Volkswagen Type 2 Camper (bay window) (1968 – 1979) Review

Volkswagen Type 2 Camper (bay window) (1968 – 1979) At A Glance

4/5

+Cool, usable and highly versatile

-Rust is an issue, restoration is not straightforward

The Volkswagen Transporter was given a thorough overhaul and relaunched in 1968. The second generation was known as the Type 2, and was thoroughly re-engineered for the 1970s - and yet, it looked refreshingly familar for those who had grown attached to the old T1. The biggest single change was the single-piece windscreen, which retrospectively earned the model the nickname of the ‘Bay Window.’

This version was easier to drive with improved suspension and visibility; at introduction it was powered by the 1584cc air-cooled flat-four, but this was upgraded to 1679cc in 1971, when disc brakes were also added. By the time European assembly came to an end in 1978, the Camper was powered by a 1970cc engine, yet it was still relatively underpowered. Today, they're plentiful, cool and a proper 'scene' vehicle. Production ended in Brazil at the end of 2013 - with the final batch of campers for Danbury arriving on these shores in early 2014.

Volkswagen Kombi farewell video

Ask Honest John

What is my 1971 Volkswagen Kombi worth?

"I'm selling my 1971 Volkswagen Kombi. Completely restored in 2019 it has the original 1600cc engine with 48,000miles on the clock. What sort of price could I expect?"
The best way to value a vehicle such as this is to look for comparable examples already for sale, and make a judgement based on this. A quick look online shows 1971 examples for sale for anything between £5000 and £25,000, so we would suggest looking at what else is on the market and pitching your Kombi selling price appropriately.
Answered by David Ross

I keep getting MoT reminders for my historic car - is the MoT now optional?

"My Volkswagen T2 has become an historic vehicle and is registered as such on the V5C. Because I was/am registered for MoT reminders from DVLA I have been sent a reminder for the MoT, due this month. It is my understanding that as this vehicle complies with the requirement of 'no substantial alterations' that the MoT is now optional at that if no MoT is carried out it will be sufficient to declare the vehicle 'compliant' when the annual vehicle tax (now free of charge) is due. Is this correct? "
That is correct. Next time you tax the vehicle, you'll be asked to confirm that it is MoT exempt. Remember, though, that your insurance is only valid if your vehicle is kept in a roadworthy condition. Having an MoT test is a good way of doing that. Otherwise, the onus will be on you to prove the vehicle was roadworthy should you need to make a claim.
Answered by Keith Moody

Are there any rear-engine diesel cars?

"I'm doing research for a book and am wondering if there's ever been any diesel cars manufactured with the engine in the rear and the trunk in the front? If not, is there a reason why this isn't a viable design?"
Rear-engined diesel cars? Volkswagen's Type 2 (T3) has a rear-mounted engine and diesel was an option. And there's a Beetle prototype that still exists in a museum, but rear-engined diesels never really took off. There are probably several reasons for this, with the biggest one being weight - old diesel engines weigh considerably more than their petrol counterparts, which would have caused some significant handling issues. A friend who is passionate about oil burners suggested that you might be able to find some examples of rear-engined diesel microcars from the 1970s and 1980s if you look hard enough. There are a couple of examples of modern-rear engined diesels, including the Smart ForTwo.
Answered by Keith Moody

Where can my son sell his 1975 Volkswagen camper van?

"My son is thinking of selling his much loved 1975 Volkswagen Camper van. It’s taxed and MoT’d until the middle of next year. What would be the best way for him to sell it? And if he gets a buyer, what is the safest way for him to proceed with the sale?"
This is what’s called a Volkswagen Type 2 (the ‘Type 1’ was the Volkswagen Beetle). But it will be a second generation ‘Bay Window’ Type 2, which isn't quite as desirable as an original ‘split window’ model that ran from 1949 to 1967. While in Europe we got ‘T3’ and ‘T4’ models, the T2 ‘Bay’ continued in production in Brazil, latterly with a 1.4-litre straight four watercooled engine, and goes out of production at the end of this year. The club is the Volkswagen Type 2 Owners Club (www.vwt2oc.co/wp) where you may find a buyer, r try a classic auction: www.historics.co.uk. They will deal with the administration of the sale.
Answered by Honest John
More Questions

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