Mabel is a 1969 Volkswagen T2 Early Bay campervan, UK-supplied and right-hand drive, with a side-hinged Dormobile-style elevating roof.
She has a lovely period appearance and retains a great deal of original character, particularly in the cab, which still has its period dashboard, steering wheel, switches, original-style seating and rare brown floor mats.
The camper interior is practical and full of character, with fitted cupboards, worktops, table, seating/bed arrangement and fridge. There is also 240V hook-up, an inverter and USB charging.
A major mechanical investment was made in September 2024, when Mabel had a new-case 1600cc engine supplied and fitted by The VW Engine Company. The same work included a turnkey service, engine removal and refitting, road test, full early clutch kit, carburettor overhaul, replacement distributor, fuel pump, fuel lines and clips, engine mounts and other associated parts. The invoice total was £6,145.28 including VAT.
She has also had suspension work, refurbishment of the front beam and replacement front brake calipers carried out by NOS VW.
Mabel comes with a substantial history file, including invoices, receipts and photographs showing her over the years, work carried out to the interior and pop-top, and photographs from before the previous respray.
The history passed down with the van is that she remained within the original owner’s family for many years. The previous owner bought her in 2013 and understood that the original owner had bought Mabel new from a local VW dealership and used her for family holidays.
The bodywork is largely original in character. To the best of the previous owner’s knowledge, welding was limited to the rear offside wheel arch and a seat-belt mounting point for an MOT. The floors and chassis were described as being in very good condition beneath the protective wax coating.
The paintwork presents well overall but is an older finish rather than a recent restoration. There are age-related marks and some localised bubbling. The pop-top works as it should, although the orange canvas is older and would benefit from repair or replacement in the future.
The odometer currently shows approximately 18,000 miles. As this is a five-digit odometer and the vehicle is over 50 years old, the total mileage cannot be warranted.
Mabel starts, drives and stops and is a genuine usable classic camper rather than a show vehicle. She can be enjoyed as she is while giving the next owner scope to improve the cosmetic details over time.
£17,995
Viewings and inspections welcome. Additional photographs and videos can be provided.
