The VW Type 2 needs no protracted introduction. Its revolutionary design, simple yet efficient engineering and cheery disposition have combined to convey people and stuff around the world for over 70 years. Most famously and endearingly its camping derivates have given families, hippies and surfers somewhere unique and joyful to live in and to love. Drive anywhere in one and you’ll soon see this joy spread to passers-by; people of all ages will regale you with their memories and experiences of this iconic piece automotive design.

The seller of this Westfalia has been a classic VW enthusiast since getting his first Beetle as a 90s teenager, so when it came to choosing a camper to enjoy with his young family in 2007, he was very specific about the best model to have. It had to be a proper VW-approved Westfalia camper (not one of the various other aftermarket conversions), it had to be an early bay window (easier to drive, more powerful and more affordable than a pre-1968 split-screen, prettier than a post-1972 late bay), it had to have front disc brakes (which arrived in 1971). As if limiting choice to one year and one model wasn’t hard enough it also had to be right-hand-drive. This wasn’t going to be an easy search.

But they found what they were after, loved it for many years, and now are ready to part ways with it. So it's a great opportunity to get your hands on what may just be one of the most sought-after models of VW camper on the market...

 

The few that could be found locally were either too rotten to be viable or too perfectly restored to be put into family use. So, with the help of a specialist importer, the bus you see here was imported from sunny, right-hand-drive South Africa. The climate was kind to the general structure, but the cosmetics, mechanicals and interior were in poor shape. So a full recommissioning was undertaken. This included:

With this work complete it was put through an MOT and registered to its one and only UK owner. Since then it has been used for many camping trips, days out at the beach, festivals and general fun. It comes with a raft of invoices and receipts and has always been kept serviced, maintained and useable. It is MOT and road tax exempt, but comes with one until June 2023 anyway.

 

The original Westfalia layout is largely intact, with just a couple of sensible modifications. In sleeping mode there is a rock and roll double bed in the back, with a wardrobe and storage cubby beside, a single canvas bunk in the pop-up roof and another canvas bed that stretches above the cab seats.

For travelling there are potentially eight seats (if you're carrying children) including the rare bench front seat option, giving three in the cab. Five of the seats have new 3-point belts. The rear can squeeze 3 on the front-facing bench and two on the rear, around the original fold-away table. The Westfalia set up provides loads of storage cupboards and cubbies and an actual wardrobe with a hanging rail and little mirror. The original sink and fridge were beyond saving, so the unit now houses speakers, a 240v heater and 3 pin plugs for when you are camped somewhere with a hookup. The 2007-installed stereo has given up working, so would need replacing if the speakers are to be put into action again. Also installed are weighted blackout curtains that make summer sleeps much easier.

The rear seats and panels were retrimmed in 2007 and remain in good shape despite 15 years of family use. The fronts seats are original and remarkably good too. This is a very much a presentable, useable interior. It’s not a show winner, but nor is it rough. The sale includes a smart drive-away 'Just Kampers' awning with an extra inner tent bedroom that expands sleeping space to 5, or even 6 if you’re good friends.

 

Thanks to its sunny, dry early life the body has survived much better than most UK buses. It’s also been garaged here when not being used so has not suffered from significant corrosion since import either. From 10 paces the original spec L90D Pastel White paint looks very nice indeed. Closer up there are some cosmetic blemishes including cracks and blisters on one door and a bubble at the base of one rear arch and a few other marks but they’re nothing more than cosmetic – this is a solid vehicle. Like the interior it can be used with pride and confidence but isn’t so precious you worry about the kids kicking balls at it or parking it up at the side of the road. The canvas sides of the pop-top haven’t been renewed, they keep the weather out, but don’t look pretty. Remarkably, one key still fits all the locks and the ignition.

All of the exterior trim is present and correct, with some age-related wear, but nothing that should be of concern. The same can be said of the wheels, which present well, but bear a couple of minor scars from use.

 

The camper has only covered about 13,000Km since the brand-new (not reconditioned) factory engine was fitted in 2007 so should provide, many more miles of trouble-free use. The disc brakes pull it up straight and true. The gear change has a typically long throw but finds all the gears easily and without any crunches or whines. A new clutch was fitted with the new engine.

There are a couple of minor quirks: The ignition key needs turning back a couple of degrees after starting. If you don’t do that the headlights won’t work. The fuel gauge doesn’t always work either, although a new sender should cure that particular issue. The original silver steel wheels, with basically unused but old tyres, are included. The heating from the engine to the cab isn’t connected, so if you want to use it through the winter this might be sensible to reinstate.

Again, the mechanical elements are presented in good, useable, working condition, having been well maintained and cared for since the bus was recommissioned in 2007.

 

With the current owner having had 15 years of family enjoyment with this camper, it’s now ready to provide the fun and great memories to its next owners. It’s bright, presentable and useable without being "too good to use" - the perfect spec for a camper van then.

A RHD, 1971 Westfalia is considered by the seller to be the optimum model and year, and looking at the specification and joy they've clearly had with it, it’s hard to argue with the logic. Cheery travel and affordable, joy-filled holidays and days out await whoever purchases this characterful and charming vehicle. Sounds perfect...