VW T4 1.9 800 Special with 1.9TDi AHU engine conversion.
1997 model. P reg.
Short wheel base.
Selling as Spares or Repair as it's just failed MOT and needs more work than I can afford to do (added cert to photos).
The BAD bits:
- There's rust in/near the rear suspension mounts
- Outriggers rusted within 30cm of seat belt mounting points.
- Fuel pump leak
- Rear brakes seizing (lack of use)
If you can weld or know a friendly coachworks, this is an opportunity to get a fully kitted camper cheap.
Alternatively, use it as donor for your own camper build.
Frustratingly, I had a £7500 sale agreed and was getting a new MOT for the buyer, as it was due to expire in October.
Despite passing that October '26 MOT, with no advisories and only doing 1500miles since, it's now failed.
Priced for quick sale.
The GOOD stuff:
It runs great! I've just done a round trip to Sheffield in the last couple of weeks, as well as test drives with potential buyers.
On the outside the bodywork is in good condition and it has everything you could want in a camper.
The issues highlighted on the MOT where not obvious to myself or anyone that viewed it.
Odometer shows 189k but a previous owner converted it to a 1.9TDi AHU engine a decade ago, when it would have shown 140k. Making it less than 50k on that reconditioned engine. So it’s got many, many miles to go!
The engine conversion is a popular one (google it): “Converting a VW T4 to a 1.9TDi AHU engine is a popular, reliable upgrade, offering better fuel economy and power”.
Registered with DVLA as a campervan, so enjoy you’ll cheaper insurance.
Bodywork and chassis are in good condition for age.
Includes over 15 years of receipts and service history.
No, it’s not ULEZ compliant (no diesel before 2016 is) but it’s never really been an issue for me, as we mainly used the van at weekends adventures and holidays rather than a daily driver.
I’ve owned this since 2022 and only selling due to change in lifestyle - it just doesn’t get used as much as it used to.
We’ve made many happy family memories in the van: camping, surfing, mountainbiking and music festivals all around the UK.
Inside there is a rock and roll bed with 2 seat belts and plenty of storage underneath. There are professionally built units down the drivers side which house the leisure battery in front of the rear wheel arch (in the very base of the wardrobe), a Waeco CR50 compressor fridge, Smev 3 burner hob and sink with cold water tap, Eberspacher D2 diesel heater in the back corner (in base of wardrobe), LED lights, switch panel etc. The battery is on a split charge relay to charge whilst driving. There is also a mains 240v hookup. The fridge is excellent and has a separate freezer-box capable of making ice. As it is a 12v compressor fridge (not gas) it does not need any unsightly vents in the side of the van! There is also a table that slides on a rail and tucks away next to the bed when not in use.
In the cab area both seats have armrests on one side, the other side you rest your arm on the door. They are both on swivel bases (Captain's chairs) which really opens up the van and makes it comfortable for 4 people to sit. Kenwood CD player with Bluetooth, USB and phone connectivity.
Visually, it’s almost a Swamper - I just never got around to changing the tyres and fitting the rear 25mm shims (included in sale).
If that’s not your style and you want to lower it (as it was when I bought it), I’ll also include Vogtland lowering springs.
Camper conversion includes:
- Rock and Roll bed
- Westdubs pop top
- Waeco Coolmatic CR-50 fridge (48 litres including 5-litre freezer compartment)
- Smev Combi 922R (twin hob) stove and sink
- Eberspacher heater with Eberspacher 701 Heater Controller (7 day timer)
- Fiamma F35 Pro awing
- Xtreme Van Split Charger
- Electric Hook Up
- Passenger captains seat (rotates)
- Carpeted and insulated throughout
Other additions include:
- Momo steering wheel
- Mercedes Vito 16” steels on 205/65/16 tyres
- Boost gauge
- RPM gauge
- Fiama 4 bike carrier
Recent service items:
- Replaced both van and leisure batteries summer 2025 - receipts included.
- Engine and exhaust gaskets early 2026
- Windscreen replaced spring 2025
- REM8 steering boss refit
- New belts 2025
- Oil and filters always changed yearly even though annual mileage is very low.
- Clutch master cylinder.
- Thousands spent since I’ve owned.
- Previous owner also fitted new gearbox, clutch, alternator, starter motor, etc
- Cam belt at 161k
Extras included with sale:
- Thermal window covers
- Spare exhaust system (side exits on the driver side). Worth hundreds.
- I added tambour doors a few years ago but the original doors will be included.
- Original grey table top (matches cabinets). I just prefer the red one.
- Spare ECU. Like hen’s teeth!
- Spare relays, fuses, etc.
- New side door hinge.
- Manuals.
Notes:
- Heat controls are not the best in these older vans and the dials have been difficult to turn. These are available on eBay.
- It's got an old, disconnected, solar panel on the roof that I haven't got around to removing. Includes unit to connect it to battery if you wanted to replace.
- Accelerator needs pressed twice when first pulling away - something to do with the engine conversion. Never been an issue for me or previous owners.