1954 VW Transporter 'Barndoor'

The VW Transporter was introduced in 1950 and eventually made a mark on the pages of automotive history and culture worldwide. It is an iconic shape known the world over and has attracted a following like no other small van ever. Commercially it was and continues to be through all its subsequent iterations, a hit, celebrated for its simplicity in design, rugged reliability, and inescapable charisma.

This, extremely rare, RHD 'Doubledoor' Panel van rolled off the production line on the 10th February 1954. We are informed "OLL682" is one of the oldest known VW buses to be originally delivered to the UK and there are only six known right-hand drive “Barndoor” (pre-1955) Doubledoors worldwide. Not only is this a very rare vehicle but it also has an interesting history with its first owner enjoying the van for 30 years. In 1985, recognising how special the van was, Bob Shaill purchased it and, along with the UK 'Split Window Bug Club', intended to use "OLL682" as the club's support vehicle for their shows and meetings. There was an article in the Split Window Club Magazine at the time, written by Bob, pointing out just how rare this vehicle is and the icing on the cake being "the original factory fitted running gear" still fitted to the van.

In more recent years the "Barndoor" has been subject to significant restoration with "keeping it standard" being the priority. The original engine/gearbox is still in place, although naturally rebuilt, and the correct 16" wheels are fitted. Hundreds of images of this much acclaimed Barndoor going back to the 1970s are in the file and the restoration was also documented with pictures detailing the process along the way. The little van enjoyed more celebrity when it featured in 'Ultra VW' magazine in 2007 and a copy of this is also in the file.

Other rare features include a genuine 'BeKoWa' full-length industrial roof rack together with a 1950's BeKoWa rack catalogue, a very rare BeKoWa fold-up ladder and, incredibly, all eight original stamped clamps and crank start handle.

If the cult surrounding VW vans and buses leaves you cold then this vehicle is probably not for you, however, if you are amongst the millions worldwide who 'get it', then you will appreciate the significance of this early 'Barndoor'.