1985 Volkswagen Westfalia Camper

Description

It's not fast or flashy, but this 1985 Volkswagen Westfalia camper does things like no other civilian vehicle on earth. Still outrageously popular after all these years, the "pop-ups" are for the sophisticated trailblazer, a guy who keeps his own beat and doesn't need to spend a lot of money to have a great time in the wilderness.

Nicknamed "Campy," this ultimate VW bus offers lots of new parts and smart upgrades that make it even more comfortable at the campsite. It's also lived in California and Texas all its life, so the tub is clean and the body shows nothing more than the usual bumps and bruises you get having fun where the road ends. The tan paint actually gives it a practical, no-nonsense look that suits it quite well, almost looking like a military vehicle destined for the desert. Fit and finish are quite good, as they were when it was new, and given how beloved these vehicles are, it's fairly obvious that its owners have always treated it with respect and kindness. As far as we can tell, that's original paint and the pop-up top still has supple weather seals, so it remains fully functional in every way. Lots of glass makes it bright and airy inside and it's all in quite good condition, and even the chrome bumpers shine up nicely. Showing up in one of these, even today, gives everyone a good memory.

The interior is truly where these vans are special. With room to sleep four campers, plus a dining area with removable table, swivel chairs, and a functioning 2-burner stove, it's a great mobile home that's far from ostentatious. Many of those upgrades I mentioned are inside, aimed specifically at making this VW even more versatile: a bigger propane tank for the upgraded stove, a functioning refrigerator, and a sink that works like it should. Screens on the windows allow you to enjoy the great outdoors without the bugs, and the upgraded A/C with R134a refrigerant keeps things chilly if you need it. Cleverly designed cabinetry offers plenty of storage and function without taking up a ton of space, one of the VW's biggest virtues. Upholstery is in excellent condition, as are all the privacy curtains and bedding materials. Up front, some loose-fitting seat covers improve comfort and help keep you cool, and the dash is the usual no-nonsense VW fare with an upgraded AM/FM/CD stereo head unit in the center.

The engine is a new 2.1 liter flat-four with just 5000 miles on the clock since it went in. All the stuff around the engine was replaced or upgraded, too, including the ignition control unit, airflow meter, oxygen sensor, filters, plugs, and the gas tank. All four fuel injectors were cleaned, with one of them being brand new, and despite the box-like shape, it pulls down a respectable 16 MPG with the (rather rare) automatic gearbox behind it. It's clean underneath, too, showing off its clean west-coast chassis. Oversized 205/70/14 tires were recently installed, and they ride great on the serious-looking black wheels with dog-dish hubcaps.

Complete with maintenance records dating back through three owners, this Westie is a great opportunity to enjoy first-class accommodations on a coach budget. Call today!