1971 VW Westfalia Campmobile

1971 Volkswagen Bus/Vanagon Westfalia Campmobile Description

Say hello to Ruby

If you’re looking for an all original bus, then keep looking. If you’re looking for an everyday driver, family camper, all around eye-catcher, then Ruby is for you.

She is a 1971 Type 2 Campmobile. Purchased from the original owner. Yes, you read that correctly. I am the second owner of this beauty, and you could be the third. She’s lived her entire life in Florida, was rebuilt and then driven to Maine a few years ago. She hasn’t seen a rainy or snowy day since. Kept her in storage the entire time she’s been up north. I have the receipt from the original purchase from the dealer in 1971 (June 30, 1971 to be exact). Gladly send any additional photos or take custom photos/movies upon sincere requests. Ruby has nothing to hide.

Highlights:

• Rebuilt engine with 3,000 miles on it and running like you can only dream of. I would routinely visit her in the winter to crank the engine and it would fire up effortlessly.
• Transmission is not original, but an “upgraded” 5-rib version. 3rd gear moves you up to 50 mph before you need to hit 4th. Runs at 65 mph all day long.
• All seats (except the driver and passenger seats) have been recovered with clean, white vinyl that definitely brightens the inside.
• Repainted to the original merlot color.
• The undercarriage is absolutely spotless. Most of the undercoating is still there, but in places where it has chipped off the underlying paint is pristine. You will not believe how beautiful the undercarriage is. I’ve looked at many busses, and outside of show-cars, none of them compares to Ruby.
• New tires at the time of engine rebuild.
• Working wipers, hazard lights, interior light, headlights/high beams, interior outlet, heater, vents, radio...all working. Only the rear defrost is not working(light comes on but wires in the rear window no longer work).
• All gauges working (although the fuel gauge is a little wonky).
• New tent topper, hammock and cot. The tent was purchased from The Bus Depot. The hammock and cot material had rotted away and are now replaced with heavy duty canvas with double stitching. I weigh 165 lbs and slept in the fold out cot several times.
• Hard-wood floor laminate on the floor.
• New windshield, alternator, distributor, starter motor, pistons, valves/rods, battery.
• A cigarette lighter was added to the dash (to allow the use of phone chargers, mapping units).
• A single key locks/unlocks every door (except the engine compartment).
• Brand new windshield that is nearly invisible.
• You will have to see to believe how little rust is on her. Absolutely zero significant rust spots, and minimal light rust spots. Battery compartment and under floor mats are spotless (see photos). Ironically, the most rust to be found is on the brand new exhaust unit.
• Extra seat belt installed in the rear bench seat, so now she can safely haul 5 plus the driver.
• Did I mention she runs perfectly?
• Brakes have been refurbished and work perfectly (Remember, 1971 was the first year for front disc brakes). Haven’t added a drop of brake fluid since I’ve owned her.

Lowlights:

• I didn’t set the emergency brake one day, and Ruby rolled out of her parking spot and scraped her side. I’ve lightly sanded and applied primer, but haven’t had the time to get her painted. I have a supply of the paint that I can give the new owner. Approximate $500 paint job has been factored into my asking price.
• To fit into her parking spot, I have to remove the rear bumper. Even then, the fit is tight and has results in a scratched front bumper that will need to be sanded and painted. However the rear bumper is in great condition (just doesn’t appear in the photos).
• Horn on the steering wheel wasn’t working. Rather than tear it apart, a button was installed under the dash that now activates the original horn
• Left turn signal works, but definitely not normal. Flashes, but only under protest.
• The original owner drilled holes in the body to help vent the engine (don’t ask me why). These have been filled over, but shadows of them still show through the paint.
• The interior handle to the sliding door has broken off. It has been incredibly difficult to find a replacement.
• She marks her territory (oil leak), but at a pace that means 1/8 to 1/4 quart down at the end of the summer. It’s almost imperceptible to see with the dipstick but obvious in her parking spot.
• There is a “dead-spot” on the starter that results in 1 out of 10 starts where it sounds like the battery is dead. Turning the key a few times always resets the starter motor and gets the engine turning.

Motivated seller. Make me a reasonable offer.