- Seller: Luther P
- Location: Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
- Mileage: 91,000 Shown
- Chassis #: 2332176054
- Title Status: Clean
- Engine: 2000 CC
- Transmission: 4-Speed Manual
There are many ways you can escape daily life’s hustle and bustle. Some choose to camp in the great outdoors in a tent, while others seek five-star luxury. This 1973 Volkswagen Westfalia represents an excellent compromise. This beautifully preserved survivor offers greater comfort than most people experience with a tent but is a more flexible option than a resort or a cabin. It presents beautifully for its age, and its interior fittings are in first-class condition. Adding to its appeal are its known history and meticulous maintenance. The current owner has enjoyed all it offers and feels it is time for someone to share that experience. Therefore, he has listed the Westfalia exclusively with us on Barn Finds Auctions.
A known history is always desirable with any classic, and this Westfalia ticks that box. The seller is only its second owner, stating that it has been garaged and pampered its entire life. Apart from the occasional touch-up, its Code L20E Orange paint is original. The presentation and overall condition are well above average for a survivor of this vintage. The paint holds a fantastic shine, with no evidence of patchiness or other problems. No major flaws or faults exist, and the sheltered existence has left the Volkswagen rust-free. These classics feature large panel surfaces, making bumps and bruises almost inevitable. There are minor blemishes, but as with the paint, they are so insignificant that they do not require attention. The Volkswagen might not be showroom fresh, but its condition commands respect as a survivor. The trim looks exceptional, with the Westfalia sporting shiny new bumpers. The new retro-style roof rack is a practical addition and can be located anywhere along the roofline to suit the winning bidder’s taste or requirements. The windshield is new, the remaining glass is crystal clear, and the Jalousie side windows and screens keep the fresh air flowing when the new owner parks up for the evening.
The news with this classic gets better the further we dig. Its drivetrain is typical Volkswagen fare, with a rear-mounted, air-cooled, flat-four engine sending its power to the road via a four-speed manual transmission. It spent over thirty years in the hands of a VW mechanic and is as fresh as a daisy following a long list of recent work. The vehicle has clocked 91,000 original miles, with only 3,000 accumulated since the 2,000cc powerplant was rebuilt. The work is fully documented and included a new clutch. The owner didn’t stop there because the brakes received new lines, shoes, pads, and rotors. The final puzzle piece is the tires, which have only 3,500 miles under their treads. Potential buyers can consider this gem a turnkey proposition. It runs and drives as well as it did when it rolled off the line and is ready to hit the road with a new owner behind the wheel. The owner says it will sit at 75mph all day, making light work of long journeys. The original Owner’s Manual and other included documentation adds to its appeal.
The driver’s compartment reflects the care this classic has received better than any other area. The White vinyl upholstered surfaces are stunning, with no evidence of wear, staining, or yellowing. The Black floor mat is spotless, and the paint is fantastic for its age. The dash hasn’t succumbed to age or UV exposure, and the additional VDO gauges help the driver monitor the wonderful little flat-four. The leather-wrapped wheel will reduce fatigue on long journeys, and there are some other updates to make life more pleasant. The extended shifter makes selecting ratios easier, while the stereo with its flip-out screen provides tunes on the move and phone connectivity and is hooked to a reversing camera to make parking a breeze.
Ignoring the Volkswagen’s rear accommodation is impossible because it is the Westfalia’s defining feature. It is worth scrolling through the image gallery because the condition is incredible, especially considering everything is original and unrestored. The cabinets are exceptional, with no physical damage or evidence of delamination. The carpet is spotless, and there is no worn upholstery. The doors open and shut as they should, and the inside of every cupboard is in as-new condition. The correct hangers and other items are intact, and the interior features an excellent front cabin sleeping cot. The rear fold-out bed works perfectly, and this gem features a rear snap-in screen to allow the door to be left open on warm nights without occupants suffering at the hands of mosquitoes. The front curtains are perfect, providing privacy for the occupants. An external coupling provides easy connection to a 110-volt outlet, with the fridge and sink making it self-contained. Every light and feature works as it should, allowing the winning bidder to enjoy this classic immediately.
At the end of a long day’s travel, even the most seasoned holidaymakers look forward to some downtime to recharge their batteries. There are three common alternatives, and each offers advantages and disadvantages. Landing in a five-star resort is lovely, but that leaves you tied to a single location and is typically the most expensive option. Camping provides the most freedom, but most people don’t find pitching a tent and the associated chores attractive at the end of a long day on the road. This 1973 Volkswagen Westfalia effectively treads the middle ground. Like camping, if the owner doesn’t like their location, they can move to somewhere more appealing. Unlike camping, setup involves little more than turning off the ignition and hooking up the power. And unlike the five-star alternative, that process won’t eat into the holiday budget. That is why this classic deserves a closer look.
Bid On This Auction
ABrink bid $8,750.00 2024-07-01 10:41:42
trenoll bid $8,500.00 2024-06-30 12:03:25
Oldgtracer bid $8,000.00 2024-06-30 10:56:27- trenoll bid $7,500.00 2024-06-30 00:28:40
- Oldgtracer bid $7,000.00 2024-06-29 17:59:19
trenoll bid $6,500.00 2024-06-29 13:48:32
Steve bid $6,250.00 2024-06-29 10:23:31- trenoll bid $6,000.00 2024-06-29 10:19:56
- Steve bid $5,500.00 2024-06-28 18:38:21
Matt L bid $1,500.00 2024-06-28 16:32:02
Greg Jensen bid $800.00 2024-06-27 08:42:25
Mark bid $500.00 2024-06-26 11:20:52
Nice! We had a ’77 full up orange Westfalia with the raised top that when opened had a double bed up top. Drove it all over the country several times with no problems and sold it in ’84 to a fellow who was going to do a full run of Mexico. That’s when we bought our water cooled ’84 Westfalia. Perfect for two people. Only change we made in both of them was installing a portapot. Great fun.
BTW, the little fold out table in the sliding door area is the bar. Room for three bottles of whatever you drink.
Been to a lot of shows, clearly the best one ive seen this original. Really a testament regarding the care its had throughout its life. I also appreciate it has the 2.0 engine. What a fun retro bus.
Wow. Ok…. Show of hands…… How many of you thought this was fully restored when you opened it up? I sure did. I cant get over the fact that its mostly original. The fist stick shift vehicle I ever drove was an Air Cooled bus. I’ve been in love with air cooled VWs ever since. This is just nice.
Yep, got my hand up here. This one’s a dandy. Can’t imagine bidding not getting pretty busy on it. Good luck to seller, and hope you don’t regret sending it away!
My uncle got transferred to Camp Drum NY in 1967 from Anchorage .We drove up from S.Jersey to see him.He had just bought a new blue and white bus,the one and only time I rode in one.He served in Korea and Vietnam, 21 year vet 50-71.
What an absolutely beautiful Westy! I grew up with Bugs and Busses. 1963 Bus, 1971 Bus, 2 new Busses 1974 and 1977 and finished off with a 1979 Westy I restored, and sadly sold way to cheap. I would love to have this Westy however I do not have the finances for this dream bus to become a reality for me at this stage in my life. I only hope the new owner will appreciate it for what it is, and at the same time feel sad for the owners loss at giving up his baby.
Looks fun, even my color but I’m full right now. Luther is a great seller, I enjoyed working with him in the past. Good luck All.
I love orange, and bieng a Red Head (red neck x dead head), ive seen my share of western. This one takes the cake!
Cool van. My dad and I drove my sister’s up to Maine about 4 hours to bring her home for the summer back in 1980 maybe. It was a struggle to hold the double nickel. Woefully underpowered. I like what some are doing dropping a subaru engine in them.
This one has the 2.0 engine which is freshly rebuilt, runs like a champ and has enough power to do 75 all day long. Pictures dont do this van justice really, its in amazing original condition and gets thumbs up everywhere we go. Truly a fabulous condition rare time capsule Westfalia. Good luck to the bidders ;-)
Who gets the money on a ‘barnfind’ auction?
Are you guys buying and selling these cars so it all stays in house?
As far as I know, ‘bring a trailer’ doesn’t do that.
Your photo album and description far exceeds what you post on other cars.
Especially on this type 2 Westfalia.
[kind of looks like a ‘bring a trailer post’
As the seller of of this beauty I can attest that it is my vehicle, and I have sold vehicles on this great platform before and the money goes directly to me. I provided all of the pictures and gave the team at Barn Finds all the necessary description info. Hope that helps you understand. This is a really great platform and resource for guys like me who dont have the time to schedule appointments locally and have folks cancel and never show up. Its clean, professional trustworthy folks like the team at Barn Finds that brought back honesty and ease of sale. Thanks much
Awesome looking VW. Although I was way too young at the time to drive a car, I remember when this was on the market. A friend of my mom’s drove a VW Westfalia camper van.
Truly lovely Westfalia! Would fit me and my wifes US roadtrip perfectly. Would of course follow us back go Sweden afterwards. Is it possible to get in contact with seller?
yes, and i am here ;-) what would you like to know? thanks