Highlights
- One lady owner since 2010
- Carefully looked after
- Lots of extras included
The Appeal
Westfalia-Werke began converting VW buses in 1951. The company also converted vans from other manufacturers, and made trailers, but is best known for its VW camper conversions. Their famous ‘pop-top’ package became very popular and was widely copied by other manufacturers.
The T3 conversion, also known as the T25, was first introduced in 1979 as the Westfalia Joker and was available with 1.6- or 2-litre air-cooled engines; the ‘Vanagon’ name (a portmanteau of ‘van’ and ‘station wagon’) first appeared in 1980, and was used in the US and Canadian markets. In 1983 the water-cooled T25 was introduced, still known as the Joker in Europe, and in 1986 the updated Vanagon conversion first appeared, with a more modern interior and additional exterior colour options.
This example was manufactured in 1989 and was imported to the UK in 2009. It was purchased by the vendor in 2010 after her late partner was diagnosed with cancer, so that they could continue to travel. Sadly, he passed away two years later and since then the vendor has carefully looked after and cherished the motorhome, and uses it to attend dog shows around the UK. However, she now feels that she doesn’t use it enough to justify continued ownership and despite her sentimental attachment to it has reluctantly decided to sell.
The History and Paperwork
- Supplied new in Germany
- First UK registered in 2009
- Bought by vendor in 2010
- MoT valid until March 2024
- Past MoT certificates
- Lots of invoices for work carried out
- Haynes manual
- Instruction manual (in English)
The Interior
- Well-appointed interior space
- Sleeps four
- Fridge powered by LPG or electricity
- Two-burner LPG cooker
- Sink
- Plenty of storage space
- Leisure battery replaced July 2022
- New fire extinguisher
- Petrol heater, in need of service
- Passenger ‘captain’ seat rotates
- Table on swing-arm
- Comfortable driver and passenger seats with armrests
- 40-litre fresh water storage tank
- Waste water storage tank
- Just Kampers reflective thermomats for all windows
- JVC radio/CD player
- Footwells protected by mats
- Speedometer has recently stopped
The interior here is in excellent condition, testament to the care that has been lavished on it by the vendor during her tenure. The layout is well thought-out and sensible, and there are lots of neat storage solutions.
The ‘pop-top’ roof extends to reveal a decent-sized double bed, while the sofa in the back folds down to create an additional double bed. The inside of the pop-top roof has some marks and would benefit from a thorough clean.
There’s a double-burner cooker which runs on LPG from an external storage tank, and the fridge has the option of running on the LPG or via electricity from the electric hook-up. Next to the cooker is a sink but the vendor reports that the pump for this is not currently working. The swing-arm table also needs attention as this is not stable.
In the cockpit are two comfortable seats with fitted armrests, while that on the passenger side rotates to provide additional seating in the living space. The carpets in the footwells have been protected by robust mats, while the dashboard is in very good condition and has a dual cupholder fitted.
The Exterior
- Extending ‘pop-top’ roof
- Pastel White paintwork
- £11, 000 spent on body restoration in 2017
- Two new tyres in April 2023
- External underbody LPG tank
- Large Easycamp ‘Daytona’ awning supplied
- Just Kampers storage cover supplied
- Just Kampers reflective external windscreen cover
- Electric hook up
- Vehicle levellers supplied
- Rear rack for bicycles supplied
- Camping table supplied
For a motorhome that is nearly thirty-five years old this one presents in remarkable condition, no doubt thanks to the extensive restoration work done in 2017, at a cost of some £11,000. This work is outlined in detail in an accompanying invoice. There are just 2 small patches of rust appearing, below the rear window & below the nearside sliding window.
The vehicle has had two new tyres this year but all four look to be recent, with full tread, and while the wheel trims have some marks they are all intact.
The Mechanics
- 2.1-litre petrol engine
- 5-speed manual gearbox
- ECU recently refurbished
- Invoice for £3000 of mechanical work, July 2023
- Starts and runs well
Despite its high mileage, the vehicle starts readily and runs well. After a recent breakdown, the vendor had the ECU fully refurbished and a lot of other mechanical work done, at a cost of some £3000 – again, this is outlined in a detailed invoice.
Under its cover the engine looks to be in very good condition for its age and mileage, while underneath the vehicle there are no visible leaks and only superficial corrosion.
Summary
Well cared-for throughout the vendor’s ownership, at considerable expense, this smart-looking and comfortable motorhome offers the new owner the opportunity for off-grid adventures. With only a few minor issues to address, it’s in remarkably good condition for its age and mileage.
BEFORE YOU BUY
BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check, to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery.
