Registration No: KNT 164E
Chassis No: B7126554
MOT: October 2024

• Brazilian manufactured Kombi Luxo with the rare and desirable '15 window' configuration
• Extensively restored prior to being first UK registered in April 2018
• Significantly improved since entering the current ownership via renowned specialist Type 2 Detectives
• Well-equipped with a leisure battery (on a separate circuit), sink, gas hob, USB port, stereo and fold-out ‘Z Bed’ etc

Visiting Wolfsburg in 1946 to explore the possibility of becoming Volkswagen’s first international concessionaire, Dutch businessman Ben Pon was intrigued by a pared back, Type 1-derived parts-mover ‘plattewagen’ which he saw traversing the factory. Positing that the improvised hack could form the basis of another model line, Pon doodled a van with the driver and engine positioned above the front and rear axles respectively on April 23^rd 1947. Although his concept struck a chord with VW’s management, demand for the Type 1 (Beetle) was such that productionising the Type 2 (Bus) was not a priority. A prototype was eventually built and its successors refined via the wind tunnel at the Technical University of Braunschweig with the result that their drag coefficients tumbled from 0.75 to 0.44 (the Beetle / Type 1 was 0.48 by comparison). Greenlit on May 19^th 1949, the very first Type 2 rolled off the production line just under six months later. The initial Kombi and Commercial variants were subsequently joined by Microbus, Pick-Up and Ambulance derivatives. Nicknamed the ‘Split Screen’ or ‘Splittie’ on account of its distinctive, two-part, V-windscreen, the first iteration of the T1 lasted until 1967 in Germany. However, production of the Type 2 (T1) continued in Brazil under licence for another eight years. Not available in Europe, the ’15-Window Kombi Luxo’ featured the same basic glazing layout as the revered ’23-Window Samba’ but without the latter’s sunroof or eight skylights. The extravagant ‘wraparound’ rear corner windows common to both models were not only aesthetically pleasing but also gave exceptional all-round visibility. More weathertight and easier to curtain than a 23-Window, the 15-Window ‘Buses make for great Campers.

Built during the 1967-model year, chassis B7126554 was imported from Brazil to the UK by its previous keeper a decade ago after a prolonged search using a local agent to find a structurally sound example. Stripped to bare metal the only panels that required replacing were reportedly the side seals and sundry floor sections. Painted in the striking combination of Titian Red over Lotus White by RS Automotive, the Volkswagen was also kitted out as a Camper Van with a ‘rock ‘n’ roll’ bed, twin gas hob, electric sink, multi-speaker stereo, Red / White upholstery, USB ports, 240v plug socket, real oak counter tops and ‘black out’ curtains etc. Uprated with a German gearbox that Peter Englezos of Cogbox had rejuvenated, the Type 2 also benefited from an overhaul of its 1600cc flat-four engine which gained a correct-type replacement Solex carburettor. Twin port manifold and uprated MoFoCo cylinder heads. Boasting a factory-fitted servo, the braking system was enhanced with new drums all round, while Peter Good from Volks Goods provided a replacement wiring loom. Nice touches abound such as a custom-made window wiper motor and yolk with self-park and two-speeds plus an EMPI short shift gear lever, US-specification over rider bumpers and chrome-plated steel wheels / hubcaps.

A former airline pilot used to precision machinery, the vendor bought ‘KNT 164E’ from SafWat Cars for £39,449 including GTECHNIQ Platinum paint protection during April 2019. Bowled over by the Camper’s looks but less enamoured with the driving experience, he entrusted it to acknowledged marque specialists Type 2 Detectives last September / October for almost £12,000 worth of fettling. As well as improving the steering, brakes and suspension (new Bilstein shock absorbers etc), the Cambridgeshire firm re-worked the separate leisure battery circuit, tuned the engine and conducted a thorough service. Passing its most recent MOT test on October 12^th 2023 with ‘no advisories’, this decidedly handsome ’15-Window’ Splittie will be driven to the auction. Offered for sale with V5C Registration Document, Type 2 Detectives Service Book and history file.

For more information, please contact:
Damian Jones
damian.jones@handh.co.uk
07855 493737