Volkswagen - T1 - 1963

16
days
00
hours
57
minutes
59
seconds
Current bid
€ 2
Reserve price not met
Arjan Rietveld
Expert
Selected by Arjan Rietveld

Thirty years' experience with classic cars, specialising in Italian cars and Porsche.

Estimate  € 39,000 - € 43,000
19 other people are watching this object
frBidder 1339
€2
frBidder 1339
€1

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Volkswagen T1 from 1963 in Turkis green with manual transmission, 1500 cc petrol, 39,198 km, located in the Netherlands with Dutch registration, full service history, matching colours, CoC not present.

AI-assisted summary

Description from the seller

GENERAL

This 1963 Volkswagen T1 is an original turquoise-green split-window bus with a walk-through, still largely in its original paint. Such pure, untouched examples are rare nowadays.
The bus was newly purchased in 1963 by an American soldier stationed in Germany. He ordered it especially without benches, because he wanted to install a simple camper interior right away. After a short period in Germany the bus was shipped to Houston (USA) and then driven by the owner himself to San Francisco, where it remained until 2001. Afterwards the bus was brought to the Netherlands, where it remained in the possession of one owner until 2025.

BODYWORK & PAINTWORK

The body is in exceptionally solid and original condition, with razor-straight sills, floors, rails and nose. There has clearly been careful care given to the bus; after 62 years it has remained remarkably original. The paint is largely the original coat, with only light signs of use and aging such as small dents, scratches and superficial rust — an authentic patina that suits its age.
The left rear corner has been completely replaced due to damage and repainted in color. All other panels are still in their original paint. The bumpers and rims have recently been repainted and fitted with modern, wider bus tires.

technical

The bus is equipped with a 1500cc H engine that starts well and runs smoothly. Cruising at speeds above 100 km/h is no problem. The engine has recently undergone major maintenance. After longer periods of idle, it smokes briefly and lightly at startup, which disappears completely after a few minutes—that is a known phenomenon with air-cooled engines and can be remedied if desired.
Technically, the bus has over the years been equipped with a number of comfort and safety improvements. For example, it is fitted with disc brakes and a brake booster, resulting in excellent braking performance. The steering is tight and direct. The door and hatch seals have recently been renewed, and behind all panels anti-noise mats have been installed for extra ride comfort.

Interior

The interior has remained largely original and is in particularly neat condition. The seats and interior panels are well maintained and authentic.
The original camping decor has been replaced by a more contemporary interior by the Dutch owner, including a sofa bed and an Eberspächer petrol stand heater**. Furthermore, the van is equipped with seat belts front and rear and safari-style windows for extra ventilation and character.
In the 1960s, five original Hehr louvre windows were installed, identical to those of the Westfalia T1, fitting the original rabbet without any sawing. They are still in perfect condition, complete with removable screens and even the original purchase documents.

Documents

The bus comes with complete documentation, including the original purchase papers from 1963 and numerous maintenance and parts receipts from the following years. This makes the vehicle not only exceptionally original, but also well historically traceable.

AFHALING

The Volkswagen T1 is available for viewing in Burgum, the Netherlands. Worldwide transport can be arranged, in consultation with the seller.

Other Information

This turquoise-green spijlbus is a rare original example with a beautiful patina and a documented history. Thanks to technical upgrades, such as disc brakes, brake assist, and modern tires, it drives reliably and safely, without losing its authentic character.
A genuine enthusiast's bus that exudes the charm of the sixties and yet can easily keep up with today’s traffic.


GENERAL

This 1963 Volkswagen T1 is an original turquoise-green split-window bus with a walk-through, still largely in its original paint. Such pure, untouched examples are rare nowadays.
The bus was newly purchased in 1963 by an American soldier stationed in Germany. He ordered it especially without benches, because he wanted to install a simple camper interior right away. After a short period in Germany the bus was shipped to Houston (USA) and then driven by the owner himself to San Francisco, where it remained until 2001. Afterwards the bus was brought to the Netherlands, where it remained in the possession of one owner until 2025.

BODYWORK & PAINTWORK

The body is in exceptionally solid and original condition, with razor-straight sills, floors, rails and nose. There has clearly been careful care given to the bus; after 62 years it has remained remarkably original. The paint is largely the original coat, with only light signs of use and aging such as small dents, scratches and superficial rust — an authentic patina that suits its age.
The left rear corner has been completely replaced due to damage and repainted in color. All other panels are still in their original paint. The bumpers and rims have recently been repainted and fitted with modern, wider bus tires.

technical

The bus is equipped with a 1500cc H engine that starts well and runs smoothly. Cruising at speeds above 100 km/h is no problem. The engine has recently undergone major maintenance. After longer periods of idle, it smokes briefly and lightly at startup, which disappears completely after a few minutes—that is a known phenomenon with air-cooled engines and can be remedied if desired.
Technically, the bus has over the years been equipped with a number of comfort and safety improvements. For example, it is fitted with disc brakes and a brake booster, resulting in excellent braking performance. The steering is tight and direct. The door and hatch seals have recently been renewed, and behind all panels anti-noise mats have been installed for extra ride comfort.

Interior

The interior has remained largely original and is in particularly neat condition. The seats and interior panels are well maintained and authentic.
The original camping decor has been replaced by a more contemporary interior by the Dutch owner, including a sofa bed and an Eberspächer petrol stand heater**. Furthermore, the van is equipped with seat belts front and rear and safari-style windows for extra ventilation and character.
In the 1960s, five original Hehr louvre windows were installed, identical to those of the Westfalia T1, fitting the original rabbet without any sawing. They are still in perfect condition, complete with removable screens and even the original purchase documents.

Documents

The bus comes with complete documentation, including the original purchase papers from 1963 and numerous maintenance and parts receipts from the following years. This makes the vehicle not only exceptionally original, but also well historically traceable.

AFHALING

The Volkswagen T1 is available for viewing in Burgum, the Netherlands. Worldwide transport can be arranged, in consultation with the seller.

Other Information

This turquoise-green spijlbus is a rare original example with a beautiful patina and a documented history. Thanks to technical upgrades, such as disc brakes, brake assist, and modern tires, it drives reliably and safely, without losing its authentic character.
A genuine enthusiast's bus that exudes the charm of the sixties and yet can easily keep up with today’s traffic.


Details

Brand
Volkswagen
Model Type
T1
Year
1963
Located in
Netherlands
Mileage reading
39198 km
Registration papers
with Dutch registration
Transmission
Manual
Fuel
Petrol
Colour
Turkish
Horse Power
39
Cubic capacity
1500
Matching numbers
Unknown
Matching colours
Yes
Service book/history
Yes
Valid MOT
No
CoC (Certificate of Conformity) present
No
Certificate available
No
Condition (Paint & body)
Good: may require conventional body and paintwork. May require replacement of parts
Condition (Interior)
Good: shows signs of normal wear and usage. May require repair or replacement of parts
Condition (Frame & underbody)
Very Good: frame/structure is in a well preserved condition, minor signs of usage/wear
Condition (Mechanical)
Good: mechanically sound. May require maintenance and repair
Condition (Overall)
Good condition: visible signs of wear and general ageing
Sold by
The NetherlandsVerified
New
on Catawiki
Private

Disclaimer

Catawiki always aims to offer you the best possible buying experience. Our experts virtually review and select every vehicle in line with our submission guidelines and we require our sellers to provide the most accurate description of the vehicle. However, providing a fully detailed analysis of the vehicle is extremely difficult, and close to impossible. To guide you, we ask our sellers to provide information about the vehicle’s condition. Please consider that most vehicles for sale are classic vehicles and they often already have a whole life behind them, meaning that even a condition 1 or 2 vehicle might need maintenance to be ready for the road. It is advised to carefully read our submission guidelines that further describe details about the condition grades and types to manage your expectations. Cars are sold “as is”, meaning as described and in the condition they are in at the time of the sale and without any representation, warranty or assumption of liability of any kind as to the condition by Catawiki or by the seller. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from yours, your local garage, or the dealer’s opinion. This does not automatically mean the car does not conform to its description. Before bidding, please check your local legislation regarding vehicle registration. Neither the seller nor Catawiki is responsible for the registration of the vehicle in your country and will not accept a cancellation for your failure to register the vehicle. We also recommend that, if possible, you arrange a viewing with the seller before placing a bid.

Catawiki always aims to offer you the best possible buying experience. Our experts virtually review and select every vehicle in line with our submission guidelines and we require our sellers to provide the most accurate description of the vehicle. However, providing a fully detailed analysis of the vehicle is extremely difficult, and close to impossible. To guide you, we ask our sellers to provide information about the vehicle’s condition. Please consider that most vehicles for sale are classic vehicles and they often already have a whole life behind them, meaning that even a condition 1 or 2 vehicle might need maintenance to be ready for the road. It is advised to carefully read our submission guidelines that further describe details about the condition grades and types to manage your expectations. Cars are sold “as is”, meaning as described and in the condition they are in at the time of the sale and without any representation, warranty or assumption of liability of any kind as to the condition by Catawiki or by the seller. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from yours, your local garage, or the dealer’s opinion. This does not automatically mean the car does not conform to its description. Before bidding, please check your local legislation regarding vehicle registration. Neither the seller nor Catawiki is responsible for the registration of the vehicle in your country and will not accept a cancellation for your failure to register the vehicle. We also recommend that, if possible, you arrange a viewing with the seller before placing a bid.

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