Not your everyday Splitscreen pickup. This is a very early 1955 single cab, dating from just after the Barndoor era and quite possibly one of the first weeks of post Barndoor pickup production.
Finished in Dove Blue (L31), it has exactly the sort of patina and character that makes these early trucks so special. The original signwriting on the sides, 15-inch steel wheels, chunky tyres and matching hoops and canvas all add to its period look.
The truck comes with a Volkswagen Certificate confirming its manufacture date of 16.03.1955 and its original delivery to Riviera Motors Ltd in San Francisco. Riviera Motors was an important early Volkswagen distributor for the north-western United States, covering Oregon, Washington, Alaska, Idaho and Montana. It was run by brothers Knute and Kjell Qvale, who played a part in introducing Volkswagen to that part of America.
It was bought from Kieft en Klok as a project in 2021, and a considerable amount of work has since gone into making it a usable, mechanically sorted truck while retaining its original character.
The chassis, load beds, cab floors and running gear have all been restored, with the cab floor and door step box sections replaced. Plenty of parts were sourced from Scofield to get everything back together properly.
Mechanically, it's had a huge amount of attention. The 1200cc 6-volt engine has been reconditioned by the VW Engine Company and comes with a full clutch kit. The gearbox, axle and reduction boxes were rebuilt by John Walklett, with a new carburettor fitted in 2021. The chassis, load beds, floors and running gear have all been restored, and CE Safari windows are now fitted. All the work was carried out in 2021 and the truck has covered minimal mileage since.
When the truck originally arrived in the UK it had a tower/crane fitted to the rear, which explains the larger rear lights and cut arches. Little details like this are part of its history and give it a story that you simply can't recreate.
It's a lovely combination of genuine old-school patina and properly sorted mechanicals. There is very little that hasn't been rebuilt or replaced, and the truck has covered minimal mileage since the work was completed.
Ready to be used and enjoyed. Take it to shows, throw an air mattress in the back for a weekend away, or put it to work carrying goods for your business. It's a 1955 single cab that still has plenty of life left in it.
A seriously characterful early Splitscreen pickup with a great history, lots of original charm and all the hard work already done.
On the market for: £31,995
Located at the Resto Haus HQ in Barnstaple, UK.
National or International shipping can be arranged.