Period-perfect Kombi camper up for grabs

A stunning, left-hand drive Kombi campervan imported from the US and restored to within an inch of its life, is expected to sell for as much as a brand-new Volkswagen campervan when it goes under the hammer at Shannons Melbourne Spring Classic auction on September 29.

The multiple award-winning 1966 VW Campervan named ‘Buster' is a rare surviving ‘E-Z' Camper conversion based on an increasingly collectible ‘Split-Window' Type 2 Kombi.

Introduced in 1949 with the same reliable running gear as the original post-War VW Beetle, the Kombi soon carved a niche as a reliable, versatile and endearing workhorse and it was available as a van, a bus and as early as 1951, as a camper, with a conversion by the German Westfalia company.

As demand for these campers outstripped supply – particularly in North America – other camper conversions entered the market, including  the ‘E-Z' Camper built in Littlerock, California that cleverly transformed the Kombi into a veritable house on wheels, with a folding bed, tables and chairs, kitchenette, 55-litre water system and wardrobe.

The ‘E-Z' being auctioned enjoyed a long association with the original owner's family before being inherited by their stepson who began the task of refurbishing the vehicle to better than new condition in the early 2000s.

The restoration was thoroughly documented by a detailed, step-by-step photographic record of all work performed, along with a comprehensive receipt file.

A new 1915cc engine fitted with Twin Weber carburettors and electronic ignition was installed, along with a replacement ‘Freeway Flyer' transmission and a CSP front disc brake conversion for added safety. Optimax deep cycle batteries were fitted, along with a discreetly-hidden Alpine sound system.

‘Buster' also comes with its original canvas annexe, twin Coleman stoves (still in their original packaging), the original (and still functioning) icebox along with various accessories such as anodised mugs, crockery and cutlery.

The classic Volkswagen has only travelled a further 1500 miles since its rebuild was completed in 2001 and remains in truly remarkable condition.

Since being imported to Australia from California in 2011, ‘Buster' has been a hit at various NSW and Victorian shows, where it's won numerous awards for its stunning presentation.

Shannons expects this stunning reminder of the free-living 1960s to sell in the $62,000-$72,000 range.

For more on the upcoming auction visit the Shannons website.