The original Type 2 sold in far larger numbers, and eventually guises, than VW had originally envisaged when it was launched in 1950. Sensibly, they evolved this successful concept and launched the second generation Type 2 in late 1967. The new vehicle was larger, more powerful, more comfortable and more versatile, but retained the original's charm and its air-cooled rear-engined layout. It was almost immediately nicknamed the 'Bay Window' because of its large wraparound windscreen and is now often known just as the 'Bay'. The example modelled was first registered on May 3rd 1979 and immediately sent to Devon Conversions, the company who invented the word Caravanette, to be turned into a camper.
Now with its 14th owners, and located in East Kent, it was extensively restored by the 13th, a Suffolk-based couple, who had it from January 2016 to November 2018 and christened it 'Pepper'. During this time both the engine and body were substantially rebuilt and it was then resprayed and then lightly modified, being fitted with Porsche-style Fuchs alloy wheels, Porsche heated seats and slightly lowered suspension. It has also since been fitted with electric power steering, making it much easier to manoeuvre, and particularly when towing the colour-matched VW Beetle styled trailer which is, of course, called 'Salt'. Previously to the 13th owners it has been owned all over England at locations such as Hastings, Andover, Rugby, Woking, Cirencester, Braunton, Stockton-on-Tees, Redcar, Blyth, and South Shields, so a well travelled van! Pepper is one of the last 'late Bays' produced in Germany, although production continued in Brazil until 2013 by which time well over 2 million had been produced.
Engine: 1584cc 4HO OHV Power: 66bhp@4,800rpm Torque: 85Lb.ft@3400rpm Maximum Speed: 68mph 0-60mph: 24 seconds MPG: 22 average