Description
We are selling our VW T3 Syncro Westfalia Camper after 16 years of ownership that have taken us all over Europe and the UK.
It was purchased from a Syncro specialist in N Devon in 2010. We are the second UK owners. During our ownership we have both maintained and upgraded the camper mechanically, bodywork and interior. Currently we have an agreed value for insurance of £30k.
ENGINE / TRANSMISSION
The engine was originally a 2. 1 DJ water boxer. We have had a 2, 475cc engine built by Ian Holman of 025 Motorsport. This is still a water boxer but is able to use the original Digijet FI system meaning that parts are available if necessary. The bigger engine has noticeably more power, especially when fully loaded for long trips and on mountain passes.
The transaxle and front diff have been thoroughly gone through and rebuilt by Aidan Talbot who is the recognised expert on VW T3 transmissions.
The 4WD system consists of VW's viscous coupling system with a decoupler as well as front and rear difflocks. It is an incredibly effective system both off road and in winter conditions.
INTERIOR
The interior is based on a standard Westfalia Mosaic interior. The van was originally a Caravelle and was converted at some point before our ownership. We have upgraded to a Waeco Compressor Fridge, a fully fuse protected 12 volt system based on a Sterling B2B charger and 90 amp alternator with two 80 amp leisure batteries. LED lighting has replaced the original 1980s fluorescent tubes. There are 4 X 12volt sockets and a Pioneer Bluetooth stereo with 4 decent speakers. The camper is used all year round and is fitted with an effective Propex space heater which has worked for us in temps of -10C. We currently have 30 litres of water storage and a 12 volt pump to a tap above the sink unit. The cooking facilities consist of a double burner next to the sink and this as well as the Propex run off propane so that year round use is maintained. Lastly there is a genuine Westfalia toilet box which we use for a Porta Potti as well as storing cleaning materials.
There is a comfortable 3/ 4 rock and roll bed as well as a double in the roof when the pop top is up. We've used both and had good nights' sleep.
EXTERIOR
This is in very good order following a recent extensive refurb and repaint (in the original VW L90D Pastel White). The wheel rims are originally from a 1990s Audi 200 and tyres are Goodrich BFG ATs. These work well off road and are not noisy on tarmac.
The camper is advertised with a full one year MOT. There are also a number of new and second hand spare parts such as CV joints, cables, service parts etc which will go with the camper when its sold.
Originally a Syncro Caravelle first registered in Belgium and still has original Belgian ID plate. Converted to Westfalia with a Mosaic interior. It is, of course, left hand drive.
How many Westfalia Syncros? Rare - only about 43, 000 Syncros ever produced and estimates suggest about 2000 of these are Westfalias.
One previous UK owner although we don't know how many Belgian owners.
During our ownership we have undertaken the following extended trips in order:
North Wales
Northumberland, Lake District, Yorkshire Dales.
Crossing Picos Mountains in N Spain
South of France X4
Brittany X2
Circumnavigate Iberian Peninsula (6 weeks).
Peak District, Northumberland, Borders, Cumbria, Hadrian's Wall, Yorkshire Dales (7 weeks)
Shetland via Peak District, Dales, Northumberland, east coast of Scotland and return via Lake District (4 weeks).
Outer Hebrides via Wales, Cumbrian coast, Skye and return via, Cairngorms, Northumberland, North Pennines, Yorkshire Dales (7 weeks).
The van has been very reliable throughout reflecting care we have taken with maintenance as well as rugged nature of these VWs. It is however nearly 40 years old and would prefer any prospective purchaser to see it "in the flesh" if possible so that they can be absolutely clear what they are getting.
