1975 Volkswagen T2 Kombi

This recently imported (Oct 2021) Kombi is what’s known in the VW community as a ‘Bay window camper’, differentiating it from the earlier split-screen model. It features a 4-speed manual transmission and, according to the odometer, has covered 52,523 km. Though as a five-digit readout, this could well have gone ‘round the clock’. We weren’t able to see any documentation prior to its import to prove this one way or another. We’re also not sure where it has been imported from, though judging by the lack of rust underneath and the dashboard cracks, we can assume it came from a hot climate; perhaps South Africa?

This is a right-hand drive Kombi, which certainly narrows down its country of origin. The vendor informs us that they’ve categorised this VW as a ‘light project’, though also point out that it’s mechanically not in rude health. It’s difficult to start the engine and it needs excessive rpm to pull away. The good news is that the majority of the expensive cosmetic work has been done and even if it’s beyond help, these VW engines are a doddle to repair. A mechanic friend of ours offered his opinion that this does NOT need a new engine. Come and decide for yourself.

Clearly the subject of a repaint in the not-too-distant past, this Type 2 is still looking fresh and smart. There’s a good shine to its two-tone finish and the brightwork remains highly presentable. Plastics and glass are also still in great shape with very little cause for complaint with the exterior in general. However, there are a few marks once you get up close. There are signs of overspray to the windscreen rubber and a small chip just above the driver’s side front indicator. There are also various other minor marks and scratches here and there for example on the bumper, tailgate lip and driver’s door bottom. These are very far from serious imperfections however, and all panel gaps remain tight and consistent.

We did also notice that the locks appear to have been tampered with as all are exhibiting damage to their chrome, from what looks like a flat-blade screwdriver. If this was an attempt at theft, it looks like the scallywag gave up pretty quickly, as there’s no further evidence of any damage. Perhaps in frustration, said perpetrator destroyed the driver’s side mirror glass, as it’s no longer present.

These machines are usually the subject of camper conversions so it’s rare to see one in its original people-carrier format. All three rows of seats look in fantastic shape, in fact, we’d wager they’ve been recently recovered. The door cards are also in good shape with only the lower portion of the driver’s card showing any wear at all. While we’re on that side, the driver’s window winder is missing its handle. There are a few other bits of trim that seem to have been lost over the years too. The glovebox has no lining and while there’s a cut-out in the dashboard for a radio, it’s no longer present. There’s another hole just to the left of the light switch that’s been rather crudely hacked into the dash, which doesn’t seem to serve any purpose. Perhaps it was for a manual choke once? Its absence might also explain the trouble starting?

Elsewhere in the cabin, the headlining is in very good shape, except for some mucky finger marks on the front passenger side. The steering wheel is missing its centre horn push and a door lock is missing its plastic pin – hardly an issue with a machine that benefits from such exceptional parts supply. As mentioned earlier, there are some cracks to the top of the dashboard but there’s also a bit of work to do on the lower trim in the footwell. This appears to no longer be attached on its passenger side. There’s also a crack in the plastic cover of the seatbelt anchor on the driver’s side rear. Mats and floors all look great however, and other than the missing trim, there’s very little work needed to bring this cabin back to tip-top condition.

Lift the engine lid and you’ll see there’s a bit of rust in the hinge and gutter area. But the engine, numbered ADR250909, itself looks pretty good. There’s bits of black paint that looks to have been brushed on fairly crudely with surface rust visible on some other parts. There’s also a big blue paint run on the bulkhead (perhaps a test patch). Though as we’ve already mentioned, it’s highly likely that the motor will have to come out for some work anyway. While you’re at that, we’d also recommend replacing the exhaust back box as it’s been  welded together.

At the time of writing we've had the engine running a number of times, but it's still a rascal to start occasionally. It could be a good idea to replace the battery also (we put it on trickle charger in our unit). It will have to be collected on a trailer and taken for an overall mechanical tune-up by the winning bidder.

The good news is that the floors and chassis members under this Bus look excellent. There’s only the mildest of surface rust visible and it appears to be very far from affecting the strength of the metal. This is one of the main clues that this VW has come from a hot climate as much of its now fairly exposed steel looks exceptionally original and strong. However, now it’s in the UK, this will need treating and coating soon as it won’t stand up to our climate without some protection.

As it’s only just come into the country, and we’re lacking the supporting documents from its former life, there’s very little in the way of paperwork to accompany this Volkswagen. We have a V5C and our usual HPI check document but that’s about it. There’s also just the one key. 

With any near 50-year-old machine you’re doing extremely well to find one without significant corrosion. The biggest killer of these robust utility vehicles has always been rust and we’re pleased to report that this one appears to be in excellent shape. The paint has been applied to a high standard and once those mechanical gremlins have been tracked down – which shouldn’t take long as these are such simple machines – you’ll have a handsome and reliable classic to either convert to a camper or leave as is. That’s why we think that this Kombi should reach its £11,000 - £17,000 estimate.

Viewing is always encouraged, within government guidelines of course. The car is located at our Abingdon headquarters; we are open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm and to arrange an appointment please use the ‘Contact Seller’ button at the top of the listing to make an appointment. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’