Rusted wreck worth a bomb to Kombi fans

The old "Split Window" Kombi has been rotting in a field for years.

Once soil-stained and rusting in a paddock, an original circa-1964 Volkswagen "Split Window" Kombi van is expected to get plenty of attention at a Melbourne auction.

Unlike many of its contemporaries, which are now bringing Porsche money on the world market, this Kombi has spent the past 15 or so years sitting unloved in a Victorian country field, with its owner knocking back all offers from enthusiasts and passers-by.

The vendor acquired the original right-hand drive Kombi in 1972 with just 12,801 miles showing on its odometer and reportedly drove it regularly before an engine fire put it off the road around 1980.

Always intending to restore it, he has now abandoned the idea and the highly collectible VW is being sold "as viewed" in non-running condition and in need of a full restoration.

The Kombi will be part of Shannons Melbourne summer auction on December 8.

With values of "Split Window" Kombis soaring, Shannons national auction manager Christophe Boribon said it was becoming increasingly rare to find worthwhile unmolested examples for restoration.

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"This wonderful time-warp example presents a rare opportunity for the Kombi enthusiast," Boribon said.

"It has created enormous interest so far and we expect some feverish bidding from floor, telephone and also online bidders."

Shannons expects the Kombi to sell with no reserve in the A$8000-A$12,000 ($8660-$13,000) range, but Boribon admitted this might be a conservative estimate.

"A multiple award-winning 1966 VW Campervan sold to an online buyer for A$74,000 at our September auction in Melbourne, so it will really depend on how much enthusiasts want it," he said.