1973 Volkswagen t2 bay window westfalia

“Delilah”, our 1973 Bay window - VW Westfalia Campervan is for sale.

We have owned her since May 2016, and we have shared many family camping trips and adventures with our two small children. She was originally imported from California to the UK in 2010 and dry stored when not in use. Very solid vehicle which has been huge amounts of fun. Due to relocation and no longer having a garage to store her in, we are led to a sad and reluctant sale, so we want to ensure that she is well cared for in her next chapter of her life.

She is a great runner LHD, manual gearbox coupled with the stronger type 4 1800cc ‘pancake’ engine which provides enough power to get you up the hills fully loaded. She starts every time, cruises comfortably at 60mph although I’ve always tended to keep closer to 50mph and enjoyed the journey. She is guaranteed to put a smile on your face every time you take her out.

Having arrived in the UK from a dry state in the US, and been dry stored ever since, all the usual suspect areas are solid and in good condition. She has never required any welding, and therefore metal work is all very original.

There are a couple of areas that could do with some attention is the battery tray which has a rust hole as can be seen in the photos. This has been rust-treated and the rust has not spread any further and has never caused any further issue. Also, the passenger’s side front footwell had some surface rust which has been removed and treated but the footwell isn’t perfect because of this although only a very small area. The previous owner attempted to give it a ‘rat look’ paint job and our plan was to fully repaint. However, over time, we fell in love with her scars and imperfections to the point and we ended up deciding to keep it. That said, the original VW Brilliant Orange paint can be found underneath and on the roof beneath the pop-top.

This is a great example of a solid T2 bay campervan, that is close to original spec in terms of interior, that can be used from day one for everything it was intended for. If it’s looked after it will only be the normal maintenance costs to worry about, plus any upgrades/ improvements you may want to do, so it shouldn’t cost you the small fortune of a ‘project camper’ that requires a lot of welding and bodywork.

Alternatively, this would be a relatively easy restoration to take it back and make it look completely original or a great solid base to create a totally bespoke and unique camper.

Positives
- All window seals and front door seals have been replaced during our ownership, apart from the jalousies, but these are still in good condition.
- Type 4 1800cc ‘Pancake’ engine serviced every year and maintained.
- Fire suppression system in engine bay.
- All fuel hoses changed for uprated hoses in 2021.
- All rear seats have had new cushions and covers.
- Original Westfalia Campmobile 70 interior, ¾ rock and roll bed with storage underneath, full length wardrobe and cupboard unit, cool box and sink unit with flip over prep table, spice rack with small fold out table, fold away dinner table and buddy seat with storage under.
- Full width bed in the pop top with 3-piece mattress, the bed can be stored up in the pop top when not in use, so you don’t lose any headroom during the day.
- Original child’s hammock over the front seats (this alone is incredibly rare and sought after)
- Being a 1973 this has the early T2 front pop top but with late T2 look
- Additional safety improvements including disc brakes, reinforced front impact bumper, 3 x 3-point inertia seat belts (2 x front, 1 x rear), Isofix points have been installed with the rear inertia belt for a child seat. 2 x lap belts (1 x rear bench, 1 x buddy seat)
- Towbar with electrics
- Has the additional engine access hatch from above the engine in the rear storage area (makes maintenance so much easier).
- Working fuel gage that is pretty accurate!
- Retro looking stereo which has Bluetooth, USB and AUX connectivity so it’s easy to connect to your phone to play music etc.
- Split charge relay for leisure battery (no leisure battery installed currently). Lighting and 12V points that run from the leisure battery system with additional capacity to add further points if required.
- Good tyres all round and spare (Spare is kept in the rear).
- Electrics are all good, except for intermittent fault with right indicator, likely a loose connection in indicator switch.
- Chrome work is all in good condition.
- Replaced rear light clusters and housing.
- All windows open and close as they should.
- One key operates all doors. (Engine hatch, ignition and fuel cap all has their own keys).
- Insulation in the pop top (this can easily be removed if not required.
- Thermal blinds for all windows, brilliant when camping for helping to keep nice and toasty and, they work great as black out blinds and to keep the sun out in the summer to keep it cooler.
- Cool retro 70’s style curtains and cushions!
- Original jack included; I’ve never used it but still a cool item to have.
- The underside, jacking points etc. are all solid.
- MOT & Tax exempt.
- Pop top is in good condition and the has regularly been treated with waterproofing so is very effective at keeping you dry if it rains when in use.

Things to be aware of:
- Front windscreen seal was from a faulty batch and perished within 12 months. New uprated seal included ready to be fitted.
- Windscreen washer bottle has the common problem of losing pressure. Electric washer pump kit will be included, just not had the time to fit it myself.
- Battery tray has a rust hole (see photos) but was treated in 2016 and no further issues.
- Snail heater fan in engine bay isn’t connected so don’t know if it still works. As we have only used Delilah during the summer months it’s not something I’ve looked to reconnect.
- Rubber/foam dash has a couple of cracks in it.
Feel free to get in contact with any questions you may have. Those with serious interest only please.