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1978 Volkswagen T2 Microbus – 8 Seater

Sold Price

£12,864

  • Mileage~81,395 on clock
  • TransmissionManual
  • Engine2.0-litre
  • LocationBedworth

SOLD

1978 Volkswagen T2 Microbus – 8 Seater

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Introduction

Paul Wright
Professional Consigner

Factory-spec eight-seater microbus with a large factory sunroof.

By the early 1970s, the iconic VW camper had already become a cultural symbol, loved for its simplicity, practicality and unmistakable design. Whether used for weekend getaways, beach trips or road adventures further afield, the T2 offered a unique blend of charm and usability that continues to win hearts decades later. Which is exactly what this 1978 factory-produced eight-seater microbus has done, bringing huge smiles to many newlyweds since its arrival from the States.

Coming to market after almost ~12 years, this T2 Microbus has been a well-kept example, as Keith has been using it for his family business, the T2 playing an important role in getting the bride to the church on time.

Taking on this important role meant the microbus had to be well-maintained and well-presented for a couple's big day, and we are pleased to say it didn't disappoint.

This listing was written from information supplied by Paul after meeting Keith the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

We searched for a while and eventually found this microbus, imported but not registered, with a specialist down the road in Warwickshire.

The 1978 T2 was imported from California by a specialist when Keith found it, but it had yet to be registered, which means zero former keepers on the V5C.

With a plan already in mind to buy a van and use it as a wedding vehicle, this couldn’t have fitted the brief more perfectly. It was an eight-seater factory microbus with a factory sliding steel roof (perfect for those newlywed shots standing through the roof).

After nine years of creating unforgettable memories for newlyweds, the T2, affectionately known as ‘Walter’, is ready for a new chapter. Recently, Keith and his wife have been spending more time with their granddaughter, and with another T2, ‘Victor’, kept for weekend outings, Walter has seen less use and more time in storage. As a result, he’s now looking for a new home where he can continue making special moments.

Keith will be happy to answer any questions in the comments section below.

Keith
Vehicle Owner

Keith saved £2,160* when they
sold their VW with us.

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Exterior

The T2 Microbus presents exceptionally well, thanks to being used for weddings.

Wheels and Tyres

Fitted with steel wheels, finished in silver with a bright chrome hubcap, these are generally in very good condition, with just a few minor signs of tarnishing. The tyres are two different brands to the front and rear, but both have a period whitewall stripe, and all have a good amount of tread remaining.

Please take time to review the photos and videos for a detailed view of the exterior, wheels and tyres so you can make your own assessment of their condition. Tyres are a key safety item, and you should consider replacing any that are cracked, perished, unevenly worn or over 10 years old.

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Bodywork

Thankfully, coming from the States, the T2 was in excellent condition in terms of corrosion. The panel gaps align well, and the doors all shut nicely with a firm clunk, thanks to the door seals, which are in good condition.

As already mentioned, this T2 came with a factory sliding steel roof, which works superbly and is a nice addition to the microbus.

We’ve highlighted our observations in more detail through our high-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view of what’s on offer and to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

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Paint

Repainted in 2014, and rather than having the T2 painted in white, Keith and his wife opted for the classy look of white over Kansas Beige, which looks stunning and suits the T2 perfectly.

The condition of the paintwork is excellent, with just a couple of minor marks noted, nothing excessive or that jumps out at you.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there yourself. Please take the time to fully assess these high-resolution images and videos of the car to make up your own mind about the condition of the paint.

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Glass and Trim

All of the windows are in excellent condition, with no noticeable scratches. The window seals also appear to be in good order, with no perishing spotted.

The headlights are in good order with no damage to the lenses, and the rear light lenses, although they have no cracks, are a little crazed with age, but would be easy to replace, as these are readily available.

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Interior

The eight seats make the microbus perfect for family days out or even as a wedding bus again, maybe?

Seats and Carpets

The seats are in excellent condition. In the front, these have been trimmed in beige vinyl, and the rears have been trimmed to match the exterior colour scheme, with leather on the face of the seats and vinyl on the backs.

A hard-wearing flooring has been used in the front, and an easy-clean vinyl flooring has been fitted in the rear, all of which are in excellent condition.

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Dashboard

Usually, the dashboard in a T2, especially from the States, is cracked. This did have a few cracks across the top, so Keith has had the main section of the dash trimmed in black leather, which is in excellent condition.

The instruments are working correctly, and the odometer shows ~81,395 miles have been covered, at the time of our visit.

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Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The original two-spoke steering wheel has a light wear on the rim, which is in keeping with the VW's age.

The same can be said for the condition of the gear stick.

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Mechanics

Being fitted with the larger 2.0-litre flat-four makes a big difference compared to the smaller-engined T2s.

Engine and Gearbox

The engine fires up without hesitation and runs without issue.

The 2.0-litre engine pulls well as you work your way through the gears, which are easily selected, shifting in and out of gear with ease.

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Suspension and Brakes

On the road, no knocks or bangs were heard coming from either corner of the T2, and it rode lovely over the speed bumps in the surrounding area.

The brakes bring the T2 to a stop in a straight line, with no juddering reported through the pedal.

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The Drive

Sit back and relax, either as one of the eight passengers or the driver. The T2 offers a smooth, unhurried driving experience, ideally suited to those chilled-out Sunday drives or weekends away with the family. Or you could even do as Keith did and use it as a wedding vehicle.

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Electrics and Other

The switchgear in the T2 has a light amount of patina on the lettering of the switches, but all are said to work, with no issues reported.

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History and Paperwork

From the design plans to completion, Keith and his wife had everything covered.

Keith has saved the original sketches of his vision for turning the microbus into the glorious wedding chariot, along with samples of the interior. Also included are invoices for the bodywork, interior, various services, MOTs and a copy of some paperwork from the States.

If you’re in the market for a classic VW family day bus, then look no further - this is perfect to take you for weekends away or days out. Or perhaps you have an existing wedding car business you’d like to expand, or even the entrepreneur in you wants to start a business like Keith did. With all the hard work done, this could have the potential of a ready-made business.

We’ve carried out our usual seller checks, including verifying photo ID, the V5C and an HPI check. This confirms the car has not been stolen, written off and does not have any outstanding finance. Please note: this check does not include mileage verification.

We’ve summarised the car based on the seller’s information above. As always, we go to great lengths to photograph and film the car in high-resolution detail so you can make your own informed assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So grab a cuppa, sit back and enjoy reviewing everything in this listing.

Viewings are welcome for all our listings. Please get in touch to arrange a time – we just need to speak with you first and receive valid photo ID before confirming.

If you have any questions, no matter how small, please ask the seller in the comments section below before placing your bids, as bids cannot be retracted and form a binding contract if you win, just like in a traditional auction.

Service History
Date Type Mileage
03.10.2022 Service
28.09.2022 MOT 81,214
19.03.2020 MOT/Service 80,565
02.04.2019 Service
27.03.2019 MOT 79,590
13.03.2018 MOT/Service 78,378
15.03.2017 MOT/Service 76,819
04.03.2016 Service
02.03.2016 MOT 75,272
27.03.2015 MOT 73,463
21.03.2014 MOT 72,125
12.03.2014 Respray
18.08.2011 MOT 71,722
Key Details
  • Year1978
  • ModelT2 Microbus
  • TransmissionManual
  • Reg. Date01.01.1978
  • First UK Reg. Date01.06.2014
  • CC1970
  • Mileage~81,395 on clock
  • ColourWhite over Kanvas Beige
  • Interior ColourCream/Beige
  • Interior TrimLeather/Vinyl
  • Chassis #2282129748
  • Engine #GE032676
  • RestoredYes
  • MOT ExemptYes
  • Road Tax ExemptYes
  • HPi ClearYes - All Clear
  • Former Keepers0 in UK
  • LHD or RHDLHD
  • VisitedYes
  • Sale TypePrivate
  • Owned~11 years , 10 months
  • Key FeatureLovely Condition
  • Vehicle RegistrationYNF 485S
  • Driver’s SideLeft
  • Fuel TypePetrol
  • Body TypeMicrobus
  • Auction ID3527







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6 Comments
Adam Purrier - Trade Classics
Adam Purrier - Trade Classics
Admin
16 days ago

***RESERVE MET*** The car will be sold to the highest bidder this evening. Adam TC

ColinB
ColinB
Admin
17 days ago

*** RESERVE LOWERED ***

Keith has decided to lower the reserve, the highest bidder is now more likely to win the T2 on tomorrow night, good luck!

Thanks,
Colin.

SurreyMG
SurreyMG
24 days ago

Hi Kieth Can you expand on the condition of the body before paint, any new panels or welding that was required. Thanks

JPax
JPax
25 days ago

Hi Keith,
Really keen on your vw bus. I have registered to bid and contacted tradeclassics to ask if I can view the vehicle but they have not come back to me. Would visiting be an option?
Thanks,
James

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Vehicle Location

Bedworth

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