1969 Volkswagen Camper T2
(Featured on 9th December 2013)
Make: Volkswagen
Model: Camper
Year: 1969
Sellers original description:
A concours winning Richard Holdsworth VW Early Bay Type T2a motor caravan.
EQUIPMENT:
Holdsworth slimline weathershields elevating roof with two roof bunks, stainless steel sink and drainer, removable two burner cooker and grill, two cylinder gas storage and saucepan shelf, wardrobe hanging space, forward-facing rear bench seat for three with hinged back rests to form 72”X45” double bed, insulated cool box, six gallon water tank, single seat behind driver folds out to provide fourth seat around table, roof storage compartment at rear, recovered dunlopillo cushions, curtains with retaining straps on silent gliss aluminium curtain rack, Italian Planika work surfaces, craftsman woodwork in light Sapele timber, vinyl headlining.
EXTERIOR:
This Early Bay UK VW Camper is finished in Brilliant Blue under Cloud White and is truly magnificent in all areas. Everything from the optional underside belly pans to the detailed engine bay is polished perfection. Testament to this incredible attention to detail and gleaming appearance is a class win in the Stanford Hall Concours D’Elegance in 2012. The weathershield shaped aluminium elevating roof was commissioned by Richard Holdsworth by the same company that fabricated metal alloy work for Concorde and remains in excellent original condition. Scarce, beautiful, possibly the best and very special.
INTERIOR:
Richard Holdsworth offered two designs simply called Layout 1 and Layout 2, this being the more luxurious Layout 2 version. The interior is incredibly preserved and fantastically original appealing to the most discerning of buyers with two barely recognisable changes; a modern replacement Ezetil made in Germany fridge unit and period cushion covering. The original Nairn tile pattern ‘Cushionflor’ is pristine and the vinyl headlining is remarkable. The driver and passenger basket weave seats along with the rest of the driver area is VW factory standard and divine. Time warp is a term used freely, but completely justified with this amazing vehicle.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION:
The four cylinder flat four air cooled engine with a capacity of 1584cc produces 57 bhp at 4400 rpm and is a mechanical delight. Pristine detail with supreme cleanliness enables high class exhibiting. Reliable usage is a given due to an alternator and electronic ignition conversion thus satisfying keen explorers. A Fireblitz automatic fire prevention system has also been fitted in the engine bay. The fully synchronized 4-speed gearbox with double joint half axle shafts at the rear is a sheer joy to operate.
WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES:
Drop centre rims with VW half dome mirror finish original chrome hubcaps are immaculate. Brand new 185 R14 Runway steel belted Enduro LT tyres are fitted all-round including the front mounted spare. A dual hydraulic brake system operating independently in pairs on the front and rear wheels require a firm application as per the original system.
HISTORY FILE:
Simply spectacular! Built in late 1969 to UK RHD specification and UK registered in 1970 it was originally converted by Danbury, (the Danbury badging is still on the back) Despite this respected conversion the owner, impressed with the new, more modern, craftsman built and stylish Holdsworth conversion, had it completely re-kitted out at vast expense in 1972! Only three former keepers cherished this incredible camper with just 50,524 miles until current owner, Ian Horn, meticulously restored it after nine years of inactivity with a ‘no expense spared’ mentality.
Evidence of the originality and high standard of this Early Bay T2a can be substantiated by two recent main magazine features; VW Camper & Commercial March 2013 and Camper & Bus August 2013. In addition a prestigious Stanford Hall Class Winner in the 2012 Concours D’Elegance and Show-n-Shine winner at the 2013 The Bus Stop Over.
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