A 1963 split screen VW bus for sale on Car and Classic is certain to divide opinion.
Technically, it’s two VW Type 2s that have been mashed together to create a tow truck and camper based on the “fifth wheel” idea. As if that’s not enough, the original air-cooled flat-four engine has been ditched in favour of a two-liter, turbocharged motor from an Audi S3. It’s mated to an Audi automatic transmission and the whole drivetrain is neatly packaged beneath the vehicle’s rear deck.
An external roll cage stiffens the shell to cope with more than four times the power that the bonkers bus would have had in its original form. It sits a little lower than standard, but otherwise outwardly this Frankenbus looks suitably period in its two-tone cream-beige paintwork with matching steelies.
The trailer features a king size rock’n’roll bed and kitchen, while its Westfalia-style pop-top extends head room to standing height. There’s a stylish wood-slatted roof rack and a roll-out awning to cover your campsite.
The neatest feature is the articulated U-shaped hitch on the bus’s bed which means it can be detached from the camping trailer and driven on its own. The cab has retained much of its originality, keeping a bench seat and its trademark big steering wheel with exposed column. A Hurst-like shifter is in the only real clue that something different has been done.
“Every once in a while you come across a vehicle that’s so impressive, you can’t praise it enough,”reckon Car & Classic. “This is one such vehicle. The brainchild of a very clever and talented individual, we’re sure Volkswagen collectors the world over will want to own this awesome custom creation.”
At the time of writing the bidding had reached just £23,500, but whatever price it fetches someone will be getting a fantastic two-for-one deal with this unique Type 2.
