4 Star Classics

An excellent example of the iconic Camper.

MODEL HISTORY

The Kombinationskraftwagen (combined-use vehicle) or Camper for short was introduced in 1950 by Volkswagen as its second car model. The first being the equally iconic Type 1 Beetle.

It all started when a Dutch importer of Volkswagens by the name of Ben Po, travelled to Wolfsburg in 1946 to purchase a Type 1. While he was there he noticed an improvised vehicle used for moving car parts and instantly realized its potential. His first sketch of the van has been dated as April 23rd 1947. Two years later the first production model rolled off the assembly line on November 12th 1949.

The simplicity and versatility of the VW van allowed it to be produced in many different forms for many different roles, these included milk floats, ambulances, flatbed pick-ups, delivery vans, buses and of course it's most popular form as a camper van.

Originally aerodynamics on the van were very poor, until the engineers started to use a wind tunnel and making a few simple yet effective changes such as splitting the windshield and roofline into a ‘vee' making the van much more aerodynamic.

In 1967 a second generation Type 2 (T2) was introduced. These models featured rounded bumpers with a step on either side for help accessing the roof when the door is closed and crescent air intakes on the D-pillar. Important changes were also front disc brakes, new road wheels with brake ventilation holes and flatter hub caps. Indicators were also set low on the nose earning it the nickname ‘low lights'. Popularity during the 1960s cultural movement also gave it the nickname ‘Hippie van'.

In 1971 the 1.6 litre engine was supplemented with a 1.7 litre engine and an enlarged engine bay to house the 1.7 and a 2.0 litre engine.

Type 2's pre 1971 are known as ‘early bay' and after 1972 as ‘late bay'. The Volkswagen camper van has captured the imagination of generations catapulting it into cult status. As a result there are still updated versions of the Type 2 in production today, over 40 years since its first incarnation.

EXTERIOR

This stunning 1972 VW Bay window Deluxe camper is in great condition. The van spent most of its life in the hot dry climate of Texas and as such remains rust free and largely original. Painted in an original VW light blue with a white roof it looks fantastic combined with its factory deluxe chrome trim set. All of the rubber door and window seals are in great condition having recently been replaced.

INTERIOR

The interior still sports its standard and original westfalia bed, table and buddy seat ready for camping, all covered in the original westfalia yellow material, the buddy cushion remains with the vehicle but sadly the material could not last the test of time however there are plenty of options to get this recovered. The Van has been treated to new floors and a roof lining that complement the original cream door panels specific to the deluxe edition.

ENGINE & TRANSMISSION

The engine has been recently serviced and runs well. It runs a manual choke on a single webber carb and sports the larger 1.7 engine perfect for hauling a fully loaded van to the beach or campsite.

WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES

The brakes have been overhauled as have many of the suspension components. The tyres have good tread and the wheels are in good condition.

HISTORY FILE

This Van was imported from Texas so there is little in the way of service history. Importantly it is the condition of the van with its solid floor pans and a large amount of its original features still in tact that make this a fantastic example of VWs iconic Camper.