•An original bus version of the Transporter
•Converted to serve as a historic racing support vehicle
•Fitted with a 2.1-litre, 110bhp engine
•Registered in Germany
•TüV certificate valid until April 2019

As readily recognisable as the immortal 'Beetle' itself and a cult vehicle in its own right, the Volkswagen Type 2 Transporter and its derivatives enjoyed an even longer period in production than their saloon progenitor. The original was conceived in the late 1940s by a Dutch Volkswagen agent, Ben Pon, who drew up plans for a van based on the Beetle floorpan and running gear. Known as the Volkswagen Type 2 (the Beetle saloon being Type 1) the result of Pon's efforts arrived in 1950 and almost immediately proliferated into a bewildering variety of models catering for an enormous range of commercial and domestic activities. Engines grew in size and power while both handling and comfort improved as development progressed. By 1968, when the first major revision of this outstandingly successful design occurred, almost two million had been sold worldwide.

The vehicle offered here represents the Type 2 in its second generation, known to devotees as the 'Bay' after its wraparound windscreen, the split-screen original being known as the 'Splittie'. Although constructed along lines similar to those of the original, the newcomer was both longer and heavier than its predecessor, necessitating a larger engine of 1,584cc. In this form the Type 2 would remain in production until superseded by the 3rd generation in 1979.
Finished in the evocative Martini racing livery, this is an original bus version of the legendary Transporter, which has been modified to serve as a historic racing support vehicle. The side windows are covered with white adhesive sheets, which can be easily removed if the next owner so wishes. We have also been informed that, prior to the Transporter's conversion and repaint in white, the body was found to be largely rust-free.

The vehicle features a sunroof and tow-bar, and has been upgraded with a 2.1-litre T4 engine from a Porsche 914, which breathes via twin 40 mm carburettors and is estimated to produce a very healthy 110 horsepower. An invoice for €5,750 from Orratech Motorbau is offered with the car together with German registration documents and a TüV certificate valid until April 2019. A most stylish and surprisingly quick mode of transport, and surely a welcome site at any historic race meeting.