Volkswagen Transporter T1 Kombi | 1961

Volkswagen Transporter T1 Kombi | 1961

Highlights:

– 1,600 cc air-cooled flat-four petrol engine with four-speed manual transmission

– Restored in 2025

– Two-tone grey-green and cream paintwork with split windscreen

– Camper-style interior with wooden cabinetry, dining table and bench seating

– Fabric sunroof

The private seller offers for sale this 1961 Volkswagen Transporter T1 Kombi, powered by a 1,600 cc air-cooled four-cylinder petrol engine, paired with a four-speed manual transmission. This split-window Type 2 was restored in 2025 and presents in a classic two-tone scheme, with a grey-green lower body and cream upper body separated by the characteristic V-shaped front panel and the large chrome VW emblem. Outside, it is finished with a chrome roof rack fitted with wooden slats, a rear-mounted access ladder with wooden rungs and polished five-spoke wheels, giving the bus a well-balanced period look with a touch of personality.

Inside, the Kombi has been fitted out in camper style. The cab features a cream front bench seat, the cream-painted metal dashboard with the central speedometer and the large thin-rimmed steering wheel that define the early Transporter. The rear compartment offers wood-grain cabinetry, an L-shaped layout with bench seating in cream upholstery, a folding dining table and curtains on all side windows. A fabric sunroof opens up the cabin to light and air, making this a pleasant bus for summer touring and weekend trips. The seller reports a valid roadworthiness inspection. As the vehicle was purchased at auction, no earlier history is available.

The Volkswagen Transporter, internally known as the Type 2, was born from a sketch by Dutch importer Ben Pon in 1947 and entered production in 1950 using the mechanicals of the Beetle. The T1 generation, built in Germany until 1967, quickly became one of the most versatile vehicles of its era, available as panel van, pickup, Kombi and the deluxe Samba bus. The Kombi, with its side windows and removable seating, was designed as a multi-purpose vehicle that could carry passengers or goods, and it became the favourite base for camper conversions across Europe and beyond.

With its rear-mounted air-cooled engine, forward control driving position and split windscreen, the T1 offers a driving experience unlike anything else on the road. It is simple, robust and easy to maintain, and the larger 1,600 cc engine provides a welcome increase in usable performance compared with the original units. Today, early split-window buses are among the most sought-after classic Volkswagens, valued for their iconic design, their place in popular culture and their ability to bring people together wherever they go. This 1961 Kombi, with its recent restoration and camper-style interior, is ready to be enjoyed at shows, meetings and on the open road.

Condition of the bodywork & paint

4 — Very Good. Clean with minimal wear; might need minor replacements for small missing or broken parts.

Condition of the interior

4 — Very Good. Displays only minimal wear and can hit the road any time.

Technical condition

4 — Very Good. Mechanically solid, with potential for minor servicing.

Overall condition

4 — Very Good. Displays only minimal wear and can hit the road any time.

This item is sold on an as-is basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and descriptions of the listing are for information purposes only.

We encourage all potential bidders to inspect the vehicle before placing a bid. Please contact us by phone or email to schedule an appointment.

All auction cars offered have a reserve price. You have only won the item if the seller accepts your bid.

Price changes and errors reserved. The 14-day right of withdrawal does not apply to this auction.

This car is currently located in: Occitania region, France.

This car drives, brakes and shifts.

The car has a France registration. The buyer is responsible for registration in his own country and responsible for delivery and collection of any vehicle purchased at the auction.

The description of this car is, to the best of the seller’s knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Route 66 Auctions requests a range of detail about the car from the seller and performs a level of due diligence. However, potential buyers must independently satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description. We strongly advise potential buyers to view or arrange inspections as well as conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to bid or buy.

Please note that it is not uncommon for classic or collectible cars to have received cosmetic repairs in the past, to rectify damage or refresh appearance, and this work may be hard to see even upon visual inspection. Unless there is an explicit statement by the seller to the contrary, please assume that any vehicle could have had bodywork or paintwork. Photographs may not reflect the exact true colour or exact full condition of the vehicle. It is a bidder’s responsibility to assure themselves of the colour and condition of a vehicle, including its interior and the existence of any remedial bodywork or paintwork, before committing to bid or buy.

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