1966 Volkswagen Type 2 T1 Split Screen Camper, Devon Torvette

This VW Type 2 T1 Split Screen camper is one of the vanishing few that are in original condition. Made in Germany and right-hand drive it is a Devon Torvette conversion with four forward gears. Fuel type is petrol. The camper has never been re-sprayed or had the internal fabrics or fittings changed. Inside fittings include a table and benches, a gas cooker, cool box and various under-seat and other cupboards. Conversion to a double bed uses the table top and benches.
There have been a few small changes. Seat belts were fitted to the two front seats when that became compulsory. A Long Wave radio, a reversing light and an isolation switch for the battery were also added around 1970. We began to use radial, rather than cross-ply, tyres on it in the 1990s. The only change since then (apart from service replacements) was a replacement engine in 1993 at a mileage of 54,733 miles. John Forbes of Meadow Lane in Edinburgh (well-known to ‘Splitty’ fans) serviced the camper at that time and he correctly diagnosed in which cylinder the exhaust valve failed even before taking the engine out. The replacement engine is a 1500cc re-manufactured engine from VEGE Motoren.
The camper was first registered in November 1966. Its first owner was a musician who used it to take his harpsichord to the Edinburgh Festival. My Father-in-Law bought the camper from him when it was just less than two years old. It has been in the same family since then and always kept in a garage. I became the registered owner in 1988. Being an Historic Vehicle it is MoT exempt and zero-rated for Vehicle Excise Duty.
We have enjoyed great times taking the camper to France and driving through the Outer Hebrides – but the mileage will tell you that it has not been used much in recent years. While he was alive John Forbes serviced it regularly and since then Heriothill Motors in Leith have looked after it. There are service records going back to the time of purchase (1966).
Inevitably for a vehicle of this age that has not undergone any major renovation there are some patches of corrosion that need a bit of attention (the barn doors have some rust at the bottom and there are some other small patches) but overall the condition is excellent. The camper is in very good working order – and if you want to own a VW Split Screen camper that is very largely in original condition this is an extremely rare chance to do so.