This T2 project came to us north of Dortmund. Unfortunately, it was a prime example of the mistakes that can be made when buying a classic car and buying parts in a hurry. It was a T2 transporter that was to be delivered and converted into a window bus.
The T2 came with boxes full of parts that the owner had already bought. Many of the parts were duplicates, completely unusable or not even intended for the T2. The body was completely rusted, including accident damage to the front. Economically speaking, it was a total loss. The engine had supposedly already been overhauled by a "professional". It wouldn't start, seals were missing, screws weren't tightened, etc.
We found a replacement body for a window bus near the Austrian border for a reasonable price, but the owner, after inspecting it in person, bought another body 700 km from our location. Again, many parts were missing and the sheet metal was in terrible condition. In the end, the restoration costs exploded to astronomical heights.
So here's a piece of advice: If you don't know what to look for when buying vintage cars and spare parts, don't bother. In most cases, you'll just burn your hard-earned money.
Encyclopedia
The Volkswagen T2, also known as the VW Bus, is an iconic vehicle that has shaped generations. Introduced in the late 1960s, the T2 built on the success of its predecessor, the VW T1, and brought with it some notable improvements. The T2 quickly became a symbol of freedom and adventure and is now a sought-after collector's item.
The T2 is characterized by its distinctive design, which features a larger windscreen and the absence of the T1's distinctive V-shaped front end. This change resulted in better visibility and a more spacious interior. The Volkswagen T2 was offered in a variety of configurations, including a minibus, panel van and flatbed truck, making it a versatile vehicle for both commercial and private use.
The T2 was initially powered by an air-cooled flat-four engine housed in the rear of the vehicle. These engines were known for their reliability and simplicity, making the T2 a popular choice for long journeys and camping. In later years, the engines became more powerful and efficient, and in some markets the T2 was also offered with water-cooled engines.
The interior of the T2 was designed to be functional and flexible. Models such as the famous “Westfalia” camper were equipped with beds, a small kitchen and even a pop-up roof, making them ideal companions for road trips and excursions into the countryside. These camper vans became a symbol of the hippie movement and life on the road, which secured the T2 a permanent place in pop culture.
During the 1970s, the T2 underwent various changes and improvements, including improved suspension and more powerful engines. Despite the introduction of newer models, the T2 remained in production in many parts of the world until the early 2010s, underlining its popularity and longevity.
Today, the Volkswagen T2 is a sought-after vehicle for collectors and enthusiasts. Its iconic shape, associations with freedom and adventure and its versatility have secured it a permanent place in automotive history. Whether as a classic transporter, family camper or symbol of an entire movement - the VW T2 remains unforgettable and popular.
