We were thrilled to learn that VW has its own commercial vehicle restoration service in Hanover – called ‘Oldtimer’ – which basically takes on everything from mild makeovers to complete, full blown bus restorations. So if you’re in the market for an official ‘factory’ rebuild, this is the place to go…

Formed back in 2007, the Oldtimer team has expanded quickly in the last few years. Not only has it bought and restored about 100 vehicles for its own collection – but more excitingly, from now on, it is offering its restoration services to owners of historic vans and buses, with completed rebuild projects accompanied by detailed documentation of precisely what work’s been carried out. An ‘official’ factory restoration, if you like…

To be able to do this, the Oldtimer operation moved to a new building in Hanover at the beginning of 2014. An area of approximately 7,000 square metres now not only accommodates historical treasures, but also houses a workshop which includes everything from a sheet metal bending bench, lathes and milling machines to a paint shop. The department has a staff of 13, from mechanics to a technology historian and an event planner.

Owners of an historic VW commercial can now have it restored in VW’s own workshops, at its place of origin. Said a recent press release: “No matter whether a full or partial restoration is required, or a van is simply to be made roadworthy, the ‘Bulli’ workshop team will undertake any assignment.”

Apparently, staff talk through all options with the customer before preparing an individually tailored restoration programme, at the end offering a special certificate confirming what was done along with comprehensive documentation of the restoration, with step by step photography. Thus the work performed by the specialists from Hanover is recorded for posterity.

Some of the replacement parts needed when working on classics are even taken from Volkswagen’s original stock, with support from Volkswagen Classic Parts.

Unfortunately, we’ve no idea of costs, but we expect such auspicious rebuild work would come at a premium. When we contacted them VW confirmed that as yet no UK vehicle has been restored in its workshops – so, hey, your van could still be the first to have a ‘factory’ restoration! I wonder if they put a stamp in your service book?

Ian

The opinions expressed here are the personal opinions of the author and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of VW Heritage