1975 Volkswagen Type 2 Westfalia
£24,950
- Make
- Volkswagen
- Model
- Type 2 Westfalia
- Year
- 1975
- Engine
- 6
Overview
A 1975 Volkswagen Type 2 Westfalia camper van, restored in 2012/13 to excellent usable condition. This iconic 'Late Bay' features the classic white over beige livery and includes four berths across two double beds, one in the pop-up tilt roof. Fully equipped with cooker, fridge, sink, fitted tables and wardrobe—all restored using correct Westfalia materials. Mechanical work included specialist engine rebuild, brake overhaul and suspension refresh. Garaged since 2020 and meticulously maintained. Ready to drive away with accompanying restoration history and photographic records.
From the Dealer
- •Full restoration in 2012/13 including bodywork, engine rebuild, brake and suspension overhaul
- •Four-berth Westfalia conversion with pop-up tilt roof, fully equipped kitchen, fridge and integrated furniture
- •White over beige original colour finish; garaged and in first-rate exterior condition
- •Accompanying history file and photographic records of restoration work
- •Assistance available with shipping and importation processes
About the Volkswagen Type 2 Westfalia
▶
The Volkswagen Type 2 Westfalia is a camping conversion of the iconic VW bus, transforming the utilitarian van into a leisure vehicle. Built on the Type 2 platform across multiple generations from the 1950s onwards, it features a pop-up roof, sleeping berths, and compact kitchen facilities. The Westfalia appeals to enthusiasts seeking affordable, compact motorhome functionality with the nostalgic charm of the original VW bus. European markets embraced it as a practical holiday solution, while UK reception varied based on generation and condition. Later variants offered improved amenities and reliability compared to earlier versions, though all share the Type 2's characteristic driving experience and design language.
Pros
- +Iconic design with strong enthusiast following and cultural appeal
- +Compact and maneuverable compared to larger motorhomes
- +Pop-up roof and basic kitchen facilities offer practical camping setup
- +Relatively affordable on used market
- +Strong parts availability and restoration community support
Watch out for
- −Underpowered engines struggle with laden weight and highway driving
- −Limited headroom and cramped interior spaces
- −Poor fuel economy and high emissions on older variants
- −Rust and corrosion common, especially floor and body panels
Common issues
- !Engine overheating under load or hot weather conditions
- !Electrical gremlins and battery drain issues
- !Leaking windows and roof seals causing water ingress
- !Worn suspension and steering components requiring replacement
▶See full dealer details
Overview **Overall Comments** Whilst now an older restoration, this ‘Late Bay’ Westfalia is particularly smart, well-kept and remains in an excellent and very usable condition. It is ready to drive away and enjoy. There is an accompanying history file and photographic record which details the restoration work carried out in 2012/13. The VW is currently Guernsey registered and we can assist with shipping and importation processes if required. **Body** The restoration work included the body and tilt roof, with the vehicle being re-finished in the correct colour of white over beige. Having been garaged in new ownership, the exterior is still in a first-rate condition. **Mechanical** The mechanical works carried out in 2012/13 included a specialist engine rebuild, with the gearbox being checked; a full brake rebuild and suspension overhaul. With relatively limited subsequent use, and continued care and maintenance, the VW remains in a very good, usable condition. **Interior** The Westfalia conversion provides four berths - two doubles - with the second in the tilt roof space. The van is fully equipped with cooker, built-in fridge/cooler, sink, fitted tables and wardrobe. Restoration work was carried out using the correct Westfalia material, with the furniture being renovated to match the original finish. Further additions have been made – a storage unit between the front seats and television. All is in excellent condition. Asking Price £ 24,950 History Volkswagen introduced their ‘Type 2’ (the manufacturer’s second model) in 1950 and production ran in Germany until 1979, when the Type 3 model was introduced. Instantly recognizable to this day, they have achieved something of a cult status, given their widespread use during the ’60s and later, often associated with the surf culture from that decade. The earliest models are referred to as ‘split screen’, referencing the windscreen style and the revised version – introduced in 1967 – the ‘bay-window’, similarly referencing a now altered windscreen design. In addition to this change, the second-generation vehicle was a little larger and heavier than the first variant; had revised suspension; 12-volt electrics and larger, more powerful engine options. In 1971, a revised 1.6 litre engine was introduced, rated at 50bhp, driving through a 4-speed, manual transmission. In 1972, the flat-four engine was available in an enlarged 1.7litre size, with a claimed 66 bhp on tap. Various cosmetic changes were also introduced in the early 1970’s, such as squared-off bumpers to meet US crash safety standards. In the early ‘50s, Volkswagen commissioned a camper van conversion of the Type 2 and subcontracted the build of the vehicle to the company Westfalia-Werke. These ‘Westfalia’ conversions were made available worldwide through the VW dealer network and production continued until 2003 (based on the later T3 model). This 1.6 litre Westfalia conversion was first registered, new, in Jersey in September 1975. It was the subject of a full restoration during 2012/13, carried out by ourselves on behalf of the then owner. Many thousands were spent on the restoration work, which covered bodywork, mechanicals and the interior. The vehicle was acquired by a Guernsey resident in 2020 and is now offered for sale again.
