Description
1981 Volkswagen T25 T3 Air-cooled Westfalia Camper
A really rare opportunity here to acquire my 1981 Oettinger up-rated T25 Westy. She is LHD, Road tax and MOT exempt. This is a much regretted sale due to the pending arrival of a new van (which won't be half as good as this one).
An air-cooled T25 Westfalia is now a very rare vehicle but this Oettinger example could well now be totally unique; I've certainly never seen another. When these vehicles were new, VW's tuning partner, Oettinger, offered an upgrade that enhanced the 2 litre, 72bhp engine to a 2. 4 litre 100bhp unit, apparently giving a top speed of 88 mph. The upgrade cost around £1500 in the 1980's so certainly wasn't cheap. Whilst still no ball of fire, hills don't trouble this van and she is generally much more useable than the standard vehicle. I have had her set up on a rolling road and she still produces 100bhp at 4000rpm (print-out included). The conversion also included an external oil cooler, rev counter and oil temperature gauge. The Oettinger conversion also included a 4-headlight grill and dummy lower grill; I have removed these as I preferred the original look but all parts are included.
She is in remarkable, original condition and has never been welded and still has much of her original paint. There is none of the seam rust that seems to blight these vehicles and the body is remarkably straight. The wheels, tyres and hubcaps are all superb; Hankook tyres are less than 2000 miles old. There's a massive history file including many old MOT's, the German vehicle inspection reports, the VAG service record and much, much more.
All interior fitments work correctly including the petrol powered heater, fridge on gas and 220v (not sure it works on 12v), gas hob (fed from the in-built lpg tank), both front seats swivel and there are two tables. Very spacious inside with two double beds. Original type upholstery and original curtains. The double-glazed windows are the best I've ever seen. Large capacity fresh water tank with lockable filler, loads of cupboard space.
Pop-top canvas is in good condition and is leak-free, however the zip for the front window vent is seized shut; I've not managed to free it off but not wanting to damage it haven't tried too hard.
There is a new (less than 1 year old) Thule wind-out awning fitted.
She has a genuine Westfalia tow-bar fitted (I've never used it).
I would happily drive her anywhere; last year I went to LeMans and several UK trips, she always attracts favourable comments and is such a practical Camper; also included is a very good quality awning with built in frame and groundsheet.
She is however, a 40+ year-old VW Camper and as such there are always items requiring attention..... if I keep her, these are the items I'd address:
The heat exchangers are currently disconnected; I think one or both leak internally (though they look in good condition from the outside); I'd replace these.
The interior fan doesn't work; I've not investigated further than the fuse which is ok.
The oil temperature gauge reads high; I had to replace the sender but it seems the new one is not matched to the gauge.... it still works but the numbers don't mean much!
The dash-board indicator repeater doesn't always work (very occasionally it does but hasn't for a while)
Some of the front gear linkage bushings make a noise when changing gear; I think this could be solved by removing the linkage, cleaning and greasing everything.
Fiamma 2-bike bike rack included
Some spares included (fuel pump, oil filter, HT leads etc...)
Mains connection leads included (enabling you to plug in at home and on camp-sites)
LPG gas tank adapter included; enabling filling from autogas pumps (though there's still half a tank of gas that will probably last a good few years!)
Porta-Potti toilet and toilet tent included if you wish
In summary, this is a really rare opportunity to acquire what must be one of the very best T25's left in existence; a genuine rust-free, original air-cooled T25 but not only that, one that includes a period modification with all associated paperwork.... a real collectors item but one that can be used and enjoyed.
