First and oldest VW camper in the UK 'to sell for £75,000 at auction'

A Volkswagen campervan thought to be the first and oldest in the UK is expected to sell for more than £75,000 at auction.

The Type 2 Samba Microbus was originally owned by John Colborne-Barber, who founded Britain's first VW dealership.

Mr Colborne-Barber, who started selling VWs after falling in love with the Beetle, imported the car from Wolfsburg and converted the interior so he could take it on family holidays.

He had the unmistakable motor fitted with a fridge and stove by renowned specialists Devon Conversions.

The car dealer held onto the campervan until the early 1960s. It then disappeared for the next 30 years until it was rediscovered in 1992.

It has been comprehensively restored to original specification with a few additional safety and convenience features, whilst retaining its completely original appearance. 

The iconic camper will be sold at Silverstone Auctions' Race Retro Sale, which takes place at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire on the 21st and 22nd of February.

It is being offered with an estimate of between £70,000 and £75,000.

Nick Whale, managing director of Silverstone Auctions, said: said: 'This is a fantastic piece of Volkswagen history and as such we expect a lot of interest when it comes up for auction.

'These vehicles are hugely popular around the globe and collectors are now paying some incredibly sums for them.

'This is a beautiful and rare Samba Microbus, historically important in terms of  its VW legacy in the UK. It's ready to be appreciated and enjoyed and I hope the new owner will love it just as much as the Colborne family did.'