This is a genuinely significant ‘54 Barndoor with a fascinating history and a real presence within the VW scene. Originally from Germany, this is the kind of bus that immediately captures the attention of anyone who appreciates early Volkswagens. 

The bus was built on 30 September 1954 and delivered to Passau, Germany, in October 1954. It spent much of its early life in Germany and, during the 1970s, was owned by Mr Mayer, who lived in southern Germany close to the German/Swiss Alps. In 1994, Hubert passed the bus on to his son, and there are photographs of it dating back to the 1990s, giving us a wonderful insight into its life over the decades.

At one point, the Barndoor found its way into the hands of the renowned BBT in Belgium. During its time there, it was painted as a ‘Hippie Bus’ and given the name ‘Hippie Pippie’. It was painted as a Hippie bus for a pop music event. It became a familiar and much loved sight within the VW scene, regularly appearing at shows and events. The bus even carried signwriting on the cab doors, remnants of which can still be faintly seen today, adding yet another little piece of its story.

In 2009, the bus was imported into the UK by Ben, a well known VW enthusiast. He owned it for several years before selling it to its current owner in 2017. During Ben’s ownership, the bus was given all the love and affection it needed and was used regularly. It wasn't simply tucked away in a garage; it was out being enjoyed and was frequently seen at Volkswagen shows and events.

The current owner has continued that same ethos, caring for the bus meticulously while allowing it to remain what it has always been. A bus to be driven, enjoyed and shared with fellow enthusiasts. There have been just two UK owners since its arrival in 2009, both of whom have had a genuine passion for Volkswagens and have taken great pride in maintaining the bus.

The Barndoor retains many of the details that make these early buses so special. It sits on the correct 16 inch wheels and retains its original three-spoke steering wheel, while the original door cards remain in remarkably good condition considering the age of the bus. Inside, there is a wonderfully practical Westfalia style interior with a rock and roll bed, making this a bus that can genuinely be enjoyed rather than simply admired. Perfect for getting away from day to day life or attending VW shows. 

Power comes from a 1600cc engine which runs really nicely, and there is plenty of mechanical service history to accompany the bus. The underside was also given attention by the renowned Irvs Resto in 2019. 

Adding further to the provenance is the original Fahrzeugbrief from when the bus was registered in Germany as well as a birth certificate from Stiftung AutoMuseum Volkswagen. The Fahrzeugbrief also records its previous German registration number, providing an important piece of documentary history that you simply don't get with many surviving buses.

What makes this Barndoor particularly special is the combination of its originality, its documentation and, above all, its story. From its early years in Germany and ownership close to the Alps, through its colourful ‘Hippie Pippie’ period with BBT, to its arrival in the UK and continued life within the VW scene, this is a bus that has genuinely lived a life.

For all VW enthusiasts, opportunities to own an early splitscreen with this level of history and provenance don't come along very often. This is a very special Volkswagen indeed.It has been driven, shown, enjoyed and cherished for more than seven decades. It has a history that can be traced through photographs, documents and the memories of those who have owned and enjoyed it.

Will you be the next person to continue its remarkable journey?