EQUIPMENT
Eight large picture windows, roll-down cab windows, front quarter lights, plastic lined cab, one piece windshield, windshield washers, windshield defogger, two rear view mirrors, safety door handles, floor lined with insulating rubber matting, sound deadening, handsome hand fitted headliner, fully adjustable front seats, coat hooks, padded armrests, grab handles, ashtrays, flow-through ventilation, automatic choke, cigar lighter, side sliding door, insulated passenger compartment, safety padded rear cab wall, assist straps, roof high luggage compartment. Additional L specification; Clifton White roof and upper body, chrome WW sign, vent wings in cab doors, twin reversing lights. Factory options; eight-seat 2-3-3 configuration.
EXTERIOR
This absolutely wonderful Kombi Microbus is a very rare vehicle having avoided the fate of many camper conversions. Not only has this Kombi remained as intended, it has remained largely original and well preserved. The original colour of Sunburst Yellow/Clifton White, (Code 2345), is bright and looks superb. Evidence of remedial paintwork and light age-related markings can be seen but do not detract from the overall impressive appearance. The white painted bumpers are in excellent order and all trim sections, rubbers, lights and badges are fully intact. Incredibly the sticker for the supplying WW/Audi Main Dealer in South Africa remains fitted in the rear screen! Having spent the majority of its life in dry climates with salt free roads, the underside is amazingly well preserved and factory panels are straight and free from repair work. A very genuine Microbus, one for continued preservation.
INTERIOR
An ingenious and hugely practical interior is revealed upon opening the wide front 90-degree cab doors and huge slide loading door. The neatly designed and well thought out passenger compartment will comfortably seat 6 occupants with masses of leg and head room, whilst leaving the large roof high luggage compartment unimpeded. The cabin space offers space for two further occupants in the fully adjustable seats. The seats, door cards, side panels and matching spare wheel cover are trimmed in original Dark Brown Leatherette PVC, (Code 68), which remains in superb order with no rips or damage. Even the safety armrests are fully intact, although notable upon close scrutiny is a repair panel to the driver’s seat lower bolster which is slight off colour. Factory build plates are found behind the driver’s seat and there are factory stickers still affixed the driver’s door shut. The handsome head liner is undamaged and shows only very light discolouration, and all controls and functions operate well. With plenty of room for friends and family, this is the ultimate recreational classic.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
The factory fitted 2.0 Type 4 engine as fitted to this example is the correct carburettor version as denoted by the CJ prefix to the engine number. Producing 69bhp at 4200rpm and 143m torque at 2800pm, this more powerful unit is perfectly suited to the T2 and even now is highly regarded for its impressive capabilities. The engine fires into life effortlessly and motorway cruising is surprisingly refined and far superior compared to smaller engine models. The engine compartment is clean and there is a generous yet carefully applied layer of protective wax. Reliable usage is a given due to fastidious maintenance using correct grade oils and genuine and specialist supplier parts. The fully synchronized 4-speed gearbox operates very well.
WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
Correct steel rims with L specification WW mirror finish original chrome hubcaps show only light aging and matching quality Maxis Victra 510 185/80 R14 tyres with plenty of tread on all four wheels. The spare is brand new. A dual hydraulic brake system operating front discs operate exactly as Volkswagen intended.
HISTORY FILE
Supplied new on the Ist January 1976, the selling dealer was WW/Audi Main Agent, Alan Hudson & Kie Co of Nelspruit in South Africa. Owned initially and briefly by an elderly couple in Nelspruit, at one year old the Microbus was purchased by an Italian gentleman, Enzo Volante, who incredibly owned it for 39 years! Email correspondence between long term owner Mr Volante and the most recent keeper is kept in the history file along with a full ownership trace. In this delightful and informative exchange, Mr Volante regaled stories of trips to Durban, Johannesburg and more local Kruger Park. Further perusal of the large and beautifully presented history file is a very enjoyable task where you will learn that the vehicle only entered the UK in 2016 after being imported by a South African gentleman living in Essex. The history file contains all import papers whereby UK duty and full DVLA registration has been completed. There are many VW specialist receipts and invoices to leave in no doubt the care this cherished Microbus has enjoyed. A valuation letter from December 2016 by Mr E Farrage of the NECPWA Vintage Motoring Club places a value of £28, 000 on the vehicle having noted the bodywork/ chassis and mechanical condition to be in Class 1 condition, and in his own words, “this one certainly has to be among the best and most original examples left”.
1976 Yellow/White 8 seater Microbus (as seen in the film ‘Little Miss Sunshine’) in extremely good condition. Imported from South Africa many years ago. Three owners and 50,000miles (80,000kilometres). Very original but extras include:-
- seat belts to all seats
- sound and heat insulation to the whole vehicle
- front spot lights working on the light dip
- rear fog lights
- hazard warning lights
- USB charging point
- vintage looking digital radio fitted with hands free Bluetooth
- new unused spare wheel
- heat exchangers galvanised for longevity
- fully under sealed
- side steps
- fitted tow bar with electrics
- battery electric cut off switch
- rear bench has hinges fitted to convert into bed
- large history maintenance file dating back to original owner
The bus has the original sticker in the back window of the garage when purchased from new. Very well maintained over the years and starts on the button. Inside and outside in very good condition.
Contact Andrew. andrewbreeze@hotmail.co.uk. Phone:- 07879402755
