1967 Volkswagen Split Screen Panel Van – Rare Double-Door Example | The Summer Serenade Auction | 18th July

For Volkswagen enthusiasts, few vehicles inspire the admiration reserved for the iconic Split Screen Transporter. Synonymous with the golden age of Volkswagen motoring, the Split Screen has long since achieved legendary status, with only a select number of truly exceptional and remarkably original examples surviving today. We are delighted to present one such vehicle.

Built in 1967, this highly desirable Volkswagen Split Screen Panel Van is distinguished by the rare factory option of cargo doors on both sides, making it a genuine double-door example. Further enhancing its appeal, the vehicle was specified with additional side belly pans typically associated with Samba models, creating an unusually well-equipped and highly sought-after Panel Van.

Now approaching its sixth decade, it is remarkable to encounter such an unspoilt and apparently unrestored example, particularly one that appears never to have seen commercial use. According to the accompanying history, the van was one of three purchased new by a baker in Italy. Rather than serving as a delivery vehicle, it was used exclusively for personal transport between his home and bakery. The condition of the vehicle strongly supports this account, with the cargo area showing little evidence of having carried goods throughout its life. The cab presents an equally compelling story. While the driver's seat and door trim display the honest signs of decades of use, the passenger side remains astonishingly well preserved, with the seat appearing almost exactly as it left the factory.

What truly sets this Split Screen apart is the extraordinary number of original details that survive. The uncut dashboard remains complete with its factory radio blanking plate and original ashtray. The cargo floor retains its original rubber bungs, plastic protective covers remain fitted to the rear cargo-door hinges, and period service stickers and dealer windscreen badge are still present. Accompanying the vehicle are its original Volkswagen skeleton key and leather pouch, while even the factory coat hooks survive within the cab. The original cross-ply spare wheel appears never to have been used, and the external door hinges still wear their delicate plastic protective caps. Panel fit and door gaps throughout are exceptional and rank among the finest likely to be found on an original Volkswagen of this period. Particularly noteworthy is the survival of the original cargo divider separating the cab from the load area. Complete with its glass, trims, mountings and even the small foam corner bungs, it remains in near-perfect condition. These dividers are exceptionally difficult to find today, as many were removed during working life to accommodate larger loads and commercial cargo.

The paintwork is believed to be substantially original, with the exception of the lower edges of the sills, which appear to have received a coat of green paint at some point in the vehicle's life. Minor dents, blemishes and surface marks accumulated through decades of honest use provide further evidence of its authenticity and preservation rather than restoration. The roof remains perfectly straight from front to rear, avoiding the characteristic centre-line sag often encountered on ageing Split Screens. The front fresh-air vent is free from dents, while even the paint surrounding the operating handle remains unworn. Both front and rear bumpers are notably solid, supporting weight without movement or squeaking, and all four factory jacking points remain intact. While minor areas of corrosion are visible, as shown in the accompanying photographs, the only area appearing to require immediate attention is the battery tray, which has partially corroded over time.

Mechanically and as with any vehicle emerging from long-term storage, we recommend a thorough inspection before regular road use. Nevertheless, the van starts, runs, stops and manoeuvres around as expected. We understand it spent approximately 35 years off the road before being recommissioned for sale. The fuel system has been drained and replenished with fresh fuel, while a small quantity of diesel was added to aid lubrication of the fuel system and piston rings during recommissioning.

Inspection reveals evidence of conscientious maintenance throughout its life, with grease points showing regular attention over many years. The odometer currently displays 51,525 kilometres. A surviving Alfa Romeo dealership service sticker within the cab records an oil service at 45,000 kilometres, believed to have taken place on 13 September 1993, although the ink has faded with age. This aligns with information suggesting the vehicle remained in storage in Italy for more than 25 years before arriving in the United Kingdom in 2020, subsequently joining a private collection. Most recently, a new rear gear-linkage bush has been fitted following failure of the original component during photography. Opportunities to acquire an original, unrestored and exceptionally straight double-door Split Screen Panel Van of this calibre are exceedingly rare. Preserved rather than restored, this remarkable Volkswagen offers a unique glimpse into the marque's commercial vehicle heritage and is quite possibly one of the most original surviving examples available today. Consigned by James Good