1978 Volkswagen Type 2 Camper

In the US it is commonly known as a VW bus, minibus, hippie-mobile, hippie bus, hippie van, "combie", Microbus, or Transporter to aficionados. The early versions produced before 1967 used a split front windshield, (giving rise to the nickname "Splitty"), and their comparative rarity has led to their becoming sought after by collectors and enthusiasts. The next version, sold in the US market from 1968 to 1979, is characterized by a large, curved windshield and is commonly called a "bay-window". It was replaced by the Vanagon, of which only the Westfalia camper version has a common nickname, "Westy".

For consignment, sung to the tune of “Hit the Road Jack” we have a 1978 VW bus decked out in full camper garb. A pop-up tent top, fully appointed interior with a couch with under storage cabinet, a sink cabinet and a rear mattress this camper even has an electrical and water hookup. Plenty of room to have most of the creature comforts all within the confines of a VW bus.

Exterior
All steel bodywork is rust free and bathed in Dakota Beige paint with a white pop up tent top, white bumpers, and white wheels with shiny moon caps. A sliding door on the passenger's side has a louvered window and there is another one above the sink on the driver's side for flow through ventilation. A front “bay window” gives a panoramic view to the driver and passenger who sit atop the front wheels. All nicely preserved with just a bit of paint peeling off on the back top, and the threshold steps to enter in front. The tent is in good condition, with no tears or rips and has plenty of screening to keep the pests outside. In back is a door to access the engine bay, and an upper liftgate for easy access to the bed area.

Interior
With a flip down couch, and a tabletop that can be attached the interior can be configured to your liking. Seats have a nifty plaid pattern broadcloth for the coverings and have saddle vinyl on their backs for the front buckets. A center console is between the buckets. A sink cabinet with more storage and a fridge has a place on the countertop to put a gas stove if you want, and it's included with the sale! In back as the headboard for the mattress there are more cubbies for various storage. All cabinets are covered with smooth wood veneer. Orange curtains are one each window and the veneer is also some of the headliner in the back. In the front it is white vinyl above the buckets. The original black simple dash, was round inset gauges, an AM radio, various knobs and pulls, and a glovebox in front of the passenger. There is a dual aftermarket cup holder hanging from the center. Nice tan carpeting is on the floors, and it is all clean. A new A/C unit and an extra yellow sun canopy comes along for the ride. Also, a Bluetooth radio and 2 kitchen lounge chairs are included. We're off to Yosemite!

Drivetrain
A rear engine shows as a 1930cc flat 4-cylinder. It has a 1-barrel carburetor and a 4-speed manual transmission. The consignor states this has been rebuilt although it's unclear how long ago.

Undercarriage
From what I can see, it has a rust proofing spray and looks solid although it will not fit on our lift so I could not give it a close inspection. It has power disc brakes upfront, and power drums for the rear. Independent transverse torsion bar front suspension and independent semi trailing arm suspension on back. Some of the undercoating is peeling off but no rust is noted.

Drive-Ability
A lovely smooth ride and good handling for this rear engine camper. It is a smooth shifter and handles nicely. All functions were working although we did not hook up the fridge or water.

What a way to have a road trip in this classic camper. Live the hippie lifestyle, have fun and no worries with this classic, just open road!

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.