Advertising for sale on behalf of a customer of ours, this is “purple myrtle “, a 1972 VW T2 bay Devon campervan. Given the age, she is obviously historical status and hence ulez compliant, MOT exempt, no road tax and benefits from classic vehicle insurance. However, to reassure buyers about her sound mechanical and structural condition, she recently passed an MOT test and has been serviced.
Features:
Myrtle is a comfortable and functional 2-berth camper with a number of modern style refinements. The interior is very presentable and cosy.
Main highlights:
- Striking purple and white two tone colour, shiny mooncap wheels
- Rock and roll double bed
- pop up roof in the rear so that you can stand up in the van when camping (currently a little stiff from lack of use!)
- kitchen unit with double gas hobs, sink and cold running water
- very comfortable beige leather seats up front (I believe these might be from a Saab?)
- Freshwater bottle and a gas bottle in cupboard
- Generous amount of storage space in various cupboards and cubby holes.
- Curtains all around
- Buddy seat chair storage behind passenger seat
- 3 point inertia seat belts front and (on one side) rear
- Zig power control unit with battery status monitor
- Remtec remanufactured 1600cc engine
- Oodles of style and character!!
Condition
We would always advise customers to choose their classic camper based on bodywork first, mechanical condition second and aesthetics/ features third; this is due to where the big bills hit when problems arise.
Clearly like any vehicle of this age, you should not expect a 100% blemish or issue-free vehicle, however she is certainly in much better condition than most bay window vans we see. Structurally, she is pretty solid underneath, essential welding was done for the MOT and the few areas of rash on the bodywork are pictured for your examination.
Mechanically, she drives very well with no knocks, rattles, etc. brakes and steering good and no mot advisories flagged. Engine runs nicely and produces healthy power. Just being serviced, with new oil, oil filter, strainer, spark plugs and fuel filter.
 The gear change, like on all of these vans, takes a bit of getting used to, but functions as it should.
There is a comprehensive folder of receipts detailing much service work carried out in last 20 or so years. Highlights include:
–Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Brand’s new remtec engine in July 2008 at 10593 miles with receipts.
–Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Exhaust silencer, clutch, tailpipe, Chrome surrounds, washer pump, horn, steering wheel, heater cables, door seals, indicator lenses at a similar time.
–Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â More recently, the folder shows various works for MOTs and regular servicing. Parts listed include wheel cylinders, brake shoes / discs / pads, ball joints, push rods, various gaskets, oil cooler, fan belt, dynamo, distributor, piston barrels, valve covers, brake pipes, seat belts, starter and leisure battery, another clutch, and some more exhaust parts.
–Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â In preparation for sale, she has had new CV joints, a new starter battery, a full service (engine oil, oil filter, fuel filter, air filter, spark plugs, dizzy cap, rotor arm) and a bit of welding underneath at the front.
To conclude: a nice and sorted van, in presentable and good order, ready to go camping now. Cheap to run, on classic car insurance and with no road tax, ulez, etc, and will appreciate overtime due to its historic nature. Jump in and become part of a very friendly club of bay window owners, who, let’s be honest, everyone else envies and romantically dreams of joining too!!
Some disclaimers:
This is not our vehicle, we are selling it on behalf of the owner. It is therefore a private sale and no warranty is given or implied. You should inspect the vehicle carefully, or ask someone qualified to do so on your behalf, it is sold as seen and the opinions given above are not representations you can rely on, they are just there to help you assess whether it’s worth coming to have a look. Further, I should say that classic vehicle ownership is not for everybody. These vehicles need more regular and more informed tender loving care. They are not well-suited to driving long distances in one go. There is no air conditioning, you won’t do motorway speeds, the gear change is for confident drivers only. You’ll need to learn some basic maintenance and or have a trusted garage to keep her reliable and maintained. That’s all part of the ownership experience!!
Myrtle is is available for viewing in Streatham / Norbury, SW16.
You will need insurance to test drive.
