Volkswagen T1 Transporter Barn-door, 1954
Volkswagen Transporter
Volkswagen Transporter•
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Chassis No.: 20074720
Engine No.: 200729035
Registration: OLL 682
he first generation of the Volkswagen Type 2 with the split windshield were informally called the Microbus, Splitscreen, or 'Splittie' among modern fans. It was produced from 8th March, 1950, through the end of the 1967. From 1950 to 1956, the T1 was built in Wolfsburg; from 1956, it was built at the completely new Transporter factory in Hanover. Like the Beetle, the first Transporters used the 1100cc Volkswagen air-cooled engine, an 1,131cc, 24bhp, air-cooled flat-four-cylinder 'boxer' engine mounted in the rear. This was upgraded to the 1,200 and 1,192cc, 30bhp in 1953.
The early versions of the T1, until 1955, were often called the 'Barn-door', owing to the enormous rear engine cover, while the later versions with a slightly modified body, smaller engine bay, and 15" road wheels instead of the original 16" ones are nowadays called the T1b. From the 1964 model year, when the rear door was made wider, the vehicle could be referred to as the T1c.
This rare righthand drive Doubledoor Panel van rolled off the production line on 10th February, 1954, and is the oldest known Volkswagen bus to be originally delivered to the UK. There is only six known righthand drive Barn-door (pre-1955) Doubledoors worldwide and this is the oldest righthand drive Doubledoor known to still exist. Restored with originality being a priority, the original factory fitted engine and gearbox are still in place and have been fully rebuilt. Still retaining the original 16" factory fitted wheels, this is a stunning genuine matching numbers example.
The registration accompanying this Barndoor is the original number, OLL 682. The first owner loved this van for over 30 years and this is fully documented within the history file. This van has had a very interesting life, it was bought in 1985 by Bob Shaill of The UK Split Window Bug Club, Bob intended to use OLL 682 as the clubs support vehicle for the split bug shows and meetings of the time. Even back in 1985, this old panel van was recognised as something a bit special.
There was an article in the Split Window Club Magazine written by Bob stating that this panel van is rare being an original righthand drive Doubledoor from 1954 and the icing on the cake being all the original factory fitted running gear still fitted. Images are recorded going back to the 1970s, the restoration was also documented with photographs which again can be found in the history file. Fitted with a rear and genuine BeKoWa full length industrial roof rack together with a 1950's BeKoWa rack catalogue, a genuine matching and very rare fold-up ladder and incredibly all eight original stamped clamps and crank start handle.
Featured by Ultra VW Magazine in 2007, this is frankly as 'rare as hens teeth' and a true genuine Volkswagen collectors example which would put many to shame. A unique opportunity to own Volkswagen piece of history and often referred to as priceless by fellow club members.
