'73 VW WESTFALIA CAMPER VAN ORIGINAL PAINT & INTERIOR ORG FL VAN!

1973 Volkswagen Bus/Vanagon Westfalia Description

The story of our bus. She was originally purchased at the factory in Germany in 1973 so that the original owner and his wife could do a European tour. Just about every option from that year was ordered on the vehicle. In 1974 they had the bus shipped back stateside to Florida, where it was promptly undercoated (see pictures) and accumulated most of its 83,XXX miles. For24 years the couple used the vehicle as a camper instead of a daily driver with one or two camping trips per year. The first owner had the vehicle from 1973->1997 and kept extensive records on all service completed on the vehicle (see pictures). If you would like to see what a dealership oil change cost in 1974, the paperwork package that will go with the vehicle can tell you. I acquired the vehicle in 1997 purchased with the entirety of my high school graduation money plus some. My hope was to take a once in a lifetime 30-45 day trip across the United States and Canada. In preparation for that trip I had the type 4, 1700cc engine re-built by a professional to 1800cc (common upgrade to these motors), dual carb, with additional oil filter and oil cooler. This would allow for more power when crossing the Rocky Mountains.Unfortunately the big trip never did happen and the bus has onlybeen usedfor campingby me as well. This vehicle has been 100% garage kept its entire life, and never driven in winter. I have taken lots of pictures to ensure you know what you are buying. Two options that will also be included are: The original side tent (See picture), and a gasoline fired heating unit (uninstalled) purchased from Ark Mervis, these busses were known to be cold in the winter and this is the solution. The condition of the vehicle is excellent from many standpoints. It has been in storage for the past 8 years, fogging oil in carbs as well as fuel stabilizer was used. All but the last 2 years the engine was started and run once or twice. It has been cared for conscientiously by me and its original owner. I have had this vehicle for the past 19years and I will miss it dearly.

Good:

+ The pan underbody is 100% thanks to the undercoating done so many years ago (See picture). Although the undercoat is peeling away the paint and steel underneath look factory new.

+ The side tent is in great condition (picture is from internet, but it’s exactly the same color etc..)

+ All of the parts removed from this vehicle i.e. Radio, Shelf, carpet, engine parts, I have kept and are included in the sale (see pictures)

+ Engine rebuild has less than 10K miles on it. All camping since I’ve owned it was in Michigan.

+ 83,XXX miles on vehicle (Odometer no longer works) will have to take my word for it.

+ All rubber for camper top replaced, New rubber for windows included.(see picture)

+ Several new parts included uninstalled (Both front seat covers with hardware, Side view mirrors)

+ Never been in an accident, no panels replaced, original paint, original engine and Trans.

+ Tires in new condition.

+ All cots and canvas are in near perfect condition

Bad:

- Brakes have been sitting for the past 5 years and will need to be serviced prior to driving vehicle

-Engine will need to be gone through prior to any major trips due to the amount of sitting it has done.

- Battery will need to be replaced

- Curtains are original and show their age.

- A rust hole spot has appeared at the bottom of the windshield (see picture).

- The front of the car has several surface rust spots from bug impacts

- The rear seat has a stain that I’m told would come out with steam cleaner (see Picture)

- The heating system is nonfunctional in its current state. You would either have to finish the gasoline furnace install orget new J-boxes

This car has many of the extras that are hard or impossible to find, my hope is someone will take this bus and give it the love that it deserves. Everything is here to make a show quality original matching numbers car. This vehicle is also listed locally and the auction can be canceled at any time without notice. The reserve is low please do not bid unless you intend to buy.