1966 Volkswagen Type 2 (T1) 'Split-Screen' Sundial 'Double-Door' Camper - offered directly from Howard of Take That

The Volkswagen Type 2 was introduced in 1950 as a multi-variant utility vehicle and was designated as a Transporter, Kombi or Microbus depending on body type. It was conceived as a natural partner to the Volkswagen Type 1, better known as the original 'Beetle'. The first generation of these versatile vehicles carried the works nomenclature T1 and were produced with distinctive split-screens (subsequently known as 'Splitties') from 1950 until 1967, and these have become the most sought-after models.

Originally conceived as a practical commercial vehicle, it went on to find its own niche as a carefree campervan, even though Volkswagen’s Wolfsburg and Hanover factories never actually assembled them in ‘home-from-home’ campervan form enabling aftermarket companies to foresee and fulfil that potential. It’s in campervan form that the Type 2 cemented its reputation as carefree transport for the counterculture in the 1960s, especially in America, with the relatively compact camper from Europe capturing the imagination of the hippy movement in a way that home-grown alternatives simply didn't. What’s more, its robust mechanicals and economical running made it the ideal way for young Americans to get mobile, utilising an air-cooled engine and independent suspension, it meant the ‘Splitty’ provided a relatively comfortable way to make slow progress on any road trip.

The hippie vibes spread beyond the USA, and the Type 2 became more than a mode of transport now representing freedom and adventure. It has rooted itself as a cultural icon, as one of a handful of vehicles that has achieved a level of widespread recognition beyond those who are interested in cars - almost anyone in any street could identify a de-badged VW camper.

The example presented here is a 1966 Volkswagen Type 2 T1, split-screen, ‘double-door’ campervan by Sundial of California. The term ‘double-door’ refers to a specific configuration of the original T1 of twin opening cargo doors on the left side of the vehicle, making these examples highly desirable for camper conversions.

Sundial Campers originated in California in 1966 out of a business partnership split from EZ Campers, another California-based converter. Unlike Westfalia, which utilised standard passenger Kombis (vehicles that already had factory windows), Sundial made a name for itself by taking standard panel vans, cutting windows into the sides, and installing louvered windows to create a unique layout. Whilst most conversions were to standard single-side entry vans, Sundial also converted a highly coveted, more limited run of rare double-door split-screen T1s.

Many Sundial campers were further enhanced with aftermarket pop-up tents, such as the German-made Touri Camp by Eckel, tents manufactured by Sundial themselves. A Sundial campervan perfectly captures the 1960s California lifestyle, which gained a following alongside dune buggies and customised air-cooled Beetles, before spreading across the US and the world.

This particular campervan was located in Colorado in 2007, before being imported into the UK by a previous enthusiast-owner. It was very solid example but did require a few mechanical items sorting and upgrading, which were completed by a Type 2 specialist. The upgrades included a dual circuit braking system, discs brakes, a straight axle rear conversion, a narrowed beam (with dropped spindles) to keep all the geometry correct, whilst the engine was also uprated to a 2.0-litre twin-carb set up (with an engine bay fire suppression system).

The interior was also professionally restored, replicating the exact specifications and style of the original Sundial interior, retaining all the period Sundial emblems and cooler badge and finally finished off with a lovely Sea Green fabric. Its well equipped with a cold-water sink, compressor fridge, ¾ width rock and roll bed, a 240v hook-up, leisure battery, a period stereo, oil temperature gauge, two rear seatbelts and a two-person fold-out roof tent.

Iconic Auctioneers are very proud to be offering this particular campervan directly from the ownership of Howard Donald, best known as a member of Take That, but also a respected singer, songwriter, drummer, pianist, dancer, DJ and record producer in his own right. Howard has owned and enjoyed this campervan for the last few years, and has kindly signed the interior hoping that any new owner takes as much pleasure from its ownership as he has. A special campervan from a special owner, a desirable combination and quite the talking point on the campsite or at the festival!