1973 Volkswagen T2 Bay Window

This particular 1973-registered Type 2 Devon camper is a true gem, and has clearly been cherished by its current custodians to the point it has even been named; Meet Constance the camper, everyone.

Purchased by the vendor around five years ago, this T2 was actually restored extensively by the owner prior to our vendor in around 2008, and remains in outstanding condition throughout thanks to the care and attention of both the current and previous owner.

During our vendor’s time with ‘connie’ (as she’s affectionally known) this camper has more than proved its worth, having taken the vendor and his family on holidays with numerous 300 mile-plus round-trips, journeys to shows and even just the occasional ‘escape’ drive simply for fun, such is the level of enjoyment and character exuded by these classic air-cooled vans and the unique driving experience they offer.

Wherever it goes, the Camper draws plenty of admiring glances and comments, and is a great conversation piece. It has even been used for the honourable ‘prom’ transport duty for family friends, and has made a brief TV appearance on ‘A place in the sun’ a couple of years back. Incidentally, this TV appearance is actually part of the reason our vendor is parting with such a beloved machine, as due to having purchased a property in Spain, the camper simply isn’t used as much as it should be, and therefore the decision has been made to move her on to a new home.

Whilst largely standard - down to retaining the now incredibly rare and desirable Devon wooden interior - the engine has been fitted with a twin carburettor setup and a quick shifter, whilst externally a set of period-correct EMPI wheels have been fitted and this camper has received a light altitude adjustment, giving an excellent appearance without adding in untoward clearance issues in day-to-day life.

Two-tone paintwork is almost a requirement for an old-school VW camper - few other cars pull it off as well as these air-cooled classics, and we reckon this one in its blue-and-white scheme looks absolutely fantastic.

The paintwork throughout remains in excellent condition, with only a few light marks as you’d expect from being used as intended, along with the usual light smattering of stone chips. The bodywork, too, is excellent and straight throughout, with only the lightest of indentations noted on the nearside, likely due to the usual ‘car park dents’ accrued over time.

Up close, there are a few patches of bubbling noted on the nearside sliding door, nearside rear arch and some very minor bubbling on the offside rear arch, but none of these areas have broken the paintwork at the time of inspection.

Elsewhere, the headlights are all in great shape, and the chrome details such as the mirrors and badges are fantastic and show only a light patina consistent with regular usage and fastidious care from the vendor.

The EMPI wheels look excellent, and there are no major marks or kerbing noted.

Genuine Devon campers are rare as hen’s teeth, and our vendor has seen only one other during his time with this example. Thankfully, the interior is complete and remains in its factory configuration, and is in full working order. The vendor has cooked all of their meals using the in-built appliances when on holiday with the vehicle, including a full Lamb roast dinner!

There are a few small touches, such as a new table (the original is with the vehicle and kept in an overhead locker) whilst the vendor’s wife has re-covered the rear bench seat in a fantastic DIY jeans denim cover in a fantastic tribute to the classic and funky ‘Jeans edition’ VW Beetles. If the denim isn’t for you, the reverse side has a funky mandala print, whilst the covers are removable for washing.

Looking around, the interior is in wonderful condition throughout, and has evidently been cherished by the current owner despite being used regularly as a Camper, just as Volkswagen intended.

There is some light marking to the headliner, and the rear section (from the front seats back) has been replaced at some point during its lifetime, and as such is in better condition than the front third.

The front seats are in excellent shape, whilst the door cards, dashboard and even the high-traffic areas such as the shifter and steering wheel remain in great condition with only the lightest signs of use.

Alongside the excellent interior, this ‘van is also fitted with a 100Ah leisure battery, electric hookup and both relay and main battery cut-offs.

Mechanically, this 1973 Bay Window is fantastic. Ever since the vendor purchased the car, it has been looked after by renowned VW specialist ‘Herbie Hospital’ and has been left wanting for nothing, with any work required and any MOT advisories being taken care of without question. Recently, it has been maintained by a small local garage, with the mechanic being ex-Porsche OPC and intimately familiar with Type 2’s, as they are performing a ground-up restoration on one of their own!

During the photo shoot, our photographer reported no faults, issues or untoward noises or behaviours, whilst the vendor also knows of no faults or issues with the camper mechanically.

Having been restored in 2008, a new engine was also fitted before the restoration was complete, though it is uncertain of the exact date the fitment took place. What is known, however, is that the new engine has covered 21,990 miles and displays no untoward behaviours or issues.

Underneath, this Camper is in fine shape and we can see no issues that should be cause for concern. Registered as a historic vehicle, this ‘Bay’ is exempt from mandatory MOT testing, however the vendor has always had the vehicle tested annually during their ownership. The most recent exam took place on 23 April 2021, and recorded a clean pass on the first attempt with no advisory items. Yes, you did read that correctly; No advisories on a 1973 VW Camper - excellent!

The vendor notes that thanks to the upgraded twin-carb setup, the van will happily cruise on the motorway at 65 without labouring the engine, and will happily deal with hills without losing speed, making this a wonderfully usable example of the classic camper.

An impressively detailed and comprehensive history file is included with this ’73 Bay Window, comprised of paperwork from both during and prior to the vendors ownership.

There are several old tax discs and MOT certificates, an impressive stamped historic service record in the original handbook, invoices from various work carried out including the required welding that is registered in the MOT history, and a large invoice from the restoration in 2008 totalling £3,819.

In addition to the above, there is also a copy of the VW Camper owners manual, Haynes repair manual, and the V5 showing six former keepers.

Two sets of keys are included, and the vendor notes that these original keys operate all the locks and ignition, which is an excellent sign that this camper has never been broken in to or required locks replacing.

Along with the paperwork and keys, there is also a box of spare parts and miscellaneous items, including cab window air vents, Thermomat window covers, and a breathable vehicle cover.

Offering the ability to escape from the rat race, travel to your chosen location and pitch up without needing to check into hotels or tow an annoying caravan, it is not hard to see the appeal of these campers and understand how they’ve become a true cult classic.

With its characteristic air-cooled flat-four soundtrack, iconic styling and impressive adaptability, this 1973 Volkswagen ‘Bay Window’ camper is in rude health and presents fantastically throughout, and as such as estimate it to fetch in the region of £12,000 to £17,000.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abingdon. Our offices are open Mon-Fri 9.00 am to 5.00 pm. 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'.