Highlights

Factory 4-berth RHD Westfalia
Two UK owners since import from South Africa in 2007
Great useable condition
MOT till 12.07.2023
Comes with a brand new set of Porsche Fuchs style wheels from Johnbrownwheels.com with tyres

The appeal

The VW Type 2 is instantly recognisable today thanks to a long lasting legacy of revolutionary design and simplistic engineering. The VW camper has been part of many people's lives and the following around the vehicle is stronger than ever with the production of the bus being revived and modernised for 2023 showing just how versatile the design is.

The current owner of this bus purchased it from us in 2022 where the plan was to make it their own, however due to personal circumstances, the bus sat unused for a while. Now knowing that they won’t get round to what they had planned for the bus, the decision has been made to sell it on.

The history and paperwork

Previous to the current owner the bus was imported through a specialist importer for lack of good examples locally. The warm, dry climate meant that the structure of the bus was in good condition but cosmetics, mechanical and interior were in poor shape. The previous owner ordered a recommission including, brakes, retrimming interior, brand new factory VW 1600TP engine, gas burner wheels, 240v plinth heater and camping hook up, exterior repaint and new seals.

The current owner purchased the bus in 2022 to add their own style to it but unfortunately due to a series of personal events, the bus was left relatively untouched, with the current owner only putting around 200 miles in with the camper. The camper is much the same, in terms of features, to when they purchased it but with the realisation that they won’t now get around to it, the camper is back with us for auction.

The camper has an MOT till 12.07.2023 and comes with a paperwork folder. Much of the paperwork is MOT tests from the bus’s time in the UK with invoices for work carried out in the recommission. There is an invoice for some mechanical work carried out in 2018 and the car comes with one set of keys.

The Interior

Retrimmed Westfalia camping interior
240v heater
Weighted blackout curtains

The original Westfalia set up is mostly intact, with a few additions. For travelling there are 8 seats including a rare bench front seat in the cab, allowing for 3 people up front. 5 of the seats have new 3-point belts and the rear bench can sit 3 people at a squeeze facing forward and two on the rear facing bench. In camping mode, the bus has a double bed in the back, and a single canvas fold out bed up top.

Cubby spaces and compartments are aplenty in the camper with a little wardrobe with a mirror and some hanging hooks. The original sink and fridge were beyond saving so the unit now holds speakers, a heater and 3-pin plugs when hooked up to the camping outlet. There are weighted blackout curtains installed but the stereo is not working so would need to be changed.

The front seats are reported to be original and they’re in excellent condition. The interior of this bus is not a show winner sure, but it’s not in bad condition and with a clean-up and some elbow grease, it will be very presentable and usable interior space.

The Exterior

Pastel white paintwork
Canvas-sided pop-up top
Gas-burner style wheels
Brand new set of Porsche Fuchs style wheels from Johnbrownwheels.com with tyres

Spending much of its early life in South Africa the body of the bus is in better condition than UK examples, it has a few spots starting to show at the moment from some cosmetic blemishes since it’s repaint, but with treatment they could be stopped from progressing further and preserved. The colour is the original spec L90D Pastel White which suits the bus well.

The gas burner style wheels are showing signs of marks and lacquer peel; however the current owner is throwing in a brand-new set of Fuchs style wheels and tyres from wheel repro company John Brown Wheels, somewhere in the region of £1,000. So, you can either refurb the gas burners and keep them on the bus or use the Fuchs style one straight out of the gate.

Remarkably for a classic, one key fits all the locks around the bus including the ignition and all the exterior trim is present and correct. There are a few marks and blemishes, but they all add character in our opinion.

The Mechanics

Brand new VW 1600TP engine fitted in 2007 including clutch
Front disc brakes

The bus has done around 13,200km since the brand-new engine was fitted so should continue for many more miles. The new clutch ensures all gears are found with as much accuracy as these buses are known for. The engine sounds healthy and upon moving the bus around the small compound whilst on the photoshoot, there was no unwanted noises heard. We have tried to capture as much as possible in the long walk-around video in this listing so do take some time to watch it over a cuppa.

There are a few quirks as expected with a classic, such as the ignition key needing to be turned back a few degrees after starting otherwise the headlights won’t work. Fuel gauge doesn’t work; however, the sender unit is thought to be at fault and the oil pressure gauge didn’t seem to work either. Also, the heating from the engine to the cabin isn’t connected so come winter, you might want to reinstate that. Otherwise in good usable condition, much like the rest of the bus.

Summary

This is a very cool looking bus in a popular configuration that has been loved and used like these vehicles should have been used. It’s not a show car or a trailer queen and for that reason it’s one you should consider if you’re wanting to make memories in as you won’t be terrified to leave it anywhere.

With the cult following around these vehicles not showing any signs of waning, this bus represents a fantastic opportunity to get in on the scene with a characterful and usable example. This is also an excellent time to buy, going into the summer months, sunshine filled road trips and camping await, what more could you want.

Notice to bidders

This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.

UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.

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