This Volkswagen Kombi Splitscreen is a characterful classic bus, with just three owners from new, and reported to retain its matching-numbers engine. It is powered by a naturally aspirated 1.2-litre flat-four, producing up to 26kW, and driving the rear wheels through a four-speed manual transmission. This ‘Splitty’ was delivered new to the first owner in November 1957 and remained with them until 2011, though it was taken off the road in 1969. The second owner then purchased the bus and transported it to Melbourne, where it underwent minor rust repairs and an engine and gearbox overhaul before being acquired by the seller a year ago. The vehicle is finished in Dove Blue over a black vinyl-trimmed cabin. It rides on a set of 15-inch steel wheels with chrome covers, shod with Excelsior tyres. Equipment includes opening front quarterlight windows, a wooden gear knob, and a removable cupholder that reflects the design of the original dashboard. An under-dash USB charging port has also been discreetly fitted. Accompanying the sale are the owner’s handbooks, a Certificate of Authenticity, paperwork from previous owners, the original registration and gear knob, insurance documentation, spare wheel, jack, toolkit, and a spare drive belt. Please note: the Kombi is being sold unregistered, as it is currently on a non-transferable club registration. Please refer to the photo gallery to assess exterior and interior condition. The seller reports that the rear section of the bodywork was previously treated for rust, the bench seats have been retrimmed, and a small tear was repaired on one of the rear seats. There is patina on the bodywork and minor staining on the front seat. The seller reports that the gearbox weeps oil from the split-boots on the driveshaft housings, but that the engine is dry and runs very well. The most recent roadworthiness inspection was reportedly conducted on 20 April 2023, resulting in a clean pass. The seller serviced the vehicle in August 2023 at 2,600 miles, which included replacing the engine oil, re-sealing the sump strainer, and cleaning and rebuilding the carburettor. Prior to this, the seller carried out a service in April 2023 at 2,232 miles, which included re-sealing the sump strainer, adjusting the ignition timing and valve clearances, cleaning and greasing the clutch cable, throttle cable and gear selector shaft, cleaning and greasing the pedal assemblies, inspecting and adjusting the handbrake assembly, repairing the heater flaps, and replacing the engine oil, brake fluid, gearbox oil, spark plugs, gear selector shaft guide bushes, gear selector lever bush and cradle, and steering damper. Work carried out in Melbourne under previous ownership included overhauling the engine and gearbox, replacing the clutch and various rubber seals, and working on the electrical system. The seller has also applied a clear underbody rust preventative spray as a precautionary measure. The suspension has recently been serviced and fitted with new bushes and shock absorbers, and the brakes have recently been replaced. This Volkswagen Type 2 (T1) Kombi Splitscreen is a charming, matching-numbers example of the much-loved classic bus, which has had just three owners from new. The bodywork wears its years well and displays a time-earned ‘patina’, while the seller praises the mechanicals for being in fine shape with plenty of components replaced or repaired over the last few years. It would make a fun addition to a wider collection of classics, an effortlessly cool weekend cruiser, or perhaps a head-turning promotional vehicle for a boutique business. The description of this consignment is, to the best of the seller’s knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller and performs a level of due diligence. However, potential buyers must independently satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description. Potential buyers should view or arrange inspections as well as conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to bid or buy. Please note that it is not uncommon for classic or collectible vehicles to have received cosmetic repairs in the past, either to rectify damage or refresh appearance, and this work may be undetectable even upon visual inspection. Unless there is an explicit statement by the seller to the contrary, please assume that any vehicle could have had bodywork or paintwork during its life. Furthermore, photographs may not reflect the true colour or full condition of the vehicle. It is a bidder’s responsibility to satisfy themselves of the colour and condition of a vehicle, including its interior and the existence of any remedial bodywork or paintwork, before committing to bid or buy. This includes by raising enquiries with the seller in the comments section. For vehicles, unless otherwise stated, potential buyers should also assume that any cherished registration may be retained by the seller. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details. This vehicle’s VIN has been checked against the Australian Personal Property Securities Register, and there is no security interest or other registration kind logged against the serial number. This vehicle has been checked through the Austroads NEVDIS system, and there are no markers under the written-off or stolen databases