1954 Barndoor RHD – March ’54

Ultra-Rare Factory M53 Opening Tailgate, RHD Export.

Opportunities like this simply do not come along often.

This is a March 1954 Right-Hand Drive Barndoor, one of just 14 examples built in Germany and shipped to Indonesia that year. Even among Barndoors, this is a unicorn — featuring the incredibly rare factory M53 opening tailgate, a sought-after option that elevates it into an entirely different league. 

Built in Germany at the height of the Barndoor era and exported to Indonesia, this bus carries genuine global history. RHD examples from this period are exceptionally scarce, and surviving export models even more so.

Imported to the UK around 2000, it showed signs of honest period repairs from its working life — including later curved rear arches, later doors, and door-mounted mirrors rather than the original pillar mounted mirror. These details tell a story of a vehicle that lived, worked, and survived.

Previously owned by Pete and Ange of Bromsgrove Auto Trimmers, this Barndoor became a rolling showcase of their talent. Restored multiple times under their ownership, it has always been maintained to an incredibly high standard.

It has had another full restoration between ‘22-23 and they certainly left no stone unturned. The current interior is something truly special. Handcrafted woodwork by Adrian at All Things Timber transforms the cabin into what can only be described as a gentleman’s drinking club on wheels. Rich timber finishes, beautifully executed trimming work, and a fitted sink, pull out hob, create an atmosphere that is both luxurious and wonderfully characterful. Finished with elegant pin striping and paint work presented in pristine condition, this is a bus that draws crowds wherever it goes.

This is not just a showpiece — it’s built to be driven and enjoyed. Thoughtful, high-quality engineering upgrades make it perform with modern confidence while remaining fully reversible should a future owner wish to return it to factory specification. The front setup has a one-off Red9Design setup with disc brakes. It has a rack and pinion steering system which makes steering feel more direct with reduced vagueness. The rear setup has had an IRS conversion and ride height is adjustable but is currently set as close to stock as possible. It has been fully rewired by Ian Burns at Auto Elec. Mechanically this bus is very much sorted. It has had a rebuilt 1600 twin port engine with a gearbox rebuilt by John Walklett with a longer top gear for improved cruising. The result feels tight, responsive, and confidence-inspiring — without compromising its ‘54 character.

Under current ownership, the bus was taken back to bare metal and fully restored. It had a new longside panel, new front panel and new front arches. As well as a stunning respray. No shortcuts. No compromises. Just a meticulous rebuild resulting in a structurally superb, beautifully finished Barndoor ready for the next chapter.

This is not just another classic VW. It’s a rare export RHD Barndoor with factory pedigree, show-winning presence, and the usability to actually enjoy.

Whether destined for a serious collection, concours lawns, or long-distance touring, this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to own something genuinely exceptional.

If you’ve been waiting for the right Barndoor — this may well be it.

On the market for £89,995.

Located in our HQ in sunny North Devon. 

National and International shipping can be arranged.