My US Imported Hightop Safare

I purchased a 1973 VW T2 hightop Campervan from the sunny state of California in March 2013. This was a really exciting and nervous time for me watching it travel halfway around the world as it was shipped. All the pictures were sent and although the bus needs works, it was for sold at a reasonable price. 2 years on and I’ve started work on it, stripping out the old furniture* and working on the body and now the preparation work is done, its off to a restorer. These are the photos are from the day I brought it.
Watch this space for updates on the project.

*I really wished I kept the old furniture now even its it rotten, you can use it as a template for new. If anyone has documentation layout on Safare buses I would love to see. I never knew how the bed unfolded on these buses and looking to recreate the layout.

Buying overseas is a little risky, but with a little common sense its possible to get a good deal.
Here's are a few tips:
1) Its always better if you can do the purchase in person, but this isnt always possible.
2) Get as many pictures and videos as possible, maybe ask for a local garage for a once over. (Remember in the US they dont have MOTs like they do in the UK)
3) Ensure all communication is done in writing over email.
4) Once you have agreed on a price, offer a deposit of 10% not much more
5) Draw up agreement of sale and ensure the VIN number is on the document, send to the shipping company and ask to be signed upon collection.
6) When shipping is arranged and document signed pay the remaining balance.
7) Get the shipping app on your device and watch your bus on its way.
8) BEWARE, Shipping to the UK will incur other fees on arrival, VAT, unloading.
9) Even if you bus is drivable, you may want to organise an flat bed truck to pick up your bus.

 

Nice bus. Love these Safare conversions. Shame you don't have more pics of the interior - it's an interesting layout. Here's another that caught my eye:

http://usedrvforsale.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/1976-volkswagen-t2-high-top-campervan.html

Also @flint on here has got one I think.

 

Looks really cool, is that the original interior in the picture as it looks awesome

 

I love the interior design for the table and seats ,so cool

 

welcome to the Safare club!

all the original layout/spec info is on the samba

 

loads more here for the geeks

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=7063867&sid=bcc0d7547d0d86ddcc0bb7de986b9d74

 

I love the look of that green one although i'm guessing that those are 17"s.. running rubber bands.. so maybe not the most practical setup. cool though

 

I was tempted to do something similar in mine to be honest.

 

Love these buses!!!

 

yep - 17s & (allbeit XL load rated) skinny tyres, been very practical to use so far - running a 7" beam raise teamed with spax slam shocks & mini tubs help quite a bit though.. 150miles over the weekend to Grill n Chill and back was a breeze! the sidewinds over the dartford crossing were pretty interesting though..

 

My ride is driving now, new engine has been installed. I've decided that after all the layouts, I like the original best. Once I get it back, I'm going to recreate the interior just as it is was.

 

What a nice bus, really can't wait to get on the road and attend some events. Hope to see you at some.

 

I really like that a lot... And I prefer tintops as a rule! I'd love to know how all the interior works, it looks like a good little setup.

 

Very very nice makes a welcome change to the "here's my westy" ...

 

This thread might help too...
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=578677&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0
Spotted this as well, a champagne edition safare Think I'm in love!

 

OMG, the ash from a near by back yard fire has completely ruined your picture. LOL

 

Amazing @flint , cheers for the brochures as well, bloody love them

 

be great to have an original style interior in there - mine was bare when i got it, apart from the top pull out bunk in the roof & quilted/wood headliner and went for a more standard inside

only a handful of these in the UK at the moment, definitely be good to get them together a few times at the shows next year