A 1963 split screen VW bus for sale on Car and Classic is certain to divide opinion.
Technically, it’s two VW Type 2s that have been mashed together to create a tow truck and camper based on the “fifth wheel” idea. As if that’s not enough, the original air-cooled flat-four engine has been ditched in favour of a two-liter, turbocharged motor from an Audi S3. It’s mated to an Audi automatic transmission and the whole drivetrain is neatly packaged beneath the vehicle’s rear deck.
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An external roll cage stiffens the shell to cope with more than four times the power that the bonkers bus would have had in its original form. It sits a little lower than standard, but otherwise outwardly this Frankenbus looks suitably period in its two-tone cream-beige paintwork with matching steelies.
![VW Type 2 S3 restored 4](https://www.hagerty.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/hTrysoHEbeLEdkbaIpEZgYSt4wbjlu0ILZzs30LJ-1024x683.jpeg)
![VW Type 2 S3 restored 9](https://www.hagerty.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/AZ3Yc4kqc6ASHRLM9Um8fTNYikv7VY6rIuvi847n-1024x683.jpeg)
The trailer features a king size rock’n’roll bed and kitchen, while its Westfalia-style pop-top extends head room to standing height. There’s a stylish wood-slatted roof rack and a roll-out awning to cover your campsite.
The neatest feature is the articulated U-shaped hitch on the bus’s bed which means it can be detached from the camping trailer and driven on its own. The cab has retained much of its originality, keeping a bench seat and its trademark big steering wheel with exposed column. A Hurst-like shifter is in the only real clue that something different has been done.
“Every once in a while you come across a vehicle that’s so impressive, you can’t praise it enough,”reckon Car & Classic. “This is one such vehicle. The brainchild of a very clever and talented individual, we’re sure Volkswagen collectors the world over will want to own this awesome custom creation.”
At the time of writing the bidding had reached just £23,500, but whatever price it fetches someone will be getting a fantastic two-for-one deal with this unique Type 2.