Work and play VW Kombis up for auction

Volkswagen’s ubiquitous commercial vehicles were the favourite of hippies, surfers and free-loving travellers from their earliest split-windscreen models of the 1950s to their later T2 days in the 1970s. Now they have a new after-life as increasingly valuable and quirky ‘campervans’.

The Volkswagen Type 2 commercial van – better known to Australians as the Kombi – was introduced in 1949 and rapidly established itself as one of the most versatile and popular commercial vehicles ever made. Sharing the same reliable running gear found in the Beetle of the day, the Kombi’s unitary construction bodywork was supported by a ladder frame ideally suited for load carrying. 

The uncompromising brick-like design which prioritised function over form, combined with their proven air-cooled VW mechanicals made them a favourite among younger travellers and that popularity has extended to older generations today, with high prices commanded by sound examples.

Shannons have four great work and play Kombis in its timed online Winter classic auction that runs from August 15-22.

The Type 2 was initially sold as a van, bus or pick-up, although as time went on these basic models were expanded into a bewildering array of offshoots, including campers, ambulances and many more derivatives.

First seen in Australia in 1953 and sold as CKD (Completely Knocked Down) vehicles assembled at the Clayton plant in Melbourne between 1954 and 1976, the Kombi proved hugely successful in this country and for years they were a common sight on our roads.

From NSW there is a 1976 ‘work and play’ T2 Kombi that has been converted to a mobile coffee van, which the seller operated in the small Victorian tourist town of Bellbridge (overlooking Lake Hume), until a farm relocation made that impractical.

A SAB coffee machine is built in at the rear of the VW, accessed from outside via the tailgate, while inside there’s lots of storage under the stainless steel benches, with practical vinyl covering the walls and floors.

Coffee brewing power is provided by an on-board Cummins Onan 6.5 kVA generator (with 200 hours), plus there’s a 108L freshwater tank, a 12/240V hot/cold water system, a 45L sullage tank, a 1200W inverter, six x 12V downlights, a fuse panel, a second battery and a 12V to 12V charging system. 

Away from the business end, the roomy Kombi cabin features frosted side windows to provide privacy, while a pop-up roof provides working headroom above a front bedroom.

With 56,241km on the odo, the 1976 VW ‘Kombi Canteen’ has all the gear you’ll need to do business on the go, but the van itself is going to need work to bring it back to its best. However for a travelling business investment of $18,000 to $26,000 you could take your time...

If you would prefer a non-working travelling companion, there’s a  turn-key 1977 T2 Deluxe Kombi Van without a pop-top roof in the auction that has enjoyed a first-class restoration by the Sunshine Coast Kombi Shop and is presented very attractively in the period livery of Miami Blue and Casablanca White.

The three-owner eight-seater Deluxe Bay Window Kombi was treated to a full bare metal restoration, while complete underbody rustproofing was also applied. 

As a result, the Kombi would make the perfect van to cruise the coast with room for plenty of your friends, and some camping gear. It’s expected to sell for $50,000 to $60,000.

A more camping friendly alternative, also without a pop-up roof,  is a well-presented 1976 Volkswagen Kombi offered by its long-term Sydney owner.

This very smart Kombi Camper Van has benefited from recent cosmetic refurbishment, including fresh two-tone paint, and it comes with a long list of aftermarket features, including a fold-out bed.

Showing 13,526km, mechanical improvements include a desirable fuel-injected 2.0-litre engine upgrade and front and rear sway bars for better handling. It’s expected to sell for between $25,000 to $35,000.

Finally, for traditionalists, there’s a collectible 1975 Volkswagen split-windscreen Fleetline Kombi microbus presented authentically with period headlamp stone shields and a roof rack. 

Set up as a period microbus, it could easily be converted to a surfing buddy or a campervan and is perfect for the VW enthusiast preferring the early Kombi styling. The well-presented grey-and-white Kombi is expected to sell for between $70,000 to $80,000, reflecting the collectible value of early VW commercial vehicles.

With many companies offering pop-up roof conversions, this is an opportunity to invest in an appreciating asset while touring Australia...

Shannons’ auction site can be found here.