1960 VOLKSWAGEN
Model History
Produced from 1951 the T2 Split Screen VW Transporter is one of the most iconic vehicle ever produced. The early cars (produced between 1951 and 1955) have become known as ‘Barn Doors’ due to the large rear door that gave access to the engine bay. After March 1955 the transporter looked very different. A separate part-glazed tailgate provided access to the load area at the rear and there was a smaller engine cover below that. A long overdue fresh air ventilation system was added changing the simple look of the front of the vehicle forever. A full width dashboard for all models, rather than just the Deluxe, was added inside the cab. 160,170 transporters had been made by 1955. In 1956 manufacture of the transporter was relocated to a model-specific factory in Hanover. The first ‘walkthrough’ from cab to load area models were produced allowing much more flexible use of Kombi, Microbus and camper alike. The crew-cab or double-cab was added to the range in 1958.
However right from the start of transporter production, special models and conversions were available from VW or from other coach-builders of the day. The pre-VW factory Binz crew-cab is one of the most notable. Production continued with small changes until the next big change in 1963 when the width of the rear upper hatch was increased to aid access. Not a big deal in itself but it meant the end of the rear corner window on the Samba or Deluxe model. The 23-window model was now a 21-window. Production continued with small performance increases and the odd cosmetic change but the reliable old Splitty was starting to look a bit dated.
Here in the UK the Ford Transit started production just as the Splitty era was coming to an end. By 1967 around 1,833,000 transporters had been manufactured and after the annual summer closure of the VW works the second generation of transporter, the Bay-Window entered production. Production of the transporter also took place in South Africa & Australia where a further estimated 35,000 were built until 1968. In Brazil production continued until 1975 and around 400,000 were built. The simple design and elegant concept of the transporter was deceptively forward-thinking for its time. A box on wheels capable of carrying 700kg at 55mph all day fully loaded and return 23-32mpg was quite something in the 1950’s. When the 1 tonne van was introduced in the 1960’s, the performance had improved to cope with the extra load and the type 2 remained a very well performing commercial vehicle for its day. Thanks to the Split Screen Van Club for this information.
Exterior
Originally restored by VW specialists JAVA in 2008 as a promotional vehicle for their highly successful JGE Custom Wheels brand this 1960 double cab was sourced from San Francisco as a sound car in need of restoration. The vehicle was stripped to a shell and then media blasted to remove all the rust, under seal, dirt and old paint on the body. With this done they were then able to assess the damage that had be caused by 40 odd years of life as a commercial vehicle. Essentially most of the body panels were replaced at this time which included the rear bed, drop sides, front panel, valance and sills. With the body and chassis now in sound condition the car was sent away to Retro Refinishers who painted the Double Cab in it’s original factory Dove Blue. The quality of the finish is easily in the top 5% of any VW’s we have ever seen and more akin to the quality that you would find on a top class restoration on far more exotic fare.
After it had done ‘the VW scene for the year the vehicle was sold onto serial VW collector Wayne McCarthy who replaced the custom bumpers with a set of factory original items painted white and had the Double Cab sign written to period specification as a VW parts van. The artwork is taken from the family VW garage that they owned from the 60′s and was applied by Neil Melliard of Pro-Sign. The chrome work and door furniture is all in top quality condition and the van has been fitted with a rear canopy frame made from painted steel and wood to match the rear bed. There is currently no canopy for it but it would be possible for the next owner to commission us to make one.
Engine & Transmission
The engine was freshly built for Wayne by the guys at VW speed shop the spec is as follows: 1955 cc 76 x 90.5 40 x 35.5 VW heads, FK8 cam with CB 1.4 rockers, Full flow oil system, CB deep sump 2 quart low profile, CB forged crank, CB race rods, CB forged flywheel, Manton pushrods and Jaycee pushrod tubes. The engine is run by a Trigger System ECU and produced approximately 130 BHP. It is mated to a 1303S Beetle transmission with a straight axle conversion. This gives the Double Cab a brisk turn of pace and will easily cruse well over the legal limit on the motor way. As you can see from the pictures it is not all about the spec, the engine bay is beautifully detailed and even people who know nothing about the greasy bits know that it is a very special unit.
Interior
The interior is pretty much standard VW Double Cab circa 1960. There are two bench seats covered in Grey Vinyl which have matching door cards, headlining and front trim. There is grey carpet and lap seat belts for 5 people. The interior is all very nicely finished and there is plenty of space for the whole family.
Road Test
Well what can we say. When you take a drive out in any classic it is a bit of an event. The usual miserable faced commuters break their vacant gaze and give you a smile and those who are having a better day give you a thumbs up and a wave, it is one of the reasons we all love driving them, but when you go for a spin in a custom truck like this the attention you get is just fantastic. Out on the road the van is actually pretty civilised to drive as well. Although it has been comprehensively lowered the suspension and wheel and tyre upgrades, not to mention the tuned up engine and far superior gearbox give a surprising turn of pace and much better dynamic ability than you would ever give a Transporter credit for. The only thing that you must remember is that it is low so sleeping policeman are to be approached with caution. The reality is that this show queen is just as at home on the road as it is parked up looking beautiful in your garage.
History File
This is a well documented Double Cab having been restored by well know VW specialists JAVA in 2008. From there it has been featured in May 2009′s addition of Ultra VW before it was sold to collector Wayne McCarthy. He has documented all of the changes and upgrades that he has made to the car. She will be sold serviced up to date with a brand new MOT.
+44 (0) 1869 351883
Located in England
photo credit: Eclectic Cars
edited text credit: electiccars.co.uk
