This 1976 Westfalia was in a barn in Nevada for 20 years. It has the usual dings and scrapes, but appears to be rust free. The new owner has done a lot to revive it including a new tent, brakes, all hydraulic and vacuum lines, fuel injectors and more. It still has a few things that need attention, like having the fuel injection set up, but what might make this a real bargain is it is a 1976 and in California it needs to be smogged, but in another state perhaps not? It is listed here on eBay with no reserve and the bidding is at only $2,550 so far. This could be a really nice camper for someone who is looking for a low priced Westfalia. Some would want to redo the cabinet doors and it needs the touch of a VW specialty shop and probably new tires, but it’s almost ready for fun. I guess some would want to make it like new, but it is just a camper. It’s in my area, so if someone out there is really serious about it, I’d be glad to have a look for you!
now at $5000. it does need a PI looking for rust, the correct motor and reason for the salvage title. i would sell off the camper parts and use it as a work van. this has a type 4 motor, half shafts, and disc brakes on the front. still very slow but much safer then the first generation ones.
Normally, I’d never say this, but as some friendly advice, the owner could double or triple their price. ( I bet the “flippers” are jumping over each other to get this) VW Westfalia campers are bringing (relatively) big money, easily 5 figures, especially for examples like this. ( even with the funky title)They’re simple, economical, and if you see one in a campground, it always brings a smile to one’s face. They may not be the most pleasurable vehicle to drive on the interstate, but for back road adventures, you can’t go wrong here.
From the wording of the ad it appears that this bus is running but not really drive able. Being a ’76, passing smog is not as difficult ass the later model years but it’s still a pain in the the side every two years for the life of ownership in California.
The work done by the seller is just the tip of the iceberg. Rust, and it’s already visible, interior components, including sink, etc. will need to be recinditioned. By the time one is said and done it may be worth looking at one in decent condition with all the heavy lifting already done.
True, a salvage title on a 39 y.o. car is not tragic, but it certainly does nothing to help its resale value. It can also be a hassle to get full insurance coverage for this van…
For the year model and current condition this seems to be a good project buy IMO. As far as the Salvage title in CA it does scare a lot of would be buyer’s away but with a little research you can find out why the Salvage status, I bought a ’76 Vette years ago from Grass Valley, CA it had the Salvage title due to a wire harness melt down, with no fire or damage to the vehicle. I’ve heard the theft recovery cars receive the dreaded Salvage status in CA also.
The smog would be minimal for the ’76 model year, but is requirement for the “seller” to do prior to selling.
Curious why the seller would pull the motor and do a bunch of stuff to it that you don’t need to pull the motor to do, such as clutch, throw-out bearing, valve job, etc.? I owned a 1970 Westfalia and drove it from British Columbia to Panama, all in search of surf, and I got real good at pulling the engine and replacing the clutch and doing a top end rebuild – all in a matter of days. Anyone thinking of buying a VW van needs to understand the brakes are barely able to stop the beast. I would convert to discs all the way around, because when you ram into something with the front end you probably won’t be walking very well for a long time.