'Turtle' an amazing 1967 LHD Cali import Westy T2 early Bay camper bare metal resto completed

It’s with deep regret that I must list our remarkable 1967 (Yes, that’s right, it’s a first edition T2 – the first production T2 was not released for general sale until 1968) left-hand drive California import, which has undergone a complete bare-metal restoration by a professional classic car garage. We have owned this T2 for nearly 10 years, during which time it has mainly sat inside a heated garage and was rarely used while work was carried out to bring it to its current condition. Sadly, due to a change in my personal circumstances, I no longer have the capacity to use or care for this bus as I once did. It will be very sad to see it go, but I will only sell it to the right owner. I possess all the paperwork for this vehicle, including the import licence from when it was brought in by a previous owner. I also have all receipts and records of everything that has been carried out on this T2. Additionally, I have a handwritten letter from one of the earliest owners in California, written when they drove it across the Mojave Desert, asking that the future owner look after this bus and wishing them well on their adventures. In this letter, they named the bus 'Turtle,' which is fitting as it's green and originates from California! As seen in the pictures below, the new paint job truly makes the bus stand out. Many modifications have been made to this bus, making it an excellent example of an early bay window. With just over 25,000 miles on the clock, it’s in superb condition for weekend trips or for the keen collector who appreciates the rarity of this one-of-a-kind T2. Below is a list of the highlights and accounts for over £45k that we spent on her (including purchase price): Vintage Speed Super Sport exhaust system with a hidden tailpipe; Fellows Speedshop – hand-built by John Walklett, including a freeway flyer gearbox upgrade with taller fourth gear for optimal motorway cruising; New clutch; Hayburner custom gear stick – parental guidance advised!; Billet aluminium wheel boss with horn push for VW T2 early bay; luxury 17-inch rosewood steering wheel for VW T2; custom dashboard featuring an RPM gauge in the main cluster and oil pressure and temperature gauges mounted in the centre console; professionally sealed reconditioned fuel tank to prevent corrosion; new fuel sender gauge; new wiring loom and complete rewire, including ultra-fast USB charging ports; a full bare-metal respray in Heritage Grassmere Green (paint code 1CD), the original Land Rover colour; new bodywork panels where needed and professional welding; underneath restored to bare metal, fully painted, and waxed to eliminate rust; all window and door seals replaced; engine firewall installed – the original T2 first edition didn’t have one; handheld fire extinguisher; electric fuel pump; leisure battery and hook-up; now featuring a pop-top and roof hammock, as well as the JustKampers front seat cab child bunk and storage. The engine has been reconditioned and upgraded from 1600cc to 1776cc by Dave Wheatley at BugBitzs, running Limebug twin-port 34mm Solex carbs with electric chokes; (Engine bay also needs a clean as we have just pulled it from storage and we have been in a trip to Ireland, so I need to get cleaning!!) also fitted with a Propex Heatsource HS2000 12V LPG gas heater with fitting kit and dial thermostat for colder nights; includes a Just Kampers 8-piece thermomat window insulation set, covering all windows, including the front; custom-made curtains for complete privacy during sleep; complete Kustom interiors installation in gloss off-white and wood; and it comes with a Just Kampers drive-away awning, along with all the camping equipment needed for a weekend away, including stove, gas bottle, pots, pans, and a kitchen sink.
More photos or walkthrough video available on request.