Pristine Condition:

1983 Volkswagen Westfalia
Pop-Top Camper!

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The name WESTFALIA has been linked to Volkswagen for decades. Chosen by the quality-conscious Wolfsburgers for their painstaking attention to the smallest detail, the WESTFALIA WERKE in Wiedenbrück (Germany) have always delivered top-of-the-line, VW-based Campmobiles that continue to fulfill the highest expectations of happy campers around the world.



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The fantastic combination of minivan-like utility and leisure-time luxury is unparalleled in the automobile realm. A WESTFALIA campmobile is a true "daily driver" that can easily be used as a grocery getter or mom's shuttle for the kids. Yet, it's instantly ready for camping action.

You may just be on your way to the market, only to find yourself parked somewhere near a lake or a beach, swiveling chairs and tables ready for an impromptu picnic. Suits and towels can always be ready for the occasion, stored in one of the Westfalia's many roomy cabinets. The WESTFALIA is the perfect lifestyle vehicle!

The 1983 Volkswagen Vanagon L ("Luxus" as in deluxe) presented here, VIN *WV2ZA0256DH011557*, is an outstanding example, certainly the finest we've ever seen in the flesh. It's the last of the air-cooled Busses and it's still registered to its original California "Sunset" license plates, front and back.

This fabulous Westy has undergone an open-checkbook restoration. Starting with a dry and clean California example, its owner, a retired L.A. police officer, commissioned some of the best-known SoCal craftsmen to turn his camper into a potential show winner.
A large binder containing dozens of receipts for parts and labor, totalling $19,869.82, accompanies the VW. Let's look at this fine restoration in more detail now!

A California vehicle from new, this VW has most likely never left the Golden State. Thus, it never suffered from corrosion or needed any rust repair. It has never been in an accident, either. The "Assuan Brown" (VW code LH8B) finish looks breathtaking. There are no bubbles, dings, dents, or imperfections of any kind. All brightwork is in excellent condition, bumpers and end caps are new, and the weatherstripping is still pliant - because it's new, too. All four tires are near new.

Dashboard has been protected by a soft cover (included in the sale) and is well-preserved and 100% free of cracks. Everything works perfectly, even the clock. Tunes are being provided by an updated AM/FM SONY stereo unit with CD player.
Apparently, this camper has never been smoked in.

Front chairs are amazingly comfortable and give driver and co-pilot a fabulous view from their elevated perch. Even after many hours in the saddle, there is no fatigue. The passenger seat can swivel sideways, allowing the front passenger to take advantage of the swiveling desktop. Looking over the documentation, we notice that more than $6,000.00 were spent to return the interior to like-new condition, using correct fabrics and materials.

A real WESTFALIA sleeps four. The upper bedroom miraculously appears once the patented Pop Top is popped open. It's basically a tent, consisting of water-proof canvas, protected by a hard-shell roof. Push a button, lift a handle, and voilá . . . all of a sudden there's ample headroom in the pantry. Top canvas is brand new, of course.

At night, fold down the mattress, and there's plenty of space for two additional adults or up to four kids. In fact, kids love it up there!

It truly can be said of the VW Westfalia Camper that its inside appears to be bigger than the outside.
Note the rare, optional hardwood flooring!

Every available square inch has been transformed ingeniously into useable living space. Within minutes, the breakfast nook can become a chef's kitchen, a comfy living room, or a bedroom suite for four. Often missing, both swiveling tables are included here.

Can you believe that the Westfalia is 100% self-contained?
The built-in, three-way refrigerator runs on 110 Volts (household or campground electricity can be hooked up via a plug on the vehicle's left side), 12 Volts from the Westfalia's battery, or for weeks on end on propane from the built-in tank.
The two-burner gas stove is in excellent condition as well. The cool stainless steel sink features a faucet fed by a very large 12 gallon water tank. It's a full kitchen, and everything works flawlessly!

Quality of custom cabinetry is legendary. There are more than a dozen different locations to stow things small and large, from the kitchen drawer to the full length closet with mirror. You'd have to check it out in person to really fathom this miracle of intelligent design. Within a couple of minutes, the WESTFALIA even morphs into a Motel suite, sleeping four. Picture above shows the "lower bedroom" featuring a full-size bed.

Spacious under-seat storage bin contains factory jacking equipment and leaves plenty of space for other items.

Mounted to the back is a high-end "Carry Bike" aluminum bike rack, imported from Germany at the cost of $900.00. It folds down, allowing two bicycles to be mounted securely. It is specifically made for the Vanagon T3 and carries the German TÜV seal.

When it gets hot, you might want to keep the backdoor open to create a nice breeze. Factory-supplied mosquito net snaps in place securely, keeps the pesky critters out.

Built-in wardrobe provides plenty of storage space for the weekend getaway. Shown here are the factory privacy curtains for front and rear windows and the aforementioned mosquito net.

Engine compartment is clean and dry. The simple, air-cooled 2.0-liter Boxer engine is fed by an equally simple yet bullet-proof Bosch fuel injection and runs like a Swiss Rolex watch. The engine has been completely rebuilt by VW specialist Blodgett's in San Bernardino, less than 4,000 miles ago. A new clutch kit was installed, too.

There are no fluid leaks or strange noises, nor is there any smoke emanating from the exhaust, and the van just passed the stringent California smog inspection.


Vanagon's undercarriage is that of a proverbial California car. It's healthy and dry, with nothing but unmolested factory finishes present. There's not even a hint of corrosion, curtesy of the perennial California sunshine.

Thursday, June 23, 2016, turned out to be another fabulous day here in our lil' mission town. Blue skies without a single cloud in sight provided the perfect back drop for our test drive and photo session.

Spoiler alert: we were happily surprised about the VW's fine road manners. With the 4-speed stick, it's a powerful Freeway flier. Suspension and brakes (completely rebuilt as well) are superb, as is visibility.

Everything functions in a most satisfying manner on this fully restored Westfalia.

Hard to believe that this show-worthy camper has already celebrated its 33rd birthday, isnt' it? You can drive it daily to work, use it as a grocery getter or kid hauler, and on the weekends explore the great outdoors on a budget or take it to one of the many Volkswagen shows. We're not aware of any other vehicle that could offer you more!

Buy the best car you can afford is an old adage that applies here. No stone was left unturned during the restoration. You can enjoy this fabulous Westy right away. Looking at the steadily rising prices for vintage Volkswagen Westfalia campmobiles, buying a pristine example like this one might be a shrewd investment as well.

Addendum:
We sold this exceptionally nice Westfalia in November of 2016 to a customer in upstate New York.


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