1964 VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER

Few commercial vehicles have transcended their original purpose quite like Volkswagen's Type 2. Introduced in 1950 as the natural commercial companion to the Beetle, the simple rear-engined, air-cooled platform proved remarkably adaptable, spawning everything from panel vans and buses to campers and pick-ups. Amongst the more unusual configurations was the Double Cab Pick-up, combining seating for up to six with a separate load bed and creating what was, in effect, Volkswagen's answer to a compact crew cab decades before the concept became commonplace.

This particular Type 265 Double Cab has a fascinating history, much of which is documented within an impressively comprehensive accompanying file. Its official Volkswagen AutoMuseum Certificate records Chassis 1 164 794 as having been built on 9th September 1963 before leaving the factory three days later, destined for Los Angeles, USA. It was originally finished in L87 Pearl White with grey upholstery and powered by a 1.5-litre engine producing 42 DIN PS.

Having spent all of its life in California, the Double Cab was eventually acquired by Volkswagen enthusiast and retired firefighter Jim Martin. By then its working life had taken its toll and after driving it for around seven years, Martin embarked upon what would become an extraordinary 52-month restoration.

The project was subsequently documented in an extensive feature in the September 2018 edition of Hot VWs magazine. The restoration went far beyond a cosmetic refresh, with the body stripped and substantial metalwork undertaken before it was media blasted and epoxy sealed. The load bed, cargo and cab floors, inner frame, outriggers, jacking points and numerous other areas received attention, with replacement metal sourced from specialist suppliers before the body was painstakingly prepared and refinished in its factory L87 Pearl White.

The same attention was applied underneath. The front end and braking system were rebuilt, the transmission was rebuilt by KCR with reduction boxes and a 4.12:1 ring and pinion, whilst the engine was enlarged from 1,493cc to 1,585cc using 85.5mm pistons whilst retaining standard internals and single-port heads. A Solex 30 carburettor and Bosch 009 distributor complete a deliberately near-standard mechanical specification. Since arriving in the UK, a front disc brake conversion has also been fitted, providing a worthwhile improvement in usability.

Inside, the seat frames were restored and powder-coated before being trimmed in grey vinyl with white piping, with much of the interior sourced or restored to replicate its original appearance. Even the canopy received considerable attention, assembled from components sourced from specialist suppliers to complete the wonderfully period appearance.

The quality of the finished restoration was quickly recognised with the Double Cab winning awards at numerous Californian Volkswagen events, including Best of Show at the 2017 Madera Spring Fling, and was photographed and featured repeatedly in Hot VWs, appearing both within the magazine and on its contents pages.

Our vendor subsequently purchased the Volkswagen directly from its retired firefighter owner in Los Angeles and imported it to the UK, where it is now registered as CBU 995B. Today it remains in superb concours condition and is accompanied by an exceptional collection of documentation, photographs and magazine features charting the restoration, together with its Volkswagen AutoMuseum Certificate and spare keys.

Rare, characterful and restored with an extraordinary degree of attention to detail, this is far more than simply a smart Split Screen. Its documented Californian provenance, factory certification, award winning restoration and extensive magazine coverage combine to make it an especially impressive example of the seldom seen Double Cab Pick-up in exceptional condition.