Car & Classic, Europe’s largest online marketplace for classic and niche vehicles is auctioning a one-of-a-kind Audi S3-engined Volkswagen Type 2. Bespoke built by its current owner, the ethos was to engineer a solution to one of the iconic camper’s foibles; its rather cramped interior.
Utilising a ‘fifth-wheel’ coupling system, the camping section (made out of an entirely different Type 2) is towed on an articulating ‘U’-shaped hitch. This maximises space and manoeuvrability by eliminating the need for the living space and cab to be combined.
However, using a Type 2 van to tow another substantially increases overall weight and decreases usability. To combat this, this Volkswagen has been fitted with a 2.0-litre, five-cylinder Audi S3 engine, paired with an Audi automatic gearbox. This creates a transformational impact on performance, with the vehicle now more than capable of keeping up with regular traffic. The engine, gearbox and ancillaries have been neatly packaged underneath the trailer hitch utilising bespoke fabrication work, carried out to maintain an OEM appearance.
Both interiors are similarly in keeping with the period and beautifully appointed. The cab features a highly original interface that cleverly incorporates additional instruments to work with the new engine, plus modern touches such as a digital odometer. The camper benefits from extra living space, a Westfalia-style roof with fold-out awning, luggage rack and large fridge unit extending into what would usually be the cab.
“Volkswagen T2s are prized for their style and usability and therefore are highly sought after on Car & Classic. It’s rare, then, that you get an opportunity to own one that truly stands out from the crowd,” says Car & Classic’s head of editorial Dale Vinten. “T2s regularly sell for upwards of £10,000, with well-sorted ones expected to fetch twice that. This example could fetch between £45k and £55k.”