In Brief:

• Instantly recognisable Volkswagen T2 Bay Window Campervan
• Finished in characterful blue with white roof, over brown interior trim
• Impressive supporting file - extensive restoration work evident
• Lovingly named 'Tina', with the matching caravan 'Rosie'

Auctioneer's Notes:

A wonderfully characterful 1972 Volkswagen Type 2 Motor Caravan, affectionately nicknamed “Tina”, finished in blue with a contrasting white roof and retaining the instantly recognisable Bay Window appearance. The camper has a well-used and individual character, with period-style brown interior trim, side windows, rear accommodation and roof rack. The Vendor reports that Tina is a runner and is fitted with an immobiliser.

Adding considerably to the appeal of this unusual offering, Tina is accompanied by her colour-matched counterpart, “Rosie”, a Thompson T-Line caravan. Finished to complement the Volkswagen, the two make a particularly charming period pairing and are being offered together as one lot.

Rosie provides additional touring accommodation and is equipped with a toilet, kitchen facilities and a removable table arrangement. The table can be taken out to provide additional space and allow the seating area to be converted using the folding sofa bed, making the caravan a practical companion to the Volkswagen for weekends away, shows or classic touring events.

Together, Tina and Rosie make for an instantly memorable combination, with the matching colour scheme and their individual nicknames giving the pair a personality all of their own.

Maintenance & Condition:

The Volkswagen's history file points to considerable mechanical expenditure over the years, with invoices covering work to the braking system and substantial engine-related components, including a forged piston and cylinder kit, crankshaft and engine case. A refurbished right-hand-drive Early Bay steering box was supplied in 2022 at a cost of £545.

The accompanying Thompson T-Line caravan is similarly presented as part of the pair's established character. Its interior incorporates the practical features expected of a compact touring caravan, including its kitchen, toilet facilities, removable dining table and folding sofa bed arrangement.

Prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves as to the condition and operation of all caravan appliances and equipment prior to use.

The Vendor advises that there is some rust around the battery floor which will require consideration. Externally, the Volkswagen's paintwork displays age-related marks, blemishes and areas of wear consistent with an older camper which has clearly been used and enjoyed rather than simply displayed.

History:

A substantial collection of invoices accompanies Tina, providing evidence of continued maintenance, repair and restoration expenditure. There is also significant historic MOT documentation, helping to chart the Volkswagen's life over many years.

Particularly useful are handwritten notes relating to a restoration carried out in 2005, adding further context to the work undertaken during its ownership history. The supporting paperwork details expenditure on a number of important mechanical areas and gives the next custodian a useful record of the attention the camper has received.

Today, the Volkswagen forms part of an especially appealing ensemble with Rosie, its matching Thompson T-Line caravan. Rather than being offered separately, the Vendor has chosen to keep the pairing together, preserving the character and visual impact of a combination which has clearly been conceived to complement one another.

Their names – Tina and Rosie – add a pleasingly personal element to the lot and reinforce the sense that this is more than simply a campervan and caravan, but a ready-made classic touring partnership.

The Model:

The Volkswagen Type 2 Bay Window became one of the defining leisure vehicles of its era, combining simple rear-engined mechanicals with an adaptable interior and unmistakable styling. Its practical dimensions, straightforward air-cooled engineering and ability to accommodate camping conversions helped establish the Type 2 as one of the most enduring recreational vehicles ever produced.

The 1972 model year is especially popular with enthusiasts, often referred to as the “crossover” Bay, incorporating a mixture of earlier and later Bay Window design features. These transitional examples retain much of the appearance associated with the earlier models while incorporating a number of subsequent developments.

The Type 2's lasting popularity has seen examples used for everything from family holidays and European touring to festivals, classic car shows and weekend escapes. Paired here with a matching period-style caravan, Tina captures much of the relaxed touring character for which the Volkswagen camper has become so well known.

Sale Insight:

Tina and Rosie offer something considerably more distinctive than the usual standalone classic camper.

The Volkswagen benefits from an extensive invoice file, documented restoration work and evidence of significant expenditure across its engine, braking and steering systems. Its visibly lived-in presentation forms part of its charm, while the supporting paperwork provides a meaningful record of maintenance and improvement over the years.

Rosie adds another dimension entirely. The matching Thompson T-Line caravan provides additional sleeping and living accommodation, with a fully equipped kitchen, toilet, removable table and folding sofa bed, while its complementary colour scheme makes the pair especially attractive when presented together.

Whether destined for classic vehicle shows, weekends away, period camping events or simply enjoyed as an eye-catching touring combination, Tina and Rosie are being auctioned together and represent a rare opportunity to acquire an established and highly individual campervan and caravan pairing.

Estimate:
£3,500 - £4,500