Find or Sell Used Cars, Trucks, and SUVs in USA

1973 Volkswagen Camper Bus- Riviera Style Pop Top- More Rare Than Westfalia on 2040-cars

Year:1973 Mileage:150000 Color: Orange
Location:

Worcester, Massachusetts, United States

Worcester, Massachusetts, United States
Advertising:
Transmission:Manual
Body Type:Bus
Engine:Type IV Pancake
Vehicle Title:Clear
Fuel Type:Gasoline
For Sale By:Private Seller
Year: 1973
Exterior Color: Orange
Make: Volkswagen
Number of Cylinders: 4
Model: Bus/Vanagon
Trim: Riviera Camper
Drive Type: 4 Speed Manual
Mileage: 150,000
Sub Model: Riviera Camper Bus
Warranty: Vehicle does NOT have an existing warranty
Condition: Used: A vehicle is considered used if it has been registered and issued a title. Used vehicles have had at least one previous owner. The condition of the exterior, interior and engine can vary depending on the vehicle's history. See the seller's listing for full details and description of any imperfections. ... 

1973 Volkswagen Camper- Riviera style 

Rust free!!
I have well over 100 additional pictures, please click here and view prior to bidding and asking questions: http://www.flickr.com//photos/92916647@N05/show/

Selling my 73 VW Riviera.  For those not familiar with the Riviera here is a link with the history behind the Riviera: http://rivieraregistry.com/history.php
Riviera camper conversions were done by a company out of Oregon, and for the most part were very similar to the Westfalia camper conversion.  The most significant improvement that Riviera had made over Westfalia is that they put on a pop top that lifts straight up in the air, as opposed to tilting up at an angle.  This provides for much more head room, a full size top bed (which is much more sturdy than the late Westfalia's), and the ability to store gear in the top bunk while camping.  I always preferred the Riviera due to the full pop top- it is much more convenient with the extra head room, and has a much cooler look to it.  The interior is almost identical to a Westfalia.  It has the fold out bed with the cabinet next to it and behind it, the ice box unit, jump seat, and fold out table. This particular Riviera also has a bench seat in front as opposed to a walk through- the bench seat is a great option as it provides an additional place to sleep, can sit additional people.  Best part about the bench seat though- it gives your special someone the option to slide over and sit close next to you on those long rides!

Now for the specifics...
I bought this Riviera about a year and a half ago from an older gentlemen whom had not used it in years, and had relocated to Canada.  It was not running or driving when I bought it, and my intention was to restore it, and use it to it's maximum potential.  I had a 1973 VW Westfalia that I sold about 5 years back, and when I seen this Riviera I had to jump on it.  I went through this past summer and replaced all of the brake lines, master cylinder, brake booster, etc.  Brakes are always the first thing I do on  any classic car I own- this is due to the fact that as soon as that engine fires I am going to jump in and start driving no matter what, for the safety of the car (and myself), I want the thing to stop on a dime on that maiden voyage! 

Next project was the engine.  Problem I ran into here was I bought a house, and my mobile house lost its attention.  I put on a new starter and got it cranking, but that is as far as I took it.  As you can see in the picture, the engine looks good with the exception of the ignition coil which looks to have blown and contributed to the Bus going into hibernation.  So, obviously the bus is not running.  It does turn over without a problem and crank strongly.  

The latest registration I have for it is from the late 80's- 1987 I believe.  So as far as I know it has not been used in quite some time.  However, it was not neglected in a field like most of these busses, as it is still very solid, and virtually RUST FREE.  The floors are extremely solid.  The dog legs are exceptional.  Rear corners are solid.  Engine hatch is solid.  Doors are solid.  Sliding door is solid.  Fenders are solid.  Was repainted at some point and shows very well.  There are one or two dime sized rust spots that want to start developing, which I have included pictures of as I want you to see everything I would want to see.  This is why I have decided to part with it, I want it to be used and respected before sitting in my driveway begins to take a toll on it.  If I had a garage I'd let it sit 10 years until I had time for it, as prices on these things are getting ridiculous and I know I won't be able to replace it.  But it is not right nor in my best interest to let it sit, and have one of the few remaining solid busses lose its touch.  The body is straight with no dents, although if you look at it from the right angle with the sun positioned right, it does have a little wavieness to it.  I was told this happens from prepping it for paint and sand blasting the original coating off.  I took pictures from the best angles I could to try and show this, although you can't really notice it in the pictures- like I said it can be tough to see it, but you can notice it if you were to come look in person.  The bottom of the bus is solid and predominately just has surface rust. The heater tube has been removed like most busses- not an issue as far as I'm concerned as these things weren't built to keep you warm while driving- electric heaters are cheap and often mounted under the dash.

The interior is all there, complete, and in fair condition.  The canvas top is in excellent condition as well as the screens. Top bunk is also in excellent condition. As you can see, the front seats def. need to be recovered.  OEM covers are cheap and easy to throw on.  The upholstery in the back is in decent shape. Few tears here and there, not too bad- if I were to keep I would recover it with the plaid covers.  Laminate floor is in good shape.  Laminate covering on the cabinets is very good, the stripping along the edges is lifting in spots.  Table has some chips on the laminate edges, and counter on the icebox could use new laminate (edging is ripped off).  Table on the ice box needs some attention- brackets are there, but the table wood has fallen apart so the screws came out- will need a new table- I was going to sand down and stain a nice piece of wood and put that on. The steering column was drilled into I presume to troubleshoot the locking steering wheel- thus it no longer locks. The key is now wired to an ignition that is in the dash- again it looks like they had some issues with the steering wheel locking mechanism and most likely the original ignition.  Ignition that is being used now in the dash is new.  Seals are getting older on the windows and could be replaced.  Door seals also need replacing, which is cheap and easy.  Headliner over the front seats is the original vinyl and has some tears.  I was going to remove and put a piece of polyurethaned luan wood up there rather than keep a fabric headliner.  Pop top functions perfectly and does not leak.  As far as electrical- I know some of the lights worked- I never really checked into anything as it was not a priority, but I know I did see the headlights turn on and dash lights come on.  I do not believe the wipers worked. 
 
Engine looks good and sounds good then you crank it, but like I said I have not had it running.  Tired are old and would need replacement to truly be road worthy, but they do hold air and I have towed it on them.  As you can see in the pictures, the spare tire blew and is now a decoration piece on the front of the bus. 
 
If you're looking for a solid 70's VW Camper, and are not afraid to put some mechanical time into it to get it driving, this Riviera is for you.  Riviera's are very rare compared to the Westfalia, and offer a much roomier cabin and sleeping arrangements.  These things have gone wild in price over the past few years and I am sure they will continue climbing.  Good time of year to buy a bit of a project as you still have a few months before the camping season. I cross my fingers that I will be able to afford replacing it when I have time down the road.
 
Bus is obviously sold in as is condition.  Will be sold with bill of sale and a previous registration.  Check your states title requirements- a bill of sale and prior registration is all you need to title a classic car in probably 48 of the 50 states.
If you do need a title, I can order one and transfer it to you, but you must first pay in full and agree to pay the sales tax I will incur when titling it- Massachusetts hammers you on sales tax, thus I don't want to take a hit for it- Uncle Sam gets enough from me.

I have tried my best to explain everything, the good and the bad, and tried to show everything possible in pictures.  As always, I would recommend you ask questions prior to bidding, and strongly encourage anyone to come see it in person.  I have shipped vehicles before and can assist with working with a shipper, although payment is the buyers responsibility. Payment is due in full within 7 days, and a deposit of $500 within 24 hours.  Again, please ask questions prior to bidding, I will do my best to answer them fully and accurately- if you would like to chat on the phone I will email you my phone number upon request, and also provide directions on where the bus can be seen.  Bidders with zero feedback please contact me prior to bidding.  Please do not bid if you do not intend to buy, everyone's time is limited and please respect that I don't want mine wasted.  If you intend to make the full payment using Pay-'Friend' (code name for Pal), buyer must include an additional 5% to cover fees associated with this service.  Otherwise, cash or wire payment is best, and cheapest.

Auto Services in Massachusetts

Tremont Auto Body ★★★★★

Automobile Body Repairing & Painting
Address: 90 Tremont St, Waltham
Phone: (617) 387-2150

Toy Town Auto Salvage ★★★★★

Auto Repair & Service, Automobile Parts & Supplies, Automobile Accessories
Address: 800 Spring St, Ashby
Phone: (978) 297-0350

Town Fair Tire ★★★★★

Auto Repair & Service, Tire Dealers, Wheels-Aligning & Balancing
Address: 121 Endicott St, Glendale
Phone: (978) 777-8350

Teta`s Automotive ★★★★★

Auto Repair & Service, Automotive Tune Up Service
Address: 640 Springfield St, Southampton
Phone: (413) 592-9546

T N T Repairs ★★★★★

Auto Repair & Service
Address: 59 Wilson St, Paxton
Phone: (508) 885-2193

Salem Auto Body Company ★★★★★

Auto Repair & Service, Automobile Body Repairing & Painting, Automobile Body Shop Equipment & Supplies
Address: 25 Boston St, Glendale
Phone: (978) 744-3927

Auto blog

Volkswagen's new Passat Alltrack ready to scale the Alps

Thu, Feb 19 2015

Volvo may be stepping up its off-roading game with a greater variety of Cross Country models tumbling out the factory in Gothenburg, but the other (larger) European automaker whose name starts with the letters V-O-L is also broadening and updating its range of road-going automobiles equipped to handle a little soft-road duty. Aside from Audi's Allroad line, Skoda's Scout models and the new Seat Leon X-Perience, the Volkswagen brand itself has recently showcased Alltrack versions of the Golf, Multivan and of course the Passat. And now it's announced a new version of the latter for the European market. Based on the Euro-spec Passat Variant, the new VW Passat Alltrack follows a familiar formula: take a station wagon, equip it with all-wheel drive, jack up the suspension, add some lower body cladding and some new trim and – voila! – you've got a pseudo rough-roader on your hands. Set to debut in just a couple of weeks from now at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, the new Passat Alltrack is visually distinguished by its new bumpers, underbody protection, beefed-up wheel arch moldings and a ride height increased by over an inch to the benefit of ground clearance as well as approach and departure angles. European buyers who like to leave the road every once in a while (or give the impression that they do) will be able to choose from a range of five engines: two burning gasoline with either 148 horsepower or 217, and three diesels available in 148-, 187- or 237-hp states of tune. The base TSI and TDI engines are mated to a six-speed manual, while the top three are hooked up to a six-speed DCT, but they all come with 4Motion all-wheel drive as standard. All but the base TSI model boast a towing capacity of 1,800 kg, enhanced by a Trailer Assist system that automatically lines the vehicle up to a trailer. It even comes equipped with an off-road mode that incorporates Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Assist to make any journey across the Alps a breeze. Wolfsburg / Geneva, 19 February 2015 World premiere of the new Passat Alltrack All-wheel drive all-rounder combines the best of on-road and off-road driving - Passat Alltrack: 100 per cent 4MOTION – from 150 PS to 240 PS - Superior off-road performance with off-road mode and all-wheel drive Ten important facts about the world premiere of the Passat Alltrack: 1. Permanent 4MOTION all-wheel drive as standard. 2. Distinctive off-road look with new bumpers, underbody protection, door sill and wheel arch trims. 3.

VW recalling 38k Jettas, Passats, Golfs and Beetles for fuel leak

Wed, Dec 31 2014

Earlier we reported on a recall issued for the 2015 VW Jetta regarding a problem with the headlights, and now Volkswagen and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration have issued another recall for a separate issue affecting not only the Jetta, but several other models as well. The issue revolves around a sealing cap in the fuel rail, which could leak fuel into the engine compartment and potentially cause a fire. The problem affects an estimated 37,979 vehicles in the United States, including the 2014-15 Jetta (manufactured between March 28 and November 24, 2014), the 2014-15 Passat (April 7 to November 18), the 2015 Golf and GTI (July 1 to November 20) and the 2014-15 Beetle and Beetle Convertible (March 31 to November 27). That covers pretty much the entire range offered by Volkswagen of America, short of the Tiguan and Touareg crossovers (and the discontinued Eos convertible). Considering, though, that VW routinely sells around 30,000 vehicles in the US each month, the small number of vehicles being recalled (relative to the quantity out there) tells you this recall really only affects a specific cross-section of models. Owners of the affected vehicles can expect to be contacted by their dealers to have the fuel rails replaced. RECALL Subject : Fuel Leaking Into Engine Compartment Report Receipt Date: DEC 22, 2014 NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V809000 Component(s): FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE Potential Number of Units Affected: 37,979 Manufacturer: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. SUMMARY: Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Jetta vehicles manufactured March 28, 2014, to November 24, 2014, certain 2014-2015 Passat vehicles manufactured April 7, 2014, to November 18, 2014, certain 2015 Golf and GTI vehicles manufactured July 1, 2014, to November 20, 2014, and certain 2014-2015 Beetle and Beetle Convertible vehicles manufactured March 31, 2014, to November 27, 2014. A sealing cap at the fuel rail may fail, allowing fuel to leak into the engine compartment. CONSEQUENCE: A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, can result in a vehicle fire. REMEDY: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel rails with new parts, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 24Bi.

Final Volkswagen Eos to leave the plant in May

Tue, Feb 24 2015

Volkswagen has made no secret of its plans to wind down production of the Eos hardtop convertible, and the automaker has already celebrated the model's retirement in the US with the Final Edition (pictured above). However, the company now has an actual time for that end to come. The final Eos rolls off the line from the VW factory in Portugal in May, according to Germany's Automobilwoche, and European customers have until March 27 to get any final orders in. The company has no plans to offer a successor, it previously indicated. After about nine years of production and some 230,000 made, the Eos proved to be a success, at least in its home market of Germany. A VW spokesperson told Automobilwoche it was the country's bestselling hardtop convertible at one point, but customer preferences have changed toward preferring soft-top models. That switch spelled doom for the Eos. Drivers who want some wind in their hair still have some choices in the VW lineup. The Beetle Convertible remains on sale in the US, and Europeans also get the droptop Golf. Featured Gallery 2015 Volkswagen Eos Final Edition: Quick Spin View 18 Photos News Source: AutomobilwocheImage Credit: Copyright 2015 Jonathon Ramsey / AOL Plants/Manufacturing Volkswagen Convertible portugal