Bare metal respray in 2018 and has been dry stored by the vendor since
THE APPEAL
The VW Type 2 is one of the all-time most famous and recognisable classic vehicles, best-served and enjoyed with accommodation included. This one sleeps up to five and is a genuine Westaflia, supplied new by the Volkswagen main dealer in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, in 1973. It has a front-hinged pop-top, renowned for its simplicity of use. There’s a rock-and-roll bed in the back and further accommodation for smaller people in a hammock that fits over the front seats.
The VW has had just two registered owners from new – the gentleman who bought it new and his son. The original order form is there, in which the buyer paid for the white van to be made two-tone with orange lower bodywork and to be undersealed and rust-proofed, an investment that clearly paid off. He traded in a Ford Cortina estate.
The vendor is a classic VW specialist and he acquired the van in 2018 in remarkably solid and original condition. Since then, he has given it a full bare metal respray but, critically, no welding – the condition of the chassis and panels is incredible.
It has also had its engine upgraded from its original 1,600cc unit to a more powerful 1,700cc unit in 1992, at the time the odometer read 66,677 miles – the reason being that the original owner upgraded it to tow a camping trailer back in 1989. The new engine has covered just under 20,000 of the Type 2’s 86,415 miles from new.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
Original RHD UK-supplied van
UK V5C
Tax, MOT, ULEZ and CAZ exempt
MOT until September 2024 with no advisories
Folder of historical bills and invoices going right back to the 1970s, the vast majority from the same village garage in Norfolk
Original order form from 1973
VW Service Book, stamped for first 19 years
Original owner’s manual
Full brand new exhaust system
THE INTERIOR
Five-berth
Pop-up roof
Westfalia Motor Caravan layout with upper bed, rear double and hammock
Sink, fridge, wardrobe and hob unit
Electric water pump
12v electrics
The van is kitted out as originally specified as a genuine Westfalia conversion, with an integral wardrobe, fold-out table, gas hob, fridge, pull-out shelving and hand sink.
All of the trim and fabrics are original other than the curtains, and while there are minor signs of wear these are minimal and – if anything – add to the van’s charm and originality.
The pop-up roof works as it ought to, with a cosy (and very orange) double bed up there, while the rear seat is fitted with aftermarket belts to make the camper into a sensible four-seater.
Up front, the cab is in excellent order – it’s the details that stand out, like the original clips and neat installation of the wiring loom and the unspoilt vinyl seats and door cards, which show minor signs of age but are completely original.
THE EXTERIOR
Stripped to bare metal and repainted
Absolutely no rot found – even has original spot welds to inner wings and roof joints
Wheels refurbished with new centre hub caps
Incredible condition throughout
The Type 2 is in fantastic order, having been fully repainted and taken back to bare metal by a renowned VW specialist in 2018. It was completely stripped but no rot was found – the entire van is near flawless and the floors and chassis superb.
Look closely and there are few tiny imperfections top the paint, but they’re very hard to spot – the panel gaps are perfect.
The vendor has been very careful to retain as much originality as possible, so the original bumpers, light units and trim have been retained wherever possible, so expect some minor signs of ageing – but the originality of this van is its USP.
THE MECHANICS
1,700cc air-cooled engine
Replacement unit fitted in 1992 – has covered around 20k
All brakes, steering and suspension components in fine fettle
Four-speed manual transmission
The Type 2 starts on the button with a distinctive air-cooled clatter and settles to a smooth idle almost instantly. It’s a great runner and has been well maintained throughout its life, the engine itself having covered around 20,000 miles since it was fitted in 1992.
It retains its original four-speed gearbox, which operates as it ought to, while the condition of the steering and suspension systems – most of which is visible from beneath – is superb.
The vendor reports that the van drives without fault and that there are no known mechanical issues.
SUMMARY
This is a remarkable Type 2 – a lovely old van that comes with remarkable provenance, and is impeccably well-presented. It needs nothing at all; it’s simply a beautiful Type 2 that’s good to go, repainted but not restored, and ready to be enjoyed as a wonderful family-friendly classic.
It’s in terrific structural condition, beautiful inside and out and mechanically excellent. Finding a better example won’t be something that comes easily.
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.*
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
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.
Car & Classic's secure payment system protects buyers and sellers. At the end of the auction, the winning bidder transfers payment into a third-party escrow account. Once the transfer of the vehicle is complete, both parties confirm they are happy with the sale and the money is released to the seller.
More about buying with us
1972 Volkswagen Type 2 Westfalia Campervan
Make an offer
This seller is open to offers. Enter the amount you'd like to pay and if your offer is accepted, a member of the team will be in touch.
Under offer
This seller has accepted an offer.
Click the star to watch the listing and keep an eye on it in the favourites section of your account, or search for something similar.
Verify your email address
To make an offer, please log in or create an account
To make an offer, please verify your email address using the link we’ve sent to
