For sale is my 1965 RHD VW Split Screen Camper Van. I’ve owned the vehicle for just over 6 years and due to time pressures its use has become restricted so it’s time to let someone else have the pleasure of owning this unique vehicle.
It was manufactured on the 22nd October 1965 in Germany and imported to the UK through Ramsgate docks on the 29th October 1965. This original Right Hand Drive vehicle was purchased by Dormobile and converted from new in to an elevating roof camper van. The vehicle was then first registered on the 7th February 1966 here in the UK.
This vehicle underwent a full bare metal professional restoration between 2010 and 2011, with dozens of photo’s documenting every stage. You can see the quality of the restoration as it is still in the same pristine condition 13 years later. The restoration is fully documented with photo’s and receipts. The vehicle has covered c5,600 miles since its restoration was completed. It changed ownership in around 2014 and spent the next 4 years in a private museum.
The vehicle is painted in a pearlescent modern take on the VW original ‘Dove Blue’, with 4 layers of paint before being finished with a lacquer.
The engine was replaced during restoration with a brand new 2 litre Volkswagen air cooled unit. The entire engine was hand built with brand new components (not reconditioned) with many enhancements that allow it to effortlessly cruise at modern day traffic speeds.
This Dormobile conversion is a rare walk through model, it has a full width side elevating pop top roof and twin bunk beds making this a 4 berth camper.
The interior has been made bespoke for the vehicle and is made from solid oak.
Some further details of the work carried out during and since the restoration are:
Externals
§ Vehicle was taken back to bare metal (Shot blasted)
§ Complete floor and chassis rails replaced.
§ Panels replaced as required.
§ Re-sprayed in a powder blue, it had 4 coats, and then lacquer
§ Underside of van is painted and waxoyled
§ 2 x Safari windows fitted to the front
§ 6 x pop out windows to sides
§ 15” Empi wheels fitted
§ New Chrome Bumpers and external chrome trim including 2 x spotlights
Front End Mechanicals
§ Early Bay Window ball-joint front axle assembly fitted
§ Front disc callipers Bay Window type.
§ All new copper brake lines.
§ Electric brake servo system fitted.
§ Steering rack conversion (Creative Engineering)
§ Dropped spindles for the wheel mounts to allow the ride height to be about 1.5 inches lower but did not change the suspension or steering geometry.
§ Koni adjustable front shock absorbers.
Rear End Mechanicals
§ Standard Bay Window IRS suspension components with drum brakes and reconditioned brake parts.
§ VW Beetle 1303S gearbox.
§ Koni adjustable rear shock absorbers.
Engine
§ VW 2 litre air cooled engine
§ Exhaust - Vintage Speed Superflow
§ Empi Heads with 40mm inlet valves
§ 2 X Weber 40 Carburettors
§ External Oil Cooler
§ 1.5 Quart Deep Sump
§ Shadek 30mm Oil Pump
§ Fire Suppression System in Engine Bay with Fuel Safety Cut Off
§ All fuel hoses upgraded for E10 fuel
Interior and Sundry
§ Electric windscreen washers and upgraded operation of the wipers
§ Electrical system converted to 12volt from 6volt original.
§ New wiring loom.
§ Leisure battery.
§ Facilities for 240v hook up
§ Stainless steel water storage tank fitted to the underside of the van
§ Radio with facilities for phone, tv and iPod, discreet speakers throughout
§ Reversing camera & Sat Nav fitted
§ Propex thermostatically controlled Propane gas heating system installed
§ Complete removal, refitting and refurbishment of the ‘Pop Top’.
§ New bespoke camping Interior in light oak fitted with rounded cupboards etc,
§ New sink, hob and gas/240v/12velectric fridge.
§ New interior lighting.
§ New head lining
§ All new front and rear seats fabric, curtains, etc.
§ New canvas upper bunks.
§ New Rear seatbelts.
§ Whistling Dixie Air Horns!!
