Now in its fifth generation, the Volkswagen Transporter can trace its roots back over 60 years to the German company's first commercial vehicle venture: the Type 2 of 1950.

Arguably the most important development in its history was the introduction in 1990 of the T4, which featured a front-mounted engine and front-wheel drive, superseding the rear-mounted 'boxer' unit inherited from the original Volkswagen Beetle.

The current (T5) version was introduced in 2003.

Short and long wheelbase types are available together with bodies for every conceivable application and several different types of engine, there being over 100 combinations in all.

The short-wheelbase van-bodied T30 example offered here has the 2.5-litre five-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, the manual gearbox and Volkswagen's own '4Motion' permanent four-wheel drive transmission.

The windows were installed in 2012 and the van is also fitted with fold-flat rear seats, plus a tow bar and electrics.

The late vendor is only the...