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Air-Cooled 2.0: 1981 Volkswagen Westfalia

With warm weather fast approaching, the thoughts of many will turn to the subject of a well-earned summer vacation. The options are limitless, but this 1981 Volkswagen Westfalia could be irresistible to some. It recently underwent significant mechanical work to ensure it is a turnkey proposition. It would allow its new owners to divorce themself from the hustle and bustle of daily life to enjoy their getaway at their pace. If you crave that lifestyle, you will find the Westfalia listed here on eBay in Van Nuys, California.

There are many factors to consider about this Volkswagen, and none are bad. Its presentation is difficult to fault, with its paint shining like glass courtesy of a recent color sand and polish. Speaking of glass, it is as faultless as you could hope to find, with tinting, a new windshield, and new rubbers. The panels are as straight as an arrow, and the GoWesty fender flares prevent the new 15″ steel wheels and BF Goodrich All-Terrain tires from inflicting chips on the stunning paint. The stripes are crisp, with no shrinkage or checking. The trim is excellent, and with new rear hatch struts and wipers, the new owner won’t need to spend any time or money on this Volkswagen’s exterior.

Powering this Volkswagen is a rear-mounted 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that sends 70hp to the road via a four-speed manual transaxle. At this point, I am happy to report that this Westfalia is more than a pretty face. The motor is in excellent health courtesy of a rebuild and has clocked a mere 400 miles since the builder put down their tools. They didn’t stop there because the list of recent work is enormous. The Westfalia features a new fuel tank, a locking gas cap, new springs at both ends providing a 1½” lift, new shocks, a new shifter coupling bush, new axles, and what looks to be a nearly complete set of suspension bushes. The brakes didn’t escape attention, with new front rotors, pads, and rear drums courtesy of Brembo. The seller says the VW starts easily, whether hot or cold, and will cruise comfortably on the open road at 55 to 60mph. For a buyer seeking a turnkey classic, this is a hot ticket. The seller provides this YouTube video of this classic. It gives a detailed walkaround and lets us see and hear this gem in action. I can’t see or hear any problems, with no rattles, smoke, or odd noises.

I’m sure some readers have been bracing for bad news, but there’s none to report inside this Westfalia. First impressions are that the interior needs nothing, and a closer inspection supports that view. The front seats wear new covers in genuine Westfalia “Boogie Woogie” cloth. It continues to the center Z-Bed and engine padding, while the headliner and furniture surrounds feature Porsche perforated vinyl. The original carpet is in great condition for its age, and the dash is crack-free. The Bluetooth stereo provides entertainment on the road, which may be a greater consideration for those traveling solo. For potential buyers tied to a daily routine, the thought of taking a vacation on a fixed schedule can be unappealing. Owning this Westfalia provides the opportunity of moving at a more sedate pace. The owner could park up at the location of their choice for as long as they like, enjoying themselves in self-contained splendor.

Some readers may question whether spending $32,500 on a holiday is wise, but there are other factors to consider. This Westfalia’s overall condition means it should serve its new owner for many years, suddenly making the competitive price look more attractive as it is split across multiple adventures. This is especially true if you start factoring costs like accommodation into any holiday budget. Alternatively, the price and condition mean the buyer could enjoy all it offers for this season but could place it back on the market as summer ends to recoup the original purchase price. If they do that, it could be one of the cheapest holidays they’ll ever experience. It is undoubtedly a point to ponder and could be impossible to resist.

Comments

  1. HoA Howard A ( since 2014) Member

    These, sadly, always seemed to live in the shadow of the original VW bus of which many had bad experiences with. A shame, these were the nicest VWs for the time. Before SUVs, these literally could do it all. Totally refined in every way. Too bad Chrysler had the market cornered, and, these were just a tick over $10 grand new, and pricey VW at that. I heard a Subie motor works well, but I’d wonder how it cools, and there was nothing wrong with this motor. This is what those “old” hippies drive now, a true tribute to their past, something VW never outgrew. Great find, and far out, man,,

    Like 9
    • alphasud Member

      If they were air-cooled people left them air-cooled. The mid year 83 and newer with the Wasserboxer were prime candidates for the 2.2L Subaru conversion and later on a 2.5L Subaru conversion. California and Colorado both have approved this conversion for emissions certification if you follow the steps to retain factory emissions equipment for the model year engine you are installing.

      Like 9
      • SubGothius

        Yup, those wanting significantly more power with a Subie swap would best stick to a newer Vanagon with the extra grille and radiator space in front.

        For an early aircooled Vanagon like this, I’m aware of at least one outfit (Scat VW) selling built longblocks or even full turnkey crate engines in larger displacements ranging up to 2840cc. Of course, I wouldn’t do that to this one, with all the recent work already performed on its stock engine and priced accordingly.

        Like 0
    • bobhess bobhess Member

      Got a friend a few miles away that has an ’85 Vanagon with the 6 cylinder Subie in it that’s his daily driver. Goes good, sounds good.

      Like 2
  2. bobhess bobhess Member

    While I think the asking price is a little high there is no doubt this rig is in great shape. We put over 80K miles on our ’84 water cooled unit with the only problem a pilot bearing failure at around 50K. We added a portapot behind the passenger seat and a 120V AC unit under the right side of the rear bench seat. Sold it with over 90K miles on it and still no problems. It did everything two people needed to have fun while traveling around the country.

    Like 7
    • alphasud Member

      The Wasserboxer engine was not as bad as they were made out to be if you kept up on the cooling system. The rubber parameter head seal was a bad design though. If you didn’t use the correct antifreeze or change it on a regular basis corrosion would lead to leaks then air pockets in the system followed by overheating and engine failure.

      Like 6
      • bobhess bobhess Member

        You are right about the proper coolant being used. Anything aluminum has to use the aluminum friendly coolant. We flushed ours three times over the time we had the rig and had no problems with it or the factory installed AC.

        Like 4
  3. Harvey Harvey Member

    I have known people that had them and loved them. Not everybody has to drive 90mph.

    Like 5
    • bobhess bobhess Member

      Our rig in the picture would run 70 to 75mph all day long with the trailer behind it on flat or slightly hilly roads. Out in the western desert without the trailer 80mph on the cruise control no problem.

      Like 6
  4. Chris

    This early Vanagon looks to be in nice condition. Relatively few issues over the years with my ’91 Vanagon, purchased in 1992.

    Like 2
  5. Mike

    Wow, best early Vanagon I’ve seen in a long time. Most are trashed or left to rot in someone’s backyard. $32k is a lot, but the seller has done almost all of the heavy lifting which is a huge plus.

    Like 3
  6. Jack Quantrill

    Think what you’ll save on motels!

    Like 0
  7. Rondo

    Niiice find ! Peace Love and understanding

    Like 1

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