From New York to UK – Fully Restored & Upgraded VW T2 Bay Window Camper
02/10/2025
Let us rewind to the sale of this truly remarkable
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Let us rewind to the sale of this truly remarkable
Let us rewind to 2020, a year overshadowed by the
We were thrilled to offer this incredibly rare, 1960 German-built
Let us rewind to the sale of this truly remarkable 1970 Volkswagen Type 2 T2 Bay Window 4-berth camper van. While it has now found a new home, we wanted to share its story and the incredible level of care that made it such a standout example.
This Bay Window began life as a 7-seater Microbus in New York before crossing the Atlantic in 2014. Since then, it has been owned by just two UK custodians, the most recent of whom cherished it for over 10 years. No expense was spared in its upkeep, and over the years it underwent a comprehensive transformation with carefully selected upgrades.
The exterior received a full respray in pastel white while preserving its original-spec white bumpers, chrome trims, and accessories. Its original tin-top roof was replaced with a Westfalia reproduction rear-hinged pop-top featuring a dark red canopy and an upper bed for two. Gas struts ensure effortless operation, and the roof system is completed with a front luggage cap.
A tow hook with electrics was also installed, providing flexibility for extra luggage in a trailer, mounting a bicycle carrier, or towing a motorcycle for local travel once set up on site.
Inside, the transformation is equally impressive. The two Microbus rear benches were replaced with a single full-width rock-and-roll bed. All seating surfaces – including the rock-and-roll bed, rear mattress, pop-top bed mattress, and door cards – were upholstered in dark red vinyl. The headlining and underside of the pop-top were finished in crisp white vinyl for a clean, bright feel.
Up front, the dashboard retains its original clocks, complemented by an integrated rev counter gauge. An oil pressure and temperature gauge was added below the dash, along with a fuel cut-off system.
This Bay Window is powered by a 1,915cc engine with twin Weber 40 IDF carburettors, a stainless steel CSP exhaust system, and a 123 Ignition Tune+ programmable distributor offering a fully customisable ignition curve via an app for iOS or Android. The engine is paired with a rebuilt gearbox featuring taller gearing for smoother cruising.
Underneath, it benefits from a Red9 Design subframe providing adjustability for ride height, stiffness, camber, caster, and toe. Steering is improved by a rack-and-pinion system that eliminates the play of the original linkage, while damping-adjustable Spax shock absorbers and servo-assisted brakes result in a well-sorted and confidence-inspiring chassis.
This 1970 Volkswagen Type 2 T2 Bay Window represented a rare opportunity to own a truly special example, blending timeless style with sought after upgrades for practicality, safety, and comfort. It has now found its next adventure with a new owner, but if you’re looking for a similarly well-prepared classic camper, keep an eye on our stock or get in touch with our team if you have one to sell.
For further enquiries about future vehicles or to discuss a similar commission, please don’t hesitate to contact Absolute VW Ltd at +441332 814448 or visit us at Shardlow, Derbyshire, UK (DE72 2GP).