Volkswagen Type 2 Mirco Bus Original Irish

There is something particularly appealing about a Volkswagen bus that has simply remained what it was meant to be.

This is not a camper conversion, nor has it been turned into one over the years. It left the factory as a Microbus, was sold new in Ireland through P.J. Woods in Clane and still carries its original TIR 757 Offaly registration. Even the original supplying-dealer plaque remains in the rear window – a small detail, but one that sums the bus up rather well.

It was comprehensively restored by a customer of ours around 2010, with new panels and extensive bodywork carried out at the time. Some sixteen years later it has aged beautifully. The red and white colour combination really suits it, the paintwork remains lovely and, importantly, the interior hasn’t been over-restored. The original-style brown trim has developed just the right amount of patina and gives it a character that a freshly retrimmed bus simply wouldn’t have.

Mechanically it is equally impressive. Its original 1.6-litre engine was rebuilt by a Volkswagen specialist within the last two to three years and has covered fewer than 500 miles since. Invoices for the work are present and the bus has continued to be very well maintained. But the standout for us is how it drives. We’ve driven plenty of VW buses and campers over the years and this is probably the best-driving example we’ve had. The gear change is unusually slick and precise for one of these, the linkages and bushings feel right, the engine is responsive and it will happily settle into a 60mph cruise without feeling like you’re asking too much of it.

Everything just feels properly sorted. As an original Irish Microbus rather than a later camper conversion, it’s an unusual survivor in its own right. Add the original Offaly registration, Irish supplying-dealer details, original engine, long-term ownership history and the quality of the restoration and it becomes a particularly lovely example.

It isn’t a concours bus that’s afraid of being used. There is some gentle patina here and there, particularly inside, and that’s exactly how we’d want it. It feels like an old Volkswagen that has been properly restored, properly maintained and then allowed to age naturally.

A genuinely charming thing, and quite possibly the nicest VW bus we’ve driven.