Description
1973 Volkswagen Type 2 Westfalia Campmobile 70 – Original California Camper | Exceptional Provenance | Original L20B Brilliant Orange
Vehicle Description
It is becoming increasingly difficult to find an early Westfalia that combines originality, honesty and documented provenance. This 1973 Volkswagen Type 2 Westfalia Campmobile 70 is one of those increasingly rare survivors.
Built in 1973 and finished in its original L20B Brilliant Orange, this genuine California-supplied Westfalia was imported into the UK in July 2008 and has been carefully maintained ever since. It remains a wonderfully original example, retaining its original Westfalia interior, Campmobile identification plates, factory decals, jalousie windows, 110-volt hook-up, wardrobe, cupboards, folding table, rear seat/ bed and many other original features that are so often lost during restoration.
Unlike many campers that have been heavily modified or cosmetically restored, this Westfalia presents as an honest, well-preserved vehicle. The body is straight, the underside is clean and original without heavy underseal, the jack points, chassis rails and floors all present well, and the engine bay has been kept tidy while retaining its authentic appearance.
Mechanically, the vehicle has benefited from continual maintenance throughout its life. The engine was professionally rebuilt by The Engine Shop in 2015, with invoices and warranty documentation retained. In August 2023, following reduced compression, the engine was again removed and professionally reconditioned by Nene Valley Classics. At the same time a new clutch was fitted, gearbox flange seals replaced, gearbox oil renewed, fuel sender replaced where required, new fuel lines fitted, rear brakes adjusted and the vehicle fully recommissioned before successfully passing its road test.
The engine has covered less than 1, 000 miles since the 2023 reconditioning.
The vehicle's last MOT before becoming exempt, dated 26 July 2017, recorded 19, 943 miles. The current odometer reads 23, 177 miles, meaning the camper has covered only 3, 234 miles over the last nine years, reflecting the careful use it has enjoyed.
During my ownership alone, over £9, 000 has been invested in servicing, maintenance and sympathetic improvements, all supported by invoices.
The camper starts easily, drives exactly as an early Westfalia should and is ready to be enjoyed immediately.
What truly sets this Westfalia apart is its exceptional provenance.
Supplied new in California, it still retains an impressive collection of original Volkswagen and Westfalia documentation dating back to new, including:
Original Volkswagen Owner's Manual
Original Westfalia Campmobile Manual
Original Emissions Control booklet
Original Volkswagen dealer service book
Original Westfalia construction and furniture plans
Original Westfalia literature
Original California dealer service records
The original Volkswagen service book is stamped by Vista Volkswagen, Goleta, California, documenting servicing from delivery through the first 24, 000 miles. Additional American maintenance log books and workshop records accompany the vehicle, providing a fascinating record of its early life before export.
The camper was imported into the UK and first registered here on 14 July 2008, with supporting DVLA documentation included.
The history file contains:
Original California Volkswagen documentation
Original Westfalia manuals and operating instructions
Original Westfalia construction drawings
Original dealer service book
Original American maintenance records
Complete UK MOT history prior to exemption
Engine rebuild invoice and warranty from The Engine Shop
Engine reconditioning invoice from Nene Valley Classics
Numerous invoices from VW Heritage, Just Kampers and recognised Volkswagen specialists
Original upholstery sample used during interior refurbishment
Extensive file of receipts documenting maintenance throughout ownership
The documented expenditure during my ownership totals more than £9, 000, demonstrating that maintenance has always taken priority over simply keeping the vehicle on the road.
This is not an over-restored show vehicle, nor is it a camper that has been assembled from reproduction parts. It is an exceptionally honest, original Campmobile that has survived remarkably well, supported by one of the most comprehensive history files I have encountered.
It represents a rare opportunity to acquire a genuine early California Westfalia with documented provenance stretching back over fifty years.
Highlights
Genuine 1973 Westfalia Campmobile 70
Original L20B Brilliant Orange
California supplied
Imported to the UK in July 2008
Matching VIN and original Westfalia identification plates
Original Westfalia interior
Original manuals and California dealer documentation
Original Westfalia construction drawings
Professional engine rebuild (2015)
Professional engine reconditioning (2023)
Less than 1, 000 miles since engine reconditioning
Only 3, 234 miles covered since July 2017
More than £9, 000 documented expenditure during current ownership
Extensive history file dating from new
MOT exempt, Historic Vehicle taxation class
Ready to enjoy immediately
Early Westfalia Campmobiles with this level of originality, documented provenance and continuous maintenance are becoming increasingly difficult to find. Serious enquiries are welcomed, and prospective buyers are encouraged to view both the vehicle and its extensive history file
