also offers good value for a classic campervan that is both lovely to drive and superbly reliable.

The car will be supplied with a folder of history which details the work completed and along with photos of the restoration, and copies of the magazines where the car was featured. It will be given a new no-advisory MOT and serviced prior to purchase. In addition to this, it will be further subjected to our rigorous Pre-Delivery Inspection, and sold with a 12-month market-leading extendable warranty,