1963 Volkswagen Campervan 'Splitty'

Here we offer you a Type 2 from 1963 in entry-level 11 window configuration and, hence, a true “Kombi.” This is because it was originally designed to “combine (“kombinieren” in German)” people and luggage or goods. The idea was there would be seats where the windows are, in the form of two three-seater benches, and ample storage space in the rear.

Our Type 2’s chassis number confirms it as a 1963 model, and we know it to have been a US supplied vehicle in factory left hand drive. As a 1963 model it could well have originally had the new for that year 1,500cc engine that produced about 38 bhp. This example spent the first 53 years of its life in the USA before being imported from California to the UK in 2016. The Type 2 was first registered here in November of that year.

The current owner, David, acquired the Type 2 in July 2020 to become just the second UK keeper. Prior to this the Splitty had undergone a significant transformation both mechanically and aesthetically. Firstly, the Type 2 has been professionally fitted with a water-cooled Subaru EJ201 engine by Fellows Speed Shop of Birmingham. In conjunction with this Red 9 Design twin wishbone coilover suspension has been fitted. Custom American Racing forged alloy wheels have been fitted and the Type 2 has been repainted in a fetching Sherwood green hue.

David confirms that the Type 2 is an unfinished project with a number of finishing jobs required to complete the customisation and get it fighting fit for road use again. Sadly, due to ill health it is not a vision David will be able to carry forward and, so, he is looking to pass the baton to someone who can. 

As with everything Type 2 related, there are a number of names for the design style that this example is following. Some may call it “Jersey Style,” others “Cal Look.” David prefers to describe it as “1970’s custom car style without the fancy flame paintwork.” Whatever you prefer it’s hard to deny that this is an eye-catching Type 2.

It is finished in a deep looking Sherwood green hue which has clearly been applied in the last few years. The condition overall seems very good, and a nice shine is exuded from all panels. There are a couple of areas of bubbling in evidence, but they are pretty hard to spot. The body work presents in an equally good condition with no dents, dings or deformations immediately being obvious.

The stylised, custom look is actually fairly subtle with the big, staggered alloys do most of the heavy lifting in that department. Those and the rear flared arches aside it is the twin, tubular, wood slatted roof racks that draw the eye, not only emphasising the custom look but also adding some useful practicality at the same time.

Those aforementioned custom alloys are forged American Racing items and are emphatically staggered lending the Type 2 that desirable nose down, tail up stance. The alloys are fitted with a Toyo Proxes at the front in a 215/35 ZR18 configuration and Pirelli P-Zeros at the rear in a 275/30 ZR20 size at the rear. Those big rears are catered for by body-coloured flared arches. We note a slight inconsistency in offset between the rear wheels which may require attention as part of the project completion.

So flexible are the Type 2s that a “blank canvas” interior is probably an optimum outcome for owners wishing to make their own mark. Additionally, it really helps assess the condition of the inner panels with no carpet or seats for rusty sections to lurk, unseen behind.

Good news then! Blank canvas is definitely the ambiance delivered by this example. And there’s more good news – those inner panels look in pretty good shape for a commercial vehicle which is over sixty years old. Not only are they admirably straight but, bar the odd rusty stain, no corrosion is obvious.

Some work has been undertaken in here, of course. In the cab a fresh-looking pair of fixed back bucket seats are fitted. These are finished in a black corduroy fabric to the centres with hard wearing black vinyl to the bolsters. Purists will note this is a preferred “walk through” example with no cab bulkhead, however the oversized seats currently negate that option. The other upgrades relate to the instrumentation and switchgear. These have been significantly upgraded to feature a set of Drift digital gauges covering speed, engine revs, water temperature, oil pressure and fuel level. They all appear to be in good working order.

Apart form that it will be for the next owner to paint their own masterpiece on this canvas and what an exciting creative opportunity that presents.

Our Type 2 has enjoyed a major upgrade in terms of propulsive power in the past, courtesy of specialists Fellows Speed Shop in Birmingham. Fellows have undertaken over 400 Subaru conversions with the flat-four Subaru EJ201 engine being a very similar size and shape to the original air-cooled units. What is far from similar, however, is the power outputs of the two units with the EJ201 likely adding nearly 100bhp to the 40 or so that the original engine would have delivered.

In order to help manage all those extra horses the Type 2 has had a Red 9 Design twin wishbone coilover suspension system fitted together with uprated disk brakes fitted at each corner. It should be noted that the Type 2 utilises the original Volkswagen gearbox. Our photographer noted that this is currently stuck in first gear and so will need to be at the top of the project “to-do” list for the new owner.

The engine bay looks great with Fellows Speed Shop seemingly having treated the Subaru unit to a few coats of green powder coat during the upgrade. It is also known that they undertake a full service including new cam belt and tensions, water pump, thermostat and all engine consumables during the conversion.

The underside of the Type 2 looks very good with lots of thorough modifications to suspension, brakes and exhaust systems being evident. The floor underside and other panels look in decent shape for the age of the bus.

There is very little paperwork included with the Type 2. The V5 registration document is present as is the earlier State of California Certificate of Title. Our car check report adds some useful background to this minimal archive, too.

The Split Screen Type 2 has managed to attract an almost cult like following in the 70-plus years since the first one rolled out of Wolfsburg. It is the charming combination of utility and quirky character that seems to have endeared it to so many and we can see why. Splitties are always going to sit at the apex of the Type 2 family tree as the “origin of the species” so original wagons will only be getting more scarce and more sought after from here on in.

This example offers an exciting opportunity. It has had loads of expensive and difficult work undertaken already and it looks great if customised Type 2’s are your thing. This one is now ripe for completion with, hopefully, nothing too onerous left to undertake. In short, a rare opportunity to own a genuine Californian Splitty and finish it according to your tastes and budget. These sort of opportunities don’t happen around every day so don’t miss out.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with us at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ near Abingdon; we are open weekdays 10am-4pm, to arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.