’Field-find’ Kombi for Shannons Summer Sale
Return to News

’Field-find’ Kombi for Shannons Summer Sale

3.7K Views
By Shannons - 26 November 2014

Abandoned in a Victorian paddock for more than 15 years

• Wonderful, hard-to-find Split-Window ‘Project’

• Rare DKW Combi-Bus as a ready-to-use German alternative

A soil-stained and rusting, but wonderfully complete and original circa-1964 Volkswagen ‘Split-Window’ Kombi van is expected to be a bidding highlight of Shannons Melbourne Summer Auction on December 8.

c1964 Volkswagen Kombi 'Split Window' (Project)

Unlike many of its contemporaries, which are now bringing ‘Porsche money’ on the world market, this Kombi has spent the past 15 or so years sitting unloved in a Victorian country paddock, with its owner knocking back all offers from enthusiasts and passer-bys.

The vendor acquired the original right hand drive Kombi in 1972 with just 12,801 miles showing on its odometer and reportedly drove it regularly before an engine fire put it off the road around 1980.

Always intending to restore it, he has now abandoned the idea and the highly collectible, VW is being sold ‘as viewed’ in non-running condition and in need of a full restoration.

Introduced in 1949 with the same reliable running gear as the original Post-War VW Beetle, the Kombi soon carved a niche as a reliable, versatile and endearing workhorse and it was available as a van, a bus and as early as 1951, as a camper.

With values of ‘Split Window’ Kombis soaring in recent years, Shannons National Auction Manager Christophe Boribon said it was becoming increasingly rare to find worthwhile, original examples for restoration.

“This wonderful time-warp example presents a rare opportunity for the Kombi enthusiast,” he said. “It has created enormous interest so far and we expect some feverish bidding from floor, telephone and also online bidders.”

Shannons expect the ‘Project’ Kombi to sell with ‘no reserve’ in the $8,000-$12,000 range, but Boribon admitted this might be a conservative estimate.

“A multiple award-winning 1966 VW Campervan sold to an online buyer for $74,000 at our September Auction in Melbourne, so it will really depend on how much enthusiasts want it,” he said.

For those who miss out on the Kombi, another option from Germany in the December 8 Melbourne auction is a restored 1951 DKW Model F-89L Schnell-Laster 8-seater Combi-Bus that has been in the same family ownership since 1960.

1951 DKW Schnell-Laster 8 Seater Bus (RHD)

The Combi with its two-cylinder 688cc engine and three-speed manual gearbox was originally imported by Regent Motors of Melbourne and is believed to be the only example of a DKW Bus to reach Australia.

The Bus has been cherished over the past half century and comes with a history file containing period photographs of family picnic outings.

More recently, the DKW has benefited from a restoration by its owner to return the vehicle to its former glory and since then it has been gently used for club events and shows.

Because of is rarity, wonderful provenance and good useable condition, Shannons expect the Combi-Bus to sell in the $15,000-$20,000 range.

Protect your Classic. Call Shannons Insurance on 13 46 46 to get a quote today.