Description
Where do I start, one of the rarest Westfalias in existence. The best combination, a small rear window and round tail lights. Originally ordered and built on 30th March 1961 and left the factory on 29th April 1961 to its first owner Edward Donovan in Zimbabwe. It was then bought by David Reid-Henry a well known wildlife artist who painted the bus in a sand/ yellow colour and used the bus as a studio and travelled Africa. The reason he painted the bus was so he would blend into the sandy landscape while he painted the rare birds and wildlife. This enable him to study the subjects without disturbing them.
The bus was then sold in 1983 after David’s death and repainted in 1985 back to its original colours of Sealing Wax Red L53 and Beige Grey L472. Ed Denovan then found the bus in South Africa in the 2000s and bought it back to the UK and did a full restoration. It was then bought by Scott an active SSVC member who used the bus all over the country. I then purchased it in 2022, as an avid collector of Westfalias for over 40 years I was always looking for a RHD SO34.
There were only a handful of RHD ever produced, single figures in fact. And only 2/ 3 on the road.
Some more details ….
All the original furniture is intact and in lovely condition, never been restored or altered. Original mat in the rear with spare wheel and table bracket for use outdoors. Enders small and large stove in fold down storage cupboard. Child cot and straps above closet unit. Original sisal mat.
Working Chandelier light and Emka cups in cupboard. The RHD SO34 came with 2x folding chairs due to its adapted layout and lack of central folding centre seat. These are non original but very old chairs non the less. Original toilet under the bench seat. Along with complete RHD Westfalia Red stripe tent ( as rare as they come ) with poles and pole bag
Cab area. Original paint inside the bus with complete working Flipseat. Rubber floor mat and unrestored steering wheel with St Christopher horn push. Lovey bud vase and safari windows with NOS dash Hella fan.
The bus has never been welded and all panels are original. The benefit of spending all its life in Africa. Sub Hatch does not leak and Westy tent brackets are all original. All pop outs and closers original.
Sits on original cross ply’s for the best stance with chrome hubcaps and accessory ambulance step.
Original key and door handles.
The original engine was changed for a 1500 unit but the original engine is still available. Has a larger oil cooler which was used in the hotter climate of Africa. 12 volt electrics for practicality. Great running engine. Last serviced by Absolute VW .
The only other change from stock is dual circuit brake servos so the bus stops.
The only thing I’ve not been able to source is an original Westy rack. Hopefully a new owner will finish this off and find one.
It a has a Westy style tow bar and electrics fitted to tow my Westy trailer for camping trips.
Original manual and SO34 brochures.
Current millage 65, 456
Amazing bus.
