1976 Volkswagen Camper (Type 2) |

Closed Auction- Unsold

1976 Volkswagen Camper (Type 2)

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Mileage~60,448 on clock (stopped)
TransmissionManual
Engine2.0-litre
LocationSutton Coldfield

AUCTION CLOSED

1976 Volkswagen Camper (Type 2)

Introduction

Darren Rungasamy

Consigner and Editor

Brimming with charm and cheer, the VW Camper van is perfect for day trips to the country or seaside.

Based on the original Volkswagen Beetle, the Type 2 started its life in 1949 and named as the Transporter - it was offered in a huge number of flavours, the best-loved version being the Camper variation. The forward-controlled, rear-engined air-cooled van soon picked up a cult following and by the time the upgraded second-generation versions appeared in 1967, its reputation for durability, simplicity and charm were firmly planted into the public conscience.

These later versions, known as the bay window models were re-engineered with upgraded electrics, improved suspension, and a series of more powerful engines; all housed in a stronger and more user-friendly body. Post-1971 models were improved further by their incorporation of front disc brakes, improved lighting, engine cooling and bigger bumpers.

Originally registered as a UK spec RHD van in 1976 and now coming to market after ~11 years, this family-owned example in red/white is believed to have been restored and converted in the late 2000s. It is fitted with a late model 2.0-litre air-cooled engine and has seen a quality cabin re-fit to allow sleeping accommodation for 3 people. It comes with around £4,500 worth of maintenance invoices, and several spare keys. Although Road Tax and MOT exempt, it has an MOT to October 2025 for your peace-of-mind.

This listing was written from information supplied by Darren after meeting Stuart the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

We call her Molly - a name picked by my daughter!

Bought for the very intention of its purpose, Stuart and his young family used ‘Molly’ as a leisure vehicle primarily for day trips and short breaks - it was named by his daughter and the name stuck.

As Stuart's kids have grown and space becomes more of an issue, it has seen less use in recent years, and he feels that Molly is still fit for more adventures and fun.

Stuart will be happy to answer any questions about the car in the comments section below.

Stuart

Vehicle Owner

Ask Questions

CONTACT OWNER

Exterior
Interior
Mechanics
History
All Images

EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

Straight and solid, the bright red paintwork also brightens up any day trip!

Wheels and Tyres

The silver-painted steel wheels show mild signs of age and are still presentable. The nearside front hubcap has a satin-effect finish, while the others are all chrome with mild pitting.

The van is fitted with 4 Mohawk tyres, they are over 10 years old but appear to have plenty of life in them - the spare is the same brand.

Bodywork

The body is straight with very little in terms of wavy panels, and all free of dents.

The panel fit is good, with the doors fitting flush to the body. The passenger door needed a little force to shut properly - more of a catch issue than the door itself. All other doors including the side sliding door were trouble-free with decent rubbers.

There are a few patches of corrosion coming through, the main issues were spotted just behind the nearside rear window, a small patch below the passenger door, and a couple of spots around the corner of the offside front valance and the offside centre side panel. Both front doors have small drill holes in them.

We didn’t spot any significant issues on the floor pan chassis legs or outriggers, although there was some minor corrosion noted in the lowest front corners of the van. The inner door arch/cab step are solid, with some evidence of age noted on the nearside rear inner arch lips. The engine bay, sills and front footwells looked solid. The roof guttering appears positive.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our high-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view of what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

The red paint finish has good coverage, with a consistent hue. It has a decent lustre with minimal haze or swirling - a benefit of 11 years worth of garage storage.

There are a handful of paint blemishes spotted around the van, the most notable was seen on the corner of the driver's side door, with a minor paint crack directly below it.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these high-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

Glass and Trim

The glass is in good condition, with decent seals. All the lights and lenses are cleanly presented.

The bumpers are well mounted, with some signs of age noted particularly on the rear item.

VIEW ALL

INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

Finished to a high standard, the cosy cabin and accommodation area are very inviting.

Seats and Carpets

The front seats are refurbed in red and white vinyl with white piping - they’re in great shape with minimal signs of age.

The carpet and floor mat are decent and dampfree.

Dashboard

The dashboard presents well, with some signs of age on the top and a crack noted on the centre of the facia padding.

The condition of the binnacle, controls and dials are in line with the age of the van and all are said to function correctly. The headlining and door cards are in good condition.

The odometer is not operational, but the speedo works.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The steering wheel is in good shape with no significant signs of age.

The gear lever is an EMPI shifter.

VIEW ALL

'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

Unburstable and charismatic, the well-maintained air-cooled 2.0-litre engine runs beautifully.

Engine and Gearbox

The engine started up without any issues, and the dual carburettor 2.0-litre unit sounded even without any unwanted noises - the ignition warning lights stayed off throughout the drive.

The engine is cleanly presented with no significant oil seepage and the van appeared to be leak-free on the day. The engine heating hoses, one heat-exchanger and some tinwear components on the van appear to be incomplete/missing.

The gears were straightforward to engage, although Stuart experienced resistance in changing up to third but this seemed to improve as the van warmed up. The linkages may need investigation - the clutch operates without any reported faults.

Suspension and Brakes

The suspension height is stock and absorbed the road conditions with no issues. No unwanted knocks or thuds were heard during the test run.

The van brakes without squeals or judders, and the steering wheel remains true when braking. They were capable enough to stop the van and didn’t need over-exertion to apply.

The Drive

The engine performance, as typical for these older air-cooled units tends to improve as the engine warms up. It has been fitted with the later and more powerful CJ 2-litre engine.

The interior was relatively cushioned from the sound of the engine, suggesting a decent rear section fitting. We drove a short distance along the 40 mph road, with no ill effects. It pulled well with no undulations and warm-started without issues. It cruises smoothly and becomes more refined with each passing mile.

The steering has a little play but doesn’t vibrate or make noises. Generally used in fair weather, the VW coped well with the cold damp day. Stuart has not reported any issues with the oil pressure or engine temperature and has been satisfied with the reliability of the van.

Electrics and Other

The rear cabin area is cleanly presented and free of dampness. The floor is free of damage. The storage units and basin are in good condition, and all draws and doors open with ease. The rear seat folds out and there are two mounting points for seat belts. It is fitted with privacy curtains and two separate sunblock shades for the rear window. There is an 12v power, USB and cigarette lighter output and has a new auxiliary battery.

The section at the very back of the van is in a similarly clean state, with a carpeted lining above the engine. The headlining is all intact. A pair of speakers have been mounted into the headlining.

We didn’t get a chance to investigate the elevating roof, but Stuart has told us that it raises and lowers without problems and is said to be leak-free.

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History and Paperwork

It was bought ~11 years ago, has been garaged and well-maintained ever since.

Stuart informed us that the van may have been used by the GPO in the past. At some point - possibly in the late 2000's, it was stripped down, restored, refitted and painted red.

The family bought the VW from a Cheltenham Classic car specialist in 2013, they have since spent around £4,500 which includes brake parts, ball joints, a fuel pump and engine maintenance. Further spending went into the camper area wiring and accommodation.

It has seen at least one service over the 11 years of ownership. It comes with several spare keys and is road tax and MOT exempt but has a current MOT to October 2025.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a history check on the vehicle - this is a professional check operated by HPI that will highlight if the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or have any outstanding finance - note, this does not include a mileage history check.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment of the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bids, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Service History

Date	Type	Mileage
24-10-2024	MOT	60,448
15-05-2019	MOT	60,448
23-05-2018	MOT	60,448
16-05-2017	MOT	60,448
27-07-2016	MOT	60,448
14-07-2015	MOT	60,448
02-06-2014	Service	60,448
04-12-2013	MOT	60,452
13-04-2012	MOT	60,449
18-05-2011	MOT	60,448
30-10-2009	MOT	60,448