Some classic Volkswagens are beautiful. Some are rare. And every now and then, a bus comes along that combines both qualities with a story that is almost impossible to make up.This 1967 Volkswagen Type 2 Splitscreen Highroof Camper is one of those buses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ever since we acquired this bus, one particular detail has caught our attention: the unusual trade description \u201cT1 Safari\u201d on the registration document. We know of very few Splitscreen VW Buses carrying such an unusual designation. And the more we started researching the history of this Volkswagen Camper, the more fascinating the story became.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Among the original paperwork we found an invoice from Fa. Oettinger for a gearbox with a limited-slip differential, supplied to Dr. Franz Sch\u00f6nmetzler. Interestingly, the invoice also lists his address at the time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This turned out to be a very interesting clue. Further research revealed that Sch\u00f6nmetzler was a passionate hunter and that he had his Volkswagen Bus converted into an expedition vehicle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Although specific registration records from the 1960s are unfortunately not publicly available, Sch\u00f6nmetzler is well known among enthusiasts for his hunting memoirs. In his famous book Kapitale Troph\u00e4en: Eine herrliche Herausforderung<\/em>, he describes his adventures in Africa. His stories indicate that he travelled southwards in a Volkswagen Bus, all the way \u201cbis ans Kap\u201d \u2013 to the Cape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether this exact Splitscreen VW Bus actually completed that entire journey cannot be established with absolute certainty from the surviving records. However, the combination of the original documentation, the unusual specification and the known history of Sch\u00f6nmetzler\u2019s expedition makes the story particularly intriguing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We have ordered a copy of the book and are hoping it may provide even more information \u2013 and perhaps even photographs of this very Volkswagen Camper during its African adventures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A classic Volkswagen Type 2 Splitscreen travelling overland from Germany through Africa in the 1960s? It certainly fits the character of this remarkable Highroof VW Bus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The bus was fully restored in 2001, and an extensive photographic record of the restoration is available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Approximately fifteen years ago, the Splitscreen Camper changed hands again and went to its current owner. Since then, this Highroof VW Camper has continued to live the life it was built for. It has been taken on numerous holidays, mainly travelling throughout Europe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is therefore not a classic VW Bus that has spent decades sitting in a collection. It is a genuine travelling vehicle with a history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A Volkswagen Type 2 that has already experienced countless adventures, journeys and holidays \u2013 and is now ready for its next chapter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n From a technical and historical perspective, this Splitscreen VW Bus is particularly interesting. It features a remarkable number of unusual details and accessories, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The combination of these features gives this Type 2 Camper the distinctive appearance and character of a genuine expedition VW Bus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The interior is equally interesting. This Splitscreen High Roof Camper features the rare walk-through configuration, providing access from the front into the rear camping area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The camper section includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Everything you need to head out on an adventure is already there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are looking for a 55-plus-year-old Splitscreen VW Bus that looks as though it has just left the showroom, this may not be the bus for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This Volkswagen Camper has lived a life, and there are some signs of use here and there that are entirely in keeping with the many adventures and holidays it has enjoyed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At the same time, the overall appearance of this Highroof VW remains beautiful and highly appealing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And perhaps that is exactly what makes this Type 2 Camper so attractive. It does not need to be treated like a museum piece. It was built to travel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n From a technical perspective, it is simply a matter of getting in and going. No immediate work is required before setting off on your next journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A rare 1967 Volkswagen Type 2 Splitscreen Highroof Camper, featuring an unusual specification, an extensively documented restoration, an intriguing history and many years of experience as a genuine travel and camping vehicle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n From the African plains \u2013 if the historical clues eventually confirm what we hope \u2013 to the European holiday roads of recent decades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now it is time for the next owner to continue the story.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Who will take this unique Splitscreen VW Bus on its next adventure?<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Some classic Volkswagens are beautiful. Some are rare. And every now and then, a bus comes along that combines both qualities with a story that is almost impossible to make up.This 1967 Volkswagen Type 2 Splitscreen Highroof Camper is one of those buses. Ever since we acquired this bus, one particular detail has caught our […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":50849,"template":"","sales_type":[538,42],"sales_body":[172],"sales_brand":[288],"class_list":["post-50423","sales","type-sales","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","sales_type-spijlbus-en","sales_type-t1-en","sales_body-camper-en","sales_brand-volkswagen-en"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nFrom Africa to Europe<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Rare and unusual specification<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Unusual camper interior<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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A VW Bus that has been lived in<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Ready for the next adventure<\/h2>\n\n\n\n