Basic information and history

With the T2, Volkswagen took its Transporter from the split-windscreen era into the so-called bay window generation, and the 1974 model belongs to the later T2b series with high-mounted headlights, stronger bumpers and reinforced brakes. Behind the rear axle sits the air-cooled four-cylinder boxer engine, a 1.6-litre naturally aspirated unit, mated to a four-speed manual gearbox. It was precisely this combination of a load-carrying body and car-like driving experience that made the model one of the post-war era's most widely used commercial vehicles, and today well-preserved, matching-numbers examples are increasingly hard to find.

This example is a Volkswagen Kombi 231211, registered as a light truck, with first registration on 28 November 1974. The car is Swedish-sold and has had four owners. The paint is the original green colour.

The odometer reading is 177,717 km and can be guaranteed by the seller. The instrument shows 77,673 km because the odometer has rolled over, and the total distance travelled is documented via logbooks, invoices and inspection protocols. Documentation from the early years, 1975 to 1978, suggests the vehicle was used as a work vehicle, and verification from the National Archives (Riksarkivet) is pending. After that it has likely served as a camping vehicle, and a simple camping interior is included.

The car was taken off the road around 2012 and was banned from use in 2014 following a missed inspection. It has now been brought back to life and passed inspection on 6 August 2026 with no remarks, after which it is exempt from further inspection. The seller states that the engine and body are matching numbers and that the vehicle is otherwise in original condition.

Equipment and options

• Original Blaupunkt radio in working condition
• Marchal fog and cornering lights with protective covers
• Parking heater of the BN4 type
• Charging system for two batteries
• Original chrome rings on the headlights
• Simple camping interior
• Jack and wheel tools, likely original, in original bag
• Two sets of keys, one for ignition, front doors, engine hatch and rear hatch, and one for the sliding door
• Original service book, original plastic folder with two instruction manuals, plus logbooks, receipts and inspection papers

The underbody was Dinitrol-treated around 1990, at which time minor sheet metal work was also carried out professionally. The lower part of the sliding door, approximately 25 to 30 cm, has been replaced with new sheet metal, executed to a very tidy standard according to the seller. Home-made plexiglass stone-chip guards have been fitted on the headlights but have since been removed and replaced with original chrome rings; the guards are included. After the long period of inactivity, the engine has been carefully brought back to life with new engine oil, a cleaned carburettor, new fuel hoses in the engine bay, new oil in the air filter, new contact breaker points and a tensioned fan belt. Also included in the sale is a new gasket for the left valve cover, a new rear engine tin, and a new muffler.

Condition

Body and paint: The car has been repainted in the original colour from the roofline downward, likely around 1990. Paint thickness measurement shows no hidden thick layers of filler. The finish varies slightly and there is a minor paint edge of 0.5 to 1 mm at some window trims. The roof is faded and has surface rust on the rear section. On the bodywork there is surface rust in the side panel seams front and rear as well as in the wheel arch edges, though without any rust-through. The cabin floor has some surface rust beneath the paint and two older sheet metal repairs, and above the left rear wheel there is a small, thin layer of filler. The underbody is said to be free of rust, with only normal surface rust on mechanical components. The doors are described as being in very good condition and the handles have good chrome, while the rubber seals show normal age-related wear. The windscreen has two stone chips outside the driver's field of view as well as minor delamination in two spots, in the upper right corner and centre top, while the other windows are described as excellent.

Interior: The upholstery is described as being in condition consistent with age. The passenger seat lacks upholstery on the back of the backrest as that space is occupied by a fire extinguisher. The headliner is, according to the seller, in excellent condition above the driver and passenger area and ends in original condition behind. On the instrument panel, the fuel gauge has stopped working due to a faulty electromechanical voltage stabiliser for 12V and 5V, while the fuel sender has been checked and works.

Tyres and wheels: The wheels are described as being in very good condition. The hubcaps have minor dents that are barely visible from a distance, but have good chrome. The tyres are older Michelin X with approximately 8 mm tread depth, without dry rot cracks, and passed inspection.

Mechanics and function: The engine starts immediately and, according to the seller, runs nicely and cleanly without unusual noise, and the CO level at inspection was measured at 0.6 percent against the limit value of 4.5 percent. There is a minor oil leak at the left valve cover, and the rubber seal between the rear engine tin and the body is missing; the rear tin is somewhat rusty. The muffler has been temporarily repaired ahead of the inspection. The gearbox and brakes are described as being in excellent condition, and the brake values were approved without remarks. The clutch works and gear changes are flawless. The parking heater needs an overhaul as the fan and pump do not start correctly, and the pump for the headlight washer is defective.

On the instrument panel, the fuel gauge has stopped working due to a faulty electromechanical voltage stabiliser from 12V to 5V required by the instrument (see photos under "Miscellaneous"). The fuel sender has been checked and works.

The car is drivable as it stands.

Service history

The vehicle is stated to be fully serviced, although according to the seller not necessarily at fully regular intervals in recent years, and the service history is supported by receipts and documentation. The original service book is filled in up to and including 1978, when the odometer rolled over, and is supplemented by logbooks, invoices and inspection protocols which together document the total distance travelled. The original plastic folder with two instruction manuals also belongs with the car. The most recent inspection was carried out on 6 August 2026 and was approved with no remarks. All documentation is gathered in the photo album Documentation.

Summary

A Swedish-sold Volkswagen Transporter Kombi 231211 from 1974 in the original green colour, with matching numbers between engine and body and an unusually well-documented history from four owners. After fourteen years of inactivity, the air-cooled 1.6-litre boxer engine has been carefully brought back into service and the car has passed inspection with no remarks, with very clean combustion and approved brake values.

The body has surface rust in seams and wheel arch edges as well as a faded roof, but is said to be free from rust-through, and the underbody has been Dinitrol-treated since around 1990. The remaining measures are of a manageable nature, including the valve cover gasket, a new muffler, a voltage stabiliser for the fuel gauge and an overhaul of the parking heater, and new parts are included for several of these. A drivable and usable collector's item for anyone who appreciates a T2b with a clear history and ample scope for continued careful care.