Treating an older classic to a restoration, whether total or sympathetic, is tempting. However, there is something undeniably attractive about preservation, allowing the vehicle to wear its survivor badge proudly. That was the path taken by the seller when they discovered this 1978 Volkswagen Westfalia Deluxe Camper hidden in a Wyoming barn. It had hibernated for years but has been carefully and meticulously revived, ready to take a new owner on a life of adventure. The Westfalia is listed here on eBay in Salt Lake City, Utah. Bidding has scorched to $15,300 as people plan their own great escape behind the wheel of this classic.

The first owner ordered this VW in Dakota Beige, and it retains what I believe is most of its original paint. There is no known history of restoration or repairs, and all the seller has done since liberating it is to treat it to a wash and wax. The paint still shines warmly, with minor scratches and imperfections that testify to an active life. It is a similar story with the panels. There are bumps and bruises, but they add to the character of this survivor. What this Westfalia lacks is significant rust. There is surface corrosion across some areas, but the exterior and underside shots confirm this VW is free from significant steel penetration. A four-inch area near the passenger-side dogleg is identified, but patching this would be child’s play. The camper top is in good order, and the seller’s decision to install new seals means it is leak-free. The trim condition is consistent with a survivor-grade classic, and there are no visible glass issues. Treating this Camper to a sympathetic restoration is viable, but I believe it would command as much attention and respect if the new owner leaves it untouched.

This Camper’s drivetrain is typical Volkswagen fare. That means the buyer receives a rear-engine classic with an air-cooled four that sends its power to the road via a four-speed manual transaxle. In this case, the fuel-injected 1,971cc powerplant produces 71hp and 101 ft/lbs of torque. Those figures aren’t earth-shattering, but the delivery is smooth and allows the Camper to acquit itself well in most situations. The seller discovered the Westfalia in a Wyoming barn, a spot it had occupied since 2011. It was laid low by a fuel pump failure, but they enlisted the service of air-cooled guru Colin Kellog to revive the classic and return it to active service. They replaced the fuel tank, pump, lines, vacuum hoses, and injectors. They set the timing, adjusted the valves, set the air/fuel mixture, and slotted in a new battery. They completed the process by treating the Volkswagen to a complete brake job. The result was worth the time and effort, with this Camper running and driving beautifully. Potential buyers should consider it a turnkey proposition.

The seller left the interior untouched during the revival, doing nothing more than treating everything to a deep clean. It isn’t perfect, but there are no faults demanding immediate attention. The driver’s seatcover is torn, and sourcing a replacement will probably go on the new owner’s “to-do” list. The door trims are damaged, but a spotless set of OEM replacements is included. The only other flaw is a cracked pad, which might not be a problem. An owner on a budget could purchase a set of slipcovers for the seats and a cover for the dash, and this interior would look excellent without costing a fortune once the replacement door trims are installed.

Buyers are unlikely to mistake this Camper’s accommodation for a suite at The Hilton, but it is clean, tidy, and practical. Some of the timber veneer requires gluing back into place, but there’s not much more that is needed to have the interior presenting nicely. The cushions feature cloth covers in a period-correct material, and the Brown carpet should show no marks or stains from regular use. There is a surprising amount of cupboard space, a two-burner hotplate, a sink, a refrigerator, and a small freezer. That is enough to allow most people to remain self-sufficient as they embark upon a life of adventure.

The term “getting away from it all” should mean just that. It is something to which many aspire, escaping the hustle and bustle of an everyday existence for something more relaxed and laid-back. There are many options for achieving that goal, and some cost as much as a small house. This 1978 Volkswagen Westfalia Deluxe Camper offers an affordable alternative that is versatile and doesn’t lumber its new owner with unnecessary tinsel. It is all that is needed for that escape or adventure, and those characteristics and its survivor status explain why it has received thirty-four bids. Are you tempted to submit the thirty-fifth? I wish you luck if you do.