Few commercial vehicles have transcended their original purpose quite like Volkswagen's Type 2.

Introduced in 1950 as the natural commercial companion to the Beetle, the simple rear-engined, air-cooled platform proved remarkably adaptable, spawning everything from panel vans and buses to campers and pick-ups.

Amongst the more unusual configurations was the Double Cab Pick-up, combining seating for up to six with a separate load bed and creating what was, in effect, Volkswagen's answer to a compact crew cab decades before the concept became commonplace.
This particular Type 265 Double Cab has a fascinating history, much of which is documented within an impressively comprehensive accompanying file.

Its official Volkswagen AutoMuseum Certificate records Chassis 1 164 794 as having been built on 9th September 1963 before leaving the factory three days later, destined for Los Angeles, USA.

It was originally finished in L87 Pearl White with grey upholstery and powered by a 1.5-litre engi...