Lot 167 - 1966 Volkswagen T24 Split Screen 13 Window Bus
| Lot Number | 167 |
| Registration | PRP 252D |
| Chassis Number | 246160332 |
| Engine Number | AD130505 |
| Odometer reading | 69,568 miles |
| Estimate | £35,000 - £43,000 |
The 1966 13 windowed Volkswagen Split Screen van is iconic, not just for its unique styling or its first appearance 70 years ago, but perhaps due to its innovative packaging and the way it revolutionised the way we transport people. Its success really came in the late ‘50s, when exports to America gave Volkswagen a huge advantage over its homegrown competitors. Both the Beetle and its van sister were not only cleverly marketed in an innovative, self-deprecating fashion which also added to the personality of the vehicles, but it was also offered as an alternative to the huge wasteful and thirsty station-wagons that American society has long been used to.
The charm goes deeper than the sales pitch though. It is an utterly unique driving experience. The large upright steering wheel that pivots the van from your eye-line is housed in an environment in which you can see all four corners. It was and still is quite unlike anything on the roads. Thanks to its practical packaging, it sold well due to the way it utilised the interior space. A Beetle could be characterised by its curves, the van is almost the total opposite, yet its length of around 14 feet gave it car-like abilities. The air-cooled engines were also well known for their reliability, with fewer parts than a traditional water-cooled engine, its relative simplicity offers a clue on why there’s less to go wrong.
Like many left hand drive Volkswagen vans in the UK, this example was sourced from the United States, Santa Rosa, California to be exact and has been subject to a major UK restoration as the demand for these enduring vehicles surpasses all other people carrying vehicles. This 1966 example benefits from being one of the later split screen vans, as the bay-windowed version replaced it in 1967. Presented in bold yellow over metallic green, this ground-up restored bus benefits from some significant upgrades including a full bespoke Bernard Newbury interior trim and layout which included all seats and headlining with the van now able to seat eight/nine passengers in its bay seating. Other upgrades include a full built in modern stereo system to transform this into somewhat of a party bus and finally a full bespoke custom stainless steel exhaust. The finished van is bold, versatile and we are informed its reliable. A full set of photos in the history file show the process of the restoration, also in the history file is the V5C registration document, previous MoT test certificates and some invoices, one indicating a service and brake overhaul in May 2021. Fun, practical, charming and with collectability all in one package, what’s not to like.
Interested parties should satisfy themselves as to the description and condition of each Lot prior to the sale. Accordingly, buyers are on notice that each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ subject to the Terms and Conditions for the auction. All registration numbers, engine and chassis details are sourced from registration documents provided to Historics by the client or representative or HPI checks and buyers are to satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of these details. Buyers are advised to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out this service. Historics will not entertain disputes over descriptions.