Description
Here she is!! Tremendously original time capsule 1970 VW Westfalia Camper. This bus runs drives and stops with $1000's (like over $3K+) in just recently performed mechanical work as part of a planned restoration to bring her back to her full former glory. Time's run out and so shes selling early to a new lucky custodian.
The bus came out of a long term relationship with its last caretaker out of upstate NY. She and her family were responsible for the dozens of travel stickers that adorn the windows on the bus, and the many many miles it took to earn them. In light of this, we've called this bus Patty since we've owned it. All the brakes and suspension components have been thoroughly checked over in the last couple of months, repaired, rebuilt, or replaced where necessary. Steering is much less 'bus-like' than my 65 that's for sure! In other words, the steering is nice and tight. Shifting and clutch respond, sound, and perform as they should. This is not a bus that has been 'restored' or modified beyond recognition once you get into it, which is great when relying on the maintenance and troubleshooting books that any good VW owner should prepare to get familiar with. Tires are new and 90% of electrical stuff is problem-free. Original noncut dash with the radio still installed, try and find that in another listing! So many of the original German factory stickers and decals still in place where they should be. Still even has the original gas heater installed! (not hooked up) You bet she's got a few bumps, rough spots, couple minor patches, and could use a couple more here and there but nothing stops this bus from getting you to your favorite fishing spot or gathering a crowd at the gas station. See pics for the summary of it condition but where it really matters this bus isn't roached like so many here. I bought the bus because of how truly original and restorable it is. Nor is it covered in Bondo or fiberglass and polished or disguised like many others are. What you see is what you get and for that honesty, this is a great bus. You'll have minor stuff to tackle, but its an excellent start and a great bus that deserves the attention I'd planned for it. In the right hands, this is the kind of bus you can get into for far cheaper than the others listed online, or even make a few bucks on when completed. If you've been looking for one for any length of time you know all too well how quickly these Westfalias have and will continue to climb in value, there is just nothing like owning and enjoying one of these classic campers. This is a true no bones about it investment, and one that you can bond over, enjoy, and share. As the pictures show, she includes all the original interior westy equipment from the factory, including a few additional options, not all were ordered with. Try to find a fridge unit on the samba, and compare this against the many online missing even just that piece. It's tremendously complete.
WHY ARE YOU SELLING IT?!?! You ask...? So... as mentioned I started fixing what it would take to get her road trip ready and figured the bumps and battle scars (ones you would expect to find on any bus after 50 years of following festivals around the country!) could be tackled over the summer while enjoying it. I intended to go through a tasteful restoration/preservation on this bus and make a profit or make a decision to keep this over my 65 camper bus. Plans, as they often are, were delayed and I just don't have the time to finish this bus before letting it find a new garage. Another opportunity un-car related has come up and I'm selling off the toys, so, unfortunately, this little original westy is one of them. Please also see my other listings as they will be posted over the next few weeks if you're interested in a boss move to make package deal ;)
As these things go, some key points to make and understand before bidding. Given the age of the bus and the venue in which it’s being listed, I am offering this sale AS-IS, no warranties outside of my word on the items mentioned above, and no refunds of any kind once the deal is done. This said PLEASE ask any and all questions, come and see/inspect/drive the bus if you’re able, and get all of your own permissions/financing/space cleared in your garage BEFORE you bid. As mentioned above, I am selling the car to fund another purchase, to which these proceeds are required for so I would like not to list more than once which is reflective in my price. BUY IT NOW can be agreed on at $14,500 or upon discussion, so please reach out if this is of interest. Also... I've got another '72 Westy project and a 66 fastback project car I'll be selling in case you want a great package deal! The bus is also going to be listed elsewhere and for sale locally, first to pay is the new owner. Otherwise, bid what you can afford to and are committed to paying, and we’ll see from there! PayPal for deposit is OK, the rest will have to be wire, cash, or certified bank check (PP Fees too high for full payment unless you want to cover them). Nothing gets handed over till funds clear. Pick up here at my house in Barre MA is expected within 5 business days of the end of the auction. Shipping is the responsibility of the buyer, but I will, of course, do anything I can on my end to help get that sorted. I’ve both shipped a bus home and away so I’m happy to lend my experience onto whoever might not have before to make it go smoothly. I have all the paperwork needed to register open and ready for the new owner to register in their name etc, all will be sent certified mail once funds are cleared.
In closing, my reputation on here means a lot to me, and my enthusiasm for these cars and the people that enjoy them is my favorite part of the hobby. Please feel free to consider my feedback, and or speak with anyone that has purchased a car from me in the past if you have any concerns. Thanks again for the interest in this awesome little Westy, and good luck with the bidding :) Cheers, Brando
Note: Drive away tent is not included without agreement. A few other parts, however, and a couple of original manuals and original sales brochures will be gifted to the new owner :)