The VW Type 2 is one of the most recognisable vehicles of all-time, loved and adored all over the world and at its most popular with beds included.
This one is a late bay window Type 2, which was as refined as they got thanks to a punchy 2.0-litre engine and a revised cabin. It’s a factory-approved four-berth Westfalia conversion, which began its life in California and was imported to the UK by its first registered keeper over here in 2008. At the time it had been repainted bright orange.
The vendors bought the van in 2013 from Type 2 Detectives in Burwell, Cambridgeshire, who are among the UK’s best-known Type 2 specialists and restorers. They elected to have it repainted in its original cream and white livery as it left the factory, and had the van retrimmed at the same time to suit their needs.
There then followed a decade of making memories, with family holidays in Scotland, Cornwall and all over the UK, with the van being stored in dry storage over the winter. But with the children who holidayed in the van now away at university and the likelihood of four-aboard family holidays looking less and less likely, the family have decided it’s time for the Westfalia to find a new loving home.
It's a tidy and solid van – basic inside with no sink or fridge, but that does mean a lot of extra space for sleeping comfortably when there are four of you. It’s ideal for using on serviced campsites or as a day van down at the beach, which is its natural environment.
The market for VW Type 2 campers is as lively as ever, perhaps even more than ever given the current trend towards staycations and the boom in camping holidays.
This one is a great example – not perfect and in need of some minor cosmetic titivation, but solid where it matters and in great running order.
The History and Paperwork
1978 van imported from California in 2008
Genuine Westfalia
UK V5C
MOT, tax and ULEZ exempt
Original 2.0-litre engine
Selection of bills and invoices from current ownership showing lots of care and attention and annual maintenance at Type 2 Detectives
All previous UK MOTs
Parts and repair invoices from previous ownership including form the USA
Copy of US Certificate of Title
Original California licence plate
Two sets of keys
The Condition
Smart overall looking van repainted in original colours
Some minor areas of bodywork now have rust coming through, notably on the door bottoms and some minor bubbling on the body seams
Various small scuffs and marks around the body commensurate with the van being used as a family holiday wagon
Original steel wheels with recent new Davanti tyres
Looks superb underneath with no signs of any welding required in the future
Cab steps and corners in good, solid condition
Pop-up roof
Four-berth
12v leisure battery but not currently connected
UK-compatible mains hook-up
Rock-and-roll bed with upper pop-up roof bed (ideal for children) – retrimmed in brown leatherette
Revolving front passenger seat to face into the van when parked
Front seats also retrimmed in brown leatherette
Modern Blaupunkt Bluetooth stereo
Two three-point rear seat belts
Very clean and well-presented
The Mechanics
Original 2000cc air-cooled engine
Well maintained by current owners with annual servicing by Type 2 Detectives
According to the vendor the van drives very well indeed with no known faults or problems
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:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ 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.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.
✓Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand.. If requested, we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected]
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1978 Volkswagen Type 2 Westfalia
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