1971 Volkswagen Type 2

Highlights

• Factory right-hand drive
• Spent most of its life in a dry Australian climate before UK import
• Star of a self-published children's book series, "The Adventures of Whalie the Campervan"

The Appeal

A totemic icon of its era, the Volkswagen Type 2 found its calling with the countercultural movement of the 1960s and '70s. These vans were favoured for their mechanical simplicity and as an ideal starting point for a campervan conversion, and they remain hugely sought after today.

This 1971 example is a factory-right-hand-drive vehicle, originally registered in Australia, where it spent most of its life in a dry climate before being imported to the UK around 2005. Originally a transporter van, it was converted into a campervan with a well-appointed interior and a number of mechanical upgrades. The underside has been WaxOyled and previous rust repairs around the windows and doors have been addressed.
The previous owners purchased it in 2014 and have kept it garaged and regularly serviced throughout their 12-year tenure, after which it was sold to the vendor in December 2025.
This campervan is also the star of four children's books available on Amazon - a provenance reflected by the unique book-cover collages on the doors.

Key Information

• Mileage: 84,000 miles indicated, unverified
• Country of registration: United Kingdom (imported from Australia around 2005)
• Technical inspection status: MOT exempt as a historic vehicle
• Technical specs: 1.6-litre air-cooled flat-four, four-speed manual gearbox
• Paperwork: Private registration plate is not included in the sale, accompanied by a collection of invoices and the eponymous books

The Detail

• Originally a transporter van with two small windows, additional windows have been added
• Appears in good overall condition for a Type 2 of this vintage
• Previous rust patches around windows and doors have been repaired
• Seals were welded and resprayed
• Headlights have been replaced
• Underside appears in good condition and has been WaxOyled
• Completely redesigned modern interior
• Floor pan painted, sealed, insulated, and soundproofed
• Custom-made central rock and roll bed
• Three-point seat belts fitted on both sides to structural members
• Dark wood worktop following the vehicle's curves
• Wooden floor installed
• Blue leather seats in the rear
• Carpet lined interior
• Inside sliding door needs finishing/edge trims (not visible when door is open)
• Night star ceiling feature
• Space for projector and screen for movie nights
• Ideal for a young family; safe for children due to three-point safety belts
• 1.6-litre air-cooled flat-four
• Four-speed manual gearbox
• Standard mechanicals, regularly maintained and reportedly working well
• Electronic ignition and power steering fitted
• Subtly lowered suspension on Bilstein shocks
• New starter motor fitted
• New charging circuit for leisure battery installed
• 12V electrical system
• LED lighting

BEFORE YOU BUY

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