VERY RARE 1979 ( 1957cc.petrol) KARMANN MOBIL Type11
We have decided to let Brian go(we nicknamed him Brian,remember the Magic Roundabout);
In 2007 we purchase "Brian" from Kieft-En-Klok in the Netherlands and is a true German VW thoroughbred.Brian was imported October 2007 and became a British Citizen on 11 December 2007.
Brian has been taken to many shows throughout 2008/09 and is always the centre of attention,our aim was to re-instate with as much original detail as possible water damaged areas caused through the roof lights leaking and causing damage to both hardwood frameing and plywood veneering to roof and wall areas.At the rear of Brian he had a bicycle rack which let water in through its fixings,this has been removed,we have removed both roof lights completly restored and re-sealed the lights, renewing all hardwood timbers and plywood veneering.
All the original remaining timbers and plywood have been stripped back of its original factory finish to its original raw state,this is to show there are no hidden surprises.The original curtains/netting and seating covers are complete,as far as we are aware.The original Portable Thetford Toilet,water bottles,sink,shower tray,mirror and water pump and low level curtain remain.The original stainless steel twin gas hob and sinle sink unit remains.We have put a new Fridge/Freezer where the original one was posisioned,same make as the original and same model but upto date multi supply Gas/Electric/12v battery.The original water boiler was taken out prior to purchase proberbly due to new gas regulations,but there is still the cut off pipe where it went and original vent cowl through the roof to enable a modern one to be installed if so wished.
Brians bodywork generally is in good condition,there are no welding issues just general surface rust bubbles appearing round windows seals as normal,obviously the coach built body is of aluminium and prior to us owning the vehicle damage was caused on the drivers side front aluminium profile,we found a company that would make the profile section for us but would cost over 800.00GBP. so we used the roof light section on the Jergens Auto Villa that was falling apart,the profile fitted exact which shows you the link between Jergens and Karmann.The patched area has been primed but requires filling and painting to match the existing (see pictures of damage and repair in photo gallery);
Now lets get down to Brians heritage.(IN THE BEGINNING);
Jurgens Caravans were based at Kempton Park in the Transvaal,South Affrica,and were an established caravan and motor caravan conversion business.In 1973 they constructed a coach-built motor caravan conversion on the VW base,which was designated the Auto Villa.This conversion was way ahead of its time with luxury fitments like a built-in shower;even today it stands alongside modern coach-built campers and RVs.
Jurgens applied their estabished designs and building processes to a 2ltr microbus base,with the caravan section constructed from extruded aluminium frames and aluminium cladding to give strenth without excessive weight.Polystyrene insulation was fitted throughout and all the interior paneling was from Taiwan hardwood veneer,chosen because of its warp-resistance property.The inside height was 6ft 3ins(1.9m),giving a feeling of spaciousness,while the walk-through cab made the whole vehicle feel self-contained and snug.
The Jurgen Auto Villa that is now sold but still on the FOR SALE section of our website was a very rare model due to Jurgens Luton extension,which housed a double birth over the cab,that our model does not have, perhaps this was a special requested by a Jurgen fan who had seen the Karmann?
The Karmann Mobil differed from the Jurgens in that it did not have a Luton top over the front of the cab.The Karmann Karosserie had long links with VW,with the Karmann Ghia and the Beetle Cabriolet probably being the most widely known VW conversions.In 1973-1974 one of the family directors of the Karmann Karosserie Wilhelm Karmann,visited South Africa and there came across a very different kind of VW based motor caravan-the Jurgens Auto Villa.There was nothing quite like it in Europe (apart from a few very expensive luxury Winnebago style conversions),and nothing like it on a VW base.He was so impressed with the vehicle that he successfully negotiated with Jurgens for the rights to build a version under licence.
In 1974 the Karmann Mobil was launched.It was very similor to the Jurgens model,with insulated aluminium cladding round an aluminum frame,but did not have the Luton Top for extra sleeping space over the front cab.The walk-through cab led into a private bathroom area equipped with shower,sink and portable toilet,opposite was an electric fridge and storage cupboards,stainless steel sink and a two burner hob.At the rear of the vehicle was a living area,raised from the rest of the floor area(to create storage access at the rear of the vehicle),which was arranged in the traditional caravan style of U-shaped seating,all with windows,round a table.The table laid down to form a double bed.
OFFERS ARE INVITED OVER 1275O.00GBP
1977 Jurgen Auto Villa
This is a rare RHD Jurgen Auto Villa with a 1700cc twin carb engine built in South Africa. Karmann copied the idea under licence from Jurgen.
This camper runs well. It was all original but due to the condition of the internal, we have stripped it out completely and will be giving it a full retro look. However, if you would like us to customise this vehicle to your own requirements or even take the project on yourself, we would be pleased to hear from you.
This vehicle has now been sold thanks Paul
Recently Sold
