"prototype" early bay on ebay

[Loxy]

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/VW-Volkswagen-Dormobile-Camper-Van-1968-split-base_W0QQitemZ270089000285QQihZ017QQcategoryZ14256QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Is it this one in the features section? number plate looks very similar but cant make it all out in the feature pic.
http://www.earlybay.com/Features/1967PrototypeBay/tabid/82/Default.aspx

 

[dormbay]

not too sure about the one featured but my god that dormy is beautiful. a few interior tweaks and she would be amazing

 

[Justin & Muttley]

Jeepers - that's a lot of dough!

 

[Clem]

Interesting one actually.
I cant see any differences between this and any other 68 model van. Its not 'that' early in the great scheme of things (Tim Monkeyspinners is Aug 67, by comparison).
I reckon the prototype facts refer to Dormobile rather than the van itself, and the 'split' chassis thing is reffering to the nuances of the 68 model.

Anyone reckon the same or different?

 

[pete nice]

Yea too much doh if you ask me.

A bay on a split chasis? that would make it then, er, an early bay.

Non original interior, rusty doors & a suggestion of a respray. £10k I don't think so.

Think I will keep my Westy

Time for some to get off the band wagon...

 

[Loxy]

Yea too much doh if you ask me.

Thats what I was thinking esp. as you say it still needs a bit of work.

I have emailed the seller to try and find out the chassis number.

 

[Loxy]

Seller has just responded:
EN 2340 424 236 8147238

by my reckoning that must make it pretty early then, cos its a 66 model :shock:

Is that correct?

 

[Loxy]

I assumed that "236 8147238 " was the chassis number, but on reflection hasnt it got too many digits? :? :?

 

[Clem]

If we disregard the 6, and assume it to be 238, then the production number is 147,238, which ties up with the delivery dates of early/mid 68.

This, I suggest, flunks the claims of it being the mythical early bay utopia, and makes it a reasonable 68?

Im sure there is no devious intent by the seller, probably just poor information passed on over the years?

 

[Loxy]

That is what I was thinking as well, I have asked the seller some more questions about it, will put the reply up when I get it.

 

[Anonymous]

this sounds incredibly similar to one exactly the same on ebay just a month or two ago (could be the same one ??) - I asked the seller some questions then and I believe it is probably a Dormobile show vehicle rather than Bay proto. - as Clem said the chassis no. puts it as no. 147,000 in the '68 year so not that early really ...

 

[Anonymous]

someone after a quick profit I think ... it sold in on Jan 1st for 5,201.01 ..

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI....MEWA:IT&viewitem=&item=200061645698&rd=1&rd=1

hmmm ...

 

[Anonymous]

difficult to see the number plate but it looks very similar to the one in the features section that appeared at Vanfest few years ago ...

I mentioned this bus to Vincent Molenaar (co-wrote the bay spec. book) and he was very sceptical about it being any different ...

dont see how they would be incorporating any special early features over half-way through the years production run ...

 

[Loxy]

Does this look like a standard early "early bay" underside?

 

[Loxy]

Ok, response from seller, here is the complete M-plate:

26 4
191 196
11 020 043 061141
EN 2340 424236 8147238

So from this I guess:
Date of manufacture: 26th April
Various M Codes
Model: RHD Kombi (234)
Delivered to: England (EN)
Body colour: Lotus White L282 (4242)
Interior colour:Leatherette beige (36)

Chassis number 8147238 ??????

Is the chassis number stamped in the engine bay on an early bay? if not where else might it be?

 

[Loxy]

difficult to see the number plate but it looks very similar to the one in the features section that appeared at Vanfest few years ago ...

I mentioned this bus to Vincent Molenaar (co-wrote the bay spec. book) and he was very sceptical about it being any different ...

dont see how they would be incorporating any special early features over half-way through the years production run ...

They both have 563F at the end, cant tell from the vanfest prototype pic what the first three letters are.



Can you tell that I am stuck at home with some ill kids? Not used to having all this spare time.........

 

[Anonymous]

anymore news on the ongoing saga ? I see the latest question states that its just an ordinary early bay (my thoughts also ...)

 

[Clem]

Case closed I reckon.

We killed off a Unicorn.

 

[Loxy]

I told the guy to speak to the VW Museum (Stiftung?) about a birth certificate, that way he can prove his claims. have to wait and see if he cancels/updates the listing.

 

[Anonymous]

I have a feeling he may not get any bids at that price ...