1978 Volkswagen Westfalia Campmobile Champagne Edition Vw Camper on 2040-cars

This is not a listing for a typical van... There's so much to explain I don't even know where to begin so I'm going to start at a point that some people might find odd, namely, why I'm selling it...

You have to know, tears are falling on my keyboard as I type this description. Over the last 7 months, I have done everything humanly possible to keep this vehicle and I have put off its sale till now in hopes that it could somehow be avoided, but alas, it cannot. I am 2 weeks away from opening my restaurant in San Francisco, California, have gone over-budget and need the money to get the doors open. If I was not in this financially desperate situation, I would NEVER, NEVER, NEVER be getting rid of "Beige".

This is not a case of someone trying to unload their problems on someone else. This is a case of someone having to part with their dream vehicle in stunning cosmetic/mechanical condition as a sacrifice to move on to something they have been working towards for the last 15 years. I swear I feel like I'm selling my girlfriend. I tell people all the time that the money I spent to purchase this van and to maintain it is hands-down the best money I have ever spent. Nothing even comes close.

I realize that purchasing a car on Ebay can be a bit of a mail-order-bride type situation so I have gone to great lengths to include as many high-quality photos as posible in efforts to be completely transparant and candid in my representation. I want interested parties to feel comfortable in knowing exactly what they are bidding on and just how super-special this machine is.

Ok, now that that is out of the way, on to the description...

You are bidding on a 1978 Volkswagen Westfalia Campmobile Champagne Edition. From what I understand, this was the first year that VW offered a van in two-tone. The original deep-brown color can be seen in some of the photos around the wheel wells and in the engine compartment. The top was a cream color. VW decked out the champagne edition with every single camping option available, almost all of which function perfectly.

Here's what she's got:

Pop top with double bed zip-out screen

Convertable jumpseat/double bed

Two-burner propane stove

Sink with 7 gallon water tank

Refrigerator

City water hook-up

Shore power hookup

Center console stool

Passenger seat on 180 degree swivel bracket

Center console driver table

Stowable picnic table with extention leaf

Aux. Deep cycle marine battery to power on board equipment

Child cot/hammock

Snap in rear bug screen

Full front window privacy curtains

Jack mount for outside table use

In order to keep this conscise, I've set up sections:

Body/Cosmetic condition:

Beige is a looker. She turns heads wherever she goes and draws smiles/thumbs ups from so many people. Her beautiful paint job was done in 2003 and is still in spectacular condition thanks to years of a cushy garage existence. The body is in almost freakishly straight condition. I'm still amazed at the beautiful curves around the tail lights and just how perfect they look.

Beige has no dents but she does have some very minor paint imperfections here and there. A small scuff, a chip, a light scratch line. EVERY imperfection could either be touched up or buffed out with very little trouble if the new owner so desired but I think she is perfect as-is. The bumpers have a beautiful white powdercoating with the black rubber overriders. You can see from the pics that the front bumper has some rock damage and the back bumper has a scuff yet they are still beautiful. Road pebble marks on the front of the van have been touched up. Some paint flaking is visible on the under side of the wheel wells and on the driver side door jamb. I have included a pic of the brand and color number of the paint that is an exact match so that it will be easy (and fun!) for the new owner to do light touch up work.

I have not had her professionally detailed. Anyone with some time could make her pop even more than she already does (believe it or not). I didn't wax her. What you see is the result of a 1/2 hour warm-water light soap bath and a vacuum. The floorboards under the mats for instance, could be brought to an almost perfect white with some scrubbing. Windows could be made to be spotless. Smudges here and there could be totally wiped away.

Rust:

This is a true California Bus and has spent all of her 36 years registered in the state which might explain her remarkably rust-free condition. She also has what I believe to be the somewhat rare factory option of a plastic powder-coating hull sealer which has rendered her underside impervious to water and rust. I tried to capture some up close pics of it in the wheel wells. It's a firm but plyable rubbery substance.

I have included pics of her belly up on the lift from 2 days ago. All the typical problems areas are shown (battery compartments, floor boards) and are looking super solid and rust-free. Rain gutters are in very good condition with only a super light oxidation that could easily be sanded out by a non-professional. The back cooling vents show some bubbling but this is not rust that you can put your finger through, there is plenty of metal left and they could easily be sanded down. Light bubbling was becoming visible under the front window so I just had it all ground out and the front window replaced last week. The primer strip can be seen in the photos. I left it unpainted due to time constaints and uncertainty of the new owner's intensions. There is a spot of surface rust on the back roof under the pop top (see pics) that is also very benign and could be sanded out very easily. A couple of days and all these minor rust issues could be resolved.

The only real rust on the van is pictured right below the radio antenna. The thumb-sized patch for what ever reason has not grown at all in the 4 years I have owned this vehicle. I heard a similar story from the previous owner from 2003-2010. He said he just left it alone because it wasn't growning. It blends into the antenna base and is almost unnoticable if you're not looking for it. Also, the antenna is still firmly anchored in metal. This is not a case of having to be careful of bumping it for fear of it falling out. It is very rigid and tight. The darkness that can be seen under the wheel wells is NOT rust. That is the original paint color coming through.

Pop-Top:

The pop top is in excellent mechanical condition. Both zippers work perfectly. Latch is functioning correctly. There is a tear in the screen that is about 4 inches in length but since the west-coast isn't buggy, it's never been an issue. I knocked around the idea of getting the new 3 pannel canvas but I like the look of the vinatge one too much. The felt top is in incredibly good condition for its age and is not falling down. There are spots of discoloration around some of the edges (see pics) but it never bothered me and I don't think it will bother you. Bed is super confortable and firm.

Engine/Mileage:

This VW has the larger 2.0 Liter, EFI engine. It was installed NEW in 2008 (at 28,000 miles) and currently has 43,000 miles on it (please see pic of that extensive service record for details). Great care was taken in breaking in the engine properly. That has to have something to do with wy she has been so trouble free for me. In the begining of April (4000 miles ago) I had the top end rebuilt with 2 new heads. The cylinders were examined and there was no evidence of scorching. Compression is great. Oil has been changed at least every 2000 miles. Odometer reads 74,000 but from going through the records, that odometer has flipped and true millage must be 174,000 but you would never know it. Engine is currently in its sweet spot and has many tens of thousands of miles to go.

Also, this engine does not leak oil... AT ALL. Several weeks ago I detected a couple of drops of oil under her, it turned out to be a valve gasket that needed replacing. The work is done. No more leak. You could park her in your living room over your white shag rugs and feel safe.

This VW is currently running perfectly and very strong. No shaking or rattling. She ALWAYS starts and zips right along at 65-70 mph. She can do more but I never ask that of her. She drives nice and straight without any pulling. So much so that I often drive with just my thumb. Brakes have surprised more than one mechanic with their stopping power.

Just to be clear... when I say she runs strong, I mean you can get in her and drive 300 miles to some off-the-beaten-trail camping location and not worry at all. She has a huge heart, loves adventure, and is so loyal. She will do everything she can to take you where you want to go as long as she can come. Trust me, she will thrill you.

Smog:

Beige cruises through smog inspectations. I included a recent test in the pics to give you an idea of the numbers she puts up. They are WAY under the max measures.

Transmission:

4-speed mannual transmition in great condition. Shifts smooth and flawlessly through all the gears.

Tires/Wheels:

Wheels are the larger 15" variety painted white. The extra size gives this van a stockier look that I absolutely love. 2 brand new (and expensive) front tires. Rear tires are in 50% condition.

Interior fabric/Seats:

Original seats are in almost perfect condition and amazing to see. I nor the previous owner EVER sat in them without seat covers. New seatbelts front and back for safty. Passenger side headrest has a crack in the back. Driver side piping is seperating on right side. I didn't realize these imperfections existed until yesterday because the only time I ever saw the seats without the covers was the day I bought it. Original fabric is in good condition with no tears. Foot stool has a small white paint stain on top and a missing drink holder. This green/plaid fabric is available at GoWestycom.

Onboard systems:

Lights, indicators, emergency break, hazzards, cabin light, radio, clock (keeps great time) vents, heat, wipers (first year VW featured intermitent wipers), wiper fluid squirters, lighter, LED light above sink all work well. Defrost light comes on but since I never have a need for defrost, I cant be sure the back window actually heats up. Stove and sink are in almost new condition. Super shiny. Sink pumps water very strong. Both propane burners work well. The refrigerator is very inneficient and uses up power from the deep cycle battery quickly. Previous owner said it works but he never used it. I have never turned it on but the refrigeration coils look very clean. Instead I use the refrigerator as an on board ice-chest. It is very well insulated/non-leaking and will keep ice for over 3 days. Longer for block ice.

The heat control has 2 cables attached. One opens the vents and one turns on the assist fan. Until about a year ago, both were fully opperational. Now the cable that turns on the assist fan is frozen. This can be fixed with 3 hours labor. All it means is that heat doesnt come out when you idle. Heat does come out and is very warm when in motion because heater relies on air from vents then instead of air from the assist fan.

Swivel camping seat rotates around very easily. Both seats recline. The jump-seat bed spring mechanism functions perfectly. The refrigerator power panel that shows the level of the RV/Deep cycle battery was working until 5 months ago. The RV bettery still charges and holds a charge but when you push "test", the needle does not swing forward like it did. This may be something as simple as a fuse but I don't have time to get to it. I am non-stop at my new business.

Previous owner installed a lighter jack (not to smoke) in the back under the closet door (see pics) to power devices off the marine battery. This is a nice improvement IMO. I plug in my DC/AC converter and power any device I want to, from lap-tops to lamps, to sound docks. The beauty of it is it doesn't run on the main battery so even if you use up all the juice, she's still gonna start, at which point, the marine battery begins to charge again. Pretty sweet!

Cabinets:

All cabinets are in good condition. Veneers look solid for 36 years. There are chips here and there but I have managed to save most of the pieces (see pics). It is peeling back at some edges but anyone with an afternoon and some standard epoxy could stop all that. There is a crack in the veneer of the ice chest lid. All cabinet/closet handles work and lock.

Sliding Door:

Side door slides like it is on ice. I've had friends stand there for 10 minutes just rolling it back and forth marveling at how smooth it slides. Previous owner's mechanic said it was the smoothest door he had ever encountered. On any sort of hill, you just click the handle and it will fall open.

Floors:

What I believe to be the original carpet is in great condition for 36 years. Still dark brown with very little discoloration or stains. Myself and the previous owner always had a rug to lay on top of it. Rug in pictures included.

Dash:

Dash is pristine looking and a beautiful dark brown that matches the original color. Zero cracking. Odometer/speedometer work. Fuel gauge is accurate until 1/4 tank. Then it drifts but predictably so. You get used to it quickly. Windows roll down and up very easily.

Locks:

All locks work well with the exception of the passenger door. It was like that when I bought it and since the slider door lock is right there, I never saw the need to fix it. All locks are keyed to the same key including those on the back hatch and the engine compartment.

Seals:

Previous owner installed all new rubber window seals and piping. This van DOES NOT leak. You can see from pics that small areas on driver and passenger pop top seals are begining to crack. The set goes for about $80 on GoWestycom when it come time to replace them. Again, it doesn't leak.

Ceiling:

Original white viynal is in good condition in back with some bubbling on the sides. Towards the front, it has been removed revealing the roof boards that it used to attach to. There is a grain showing in this board that I absolutely adore. I would never cover up the ceiling. It just fits. Curtains are in great condition on the inside with all leather snap straps in place. Outside shows some fading. Rubber wire curtain securers are also all in good condition.

Smells:

This is a non-smoking vehicle. I, nor the previous owner are smokers. To my knowlege, this vehicle has never been smoked in. I have refrained from cooking in it as well, save for a grilled cheese or a cup of soup here and there, to assure that no food smells would linger. Previous owner was a fortysomething year-old professional like myself. This van has been treated with the utmost respect over the years we've known her and she's never been abused.

Original Parts:

This van comes with a lot of original parts that the previous owner saved throughout restoration. Original power converter, refrigerator control panel, seat belts, driver's floor mat/carpet, tail-light covers and a box of original components that you will have a blast sifting through.

Custom fabricated racks:

Please see photos. These racks were custom fabricated for the previous owner and are original works of art in themselves. They are beautiful.

History/Provenance:

As an added bonus, this van comes with stacks of service records dating back to her 1978 birth in Kearny Mesa CA. I believe I possess almost every piece of service record history from the day she rolled off the lot. Tens of thousands of dollars spent for her to look like she does today. You can spend hours going through it. Please look at the photos because some of what has been preserved is truely amazing. Original waranty card with all services stamps from 1978-81. Original owner's manual. Original campmoblie manual. Beautiful vintage full-color VW promotional pamphlet.

She is currently loaded with all her treasures including the custom racks, tables, kid cot, jumper cables, seat covers, hose for water hook up, club lock pictured, all original parts, historical records and everything else that you can see in the pictures, waiting in a garaged location in San Francisco, CA in the exact condition of yesterday's pictures.

Wrap up:

So I guess that just about covers it. There is so much I'm sure I missed something. Feel free to contact me with questions or to request more pictures.. Although I am not a mechanic or VW expert, I have learned a thing or two about this vehicle over the last 4 years. I am incredibly busy but will do my best to get back to you asap.

And now a word about the auction format and the starting price... This is a 5-day listing with no reserve.

Beige will absolutely have a new owner Sunday night at 9pm PST. The auction time frame is brief because I do not have the luxury of waiting around for a 10-day auction to play out. This van is being listed at a what I believe is a relatively low starting price. I feel like she is worth quite a bit more, considering what I've seen out there and the completeness of this package, but I am content to let the free market sort it out.

I realize that the international market is strong and getting stronger for VWs as of late. I would prefer to sell locally (nothing like a test drive) , or at least in the US but I will say that if you have a burning desire to own this van, I would consider shipping internationally for the right bidder. This bidder will have to have stellar feedback, handle every aspect of the export quickly and efficiently, and be able to wire the complete final sale price via an electronic funds transfer, no paypal, to my account within 36 hours of the auction close. If those conditions are not satisfied, I will move on to the next highest bidder and file a non-paying bidder claim.

Domestic buyers: Please do not bid if you cannot pay immediately. The final sale price must be recieved by me within 24 hours of the auction close. I prefer electronic fund transfers because Paypal's cut is rediculous and the potential for them to hold my money as they will do from time to time scares me at this juncture. If you absolutely have to use paypal, maybe we can work it out.

This auction is for the sale of a used, 36 year old vehicle. No waranty is expressed or implied. I have done my absolute best to represent this van as accurately as possible. I have sold many high-dollar items on ebay so please bid with confidence. The winner is going to be ABSOLUTELY DELIGHTED!!! Good luck.

*I will add several pics of Beige in her element over the next few days so you can get an idea of what she's been up too the last few years.