If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line T2 Campervan, then the Westfalia-converted vans are the ones to go for.
Based upon the ubiquitous Volkswagen T2 ‘Bay Window’ Camper, the Westfalia conversions retained the standard chassis, 1600 air-cooled engine, running gear and bodyshell as the standard camper/microbus vehicles, but, as with all things in life, it’s what’s inside that counts the most.
The standard interior was completely removed, with Westfalia kitting out their models as a kind of rock-n-roll palace on wheels, with a list of available options that would make even the likes of Porsche blush. Despite this, most vehicles were still outcropped with a full-width rock’n’roll bed, all-important ‘pop-top’ roof and numerous amenities such as a sink, cooker unit and often extra sleeping accommodation too.
Clearly, Westfalia’s reputation is well-deserved, as they still work with VW today on their latest run of ‘Transporters’ offering the same gold-standard conversions for modern enthusiasts today as they did back in the heady days of air-cooled motoring.
This particular ‘Westy’ has been a true labour of love for the vendor, who purchased the vehicle ten years ago as a long-term project to renovate to the highest standards, eventually planning to go travelling with the van.
Originally green, the vehicle required an extensive level of restoration - both mechanically and aesthetically - to get it to a level that the owner was happy with.
Having been completely overhauled with no expense spared, using only top-quality components wherever possible, the van has always been kept dry throughout the last ten years when not in use, first in various garages during the restoration, and since the work was completed in December 2020 it has lived under the vendor’s car port to help shield it from the elements.
Since December 2020, the vehicle has been taken out regularly and used for weekend drives with the vendor’s family, but a change in circumstances now forces the reluctant sale of this roadtrip-ready, top-spec Westfalia camper.
Included with the vehicle are a stack of invoices for all the work carried out to the camper during the restoration process, photographs of the vehicle from the last ten years during restoration, the most recent MOT certificate and the V5 ownership document showing 4 prior owners.
Speaking of the MOT, potential bidders will be pleased to know it was a clean pass with no advisories, after initially failing due to an inoperable stop lamp.
Of course, the interior is the most important part of a road trip vehicle, and it’s safe to say the cabin and living areas of this T2 are in outstanding condition and benefit from numerous modern touches.
The seats and matching custom-trimmed door cards are in fantastic shape, with very little if any marks or signs of use. The dashboard, too, is in excellent condition, and features an upgraded stereo unit with bluetooth connectivity, along with an additional USB port having been installed for easy charging on-the-go.
The floor is currently bare metal, but looks to be wonderfully clean and solid. The roof lining, too, is currently bare, though both a new grey carpet and roof lining are included in the sale of the vehicle.
Finally, the iconic ‘pop-top’ roof tent is in great condition, with only the most minor signs of use to the inner roof.
Having been the subject of a comprehensive restoration, there is no denying that this T2 certainly ‘looks the part’ and presents in fantastic external condition. The original paintwork was completely stripped and re-sprayed, with photographs of the process included in the history folder. Clearly, the work was done to a very high standard, and the results speak for themselves.
The paintwork is wonderfully rich and crisp, with no signs of any accident or impact damage. While in generally outstanding condition, there are a few age-related marks such as stone chips and water marks around areas such as the headlights and front ‘grille’ though these are minor and commensurate with the age and mileage of the vehicle.
Most importantly, the front and rear bumpers are both in good shape and free from any damage as far as we can see barring a couple of minor marks to the rear, while the chrome detailing around the vehicle also looks to be in excellent shape, retaining a mirror-like shine and with very little sign of pitting or patina.
All four wheels look to be in very good and presentable condition, though there are a few spots of surface corrosion on the steel wheels, while the chrome beauty dishes would benefit from a refurbishment and re-polishing.
Underneath, this T2 looks to be in very good shape, and appears to have benefitted from some undersealing at some point during its lifetime. As far as we can see, there aren’t any areas that call for concern, and the latest MOT exam on 30 September 2020 didn’t highlight any issues, so we’d take that as a good sign this T2 is ready-to-go.
The 1600cc air-cooled engine and its ancillaries all look to be in rude health, while the engine bay itself has also benefitted from some considerate customisation and ‘dressing up’ and is wonderfully clean with no noted issues or leaks to speak of.
In total, the restoration of this Westfalia camper came to over £25,000. A full list of work is available below, but highlights of mechanical work carried out include a full engine rebuild, new fuel tank, new clutch, new brakes, reconditioned steering box, and more.
Full list of work carried out:
Total body and engine restoration totalling over £25,000.
Body stripped completely and re-sprayed.
All windows removed and replaced along with new rubbers.
All doors and pop top have new rubbers.
Engine removed, stripped and rebuilt with new piston ring seals.
New petrol tank
New clutch
New brakes, brake lines, master cylinder.
New wiring throughout.
Steering box is original and reconditioned.
Wheels have been stripped, resprayed and fitted with new tyres.
For many, a ‘Bay Window’ camper is seen as a project, with plenty of weekend fettling, on-the-go maintenance and all the usual nuances that come with classic VW ownership.
But, if you’re looking for a turn-key T2 that’s ready to go minus a few cosmetic part installations (the parts for which are included with the vehicle) then this is your opportunity.
This 1973 top-of-the-line Westfalia camper has been rigorously restored with an incredible attention to detail, has a rich history and is ready to get in and enjoy.
What better vehicle for a summer staycation, touring around the best locations that the UK has to offer? We know we can’t think of any better choice of vehicle than a T2, and this one is in outstanding order throughout - a true gem!
The photos in this listing have been provided to us by the seller
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Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the sellers discretion.
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1973 VW T2 Westfalia Camper
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