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/
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.
Volkswagen Bus/Vanagon for Sale
Auto Services in Massachusetts
Auto Repair & Service, Automobile Parts & Supplies, Glass-Auto, Plate, Window, Etc
Address: 237 Washington St, North-Weymouth
Phone: (888) 648-4697
Auto Repair & Service, Window Tinting
Address: 505 Middlesex Tpke Unit# 22, South-Weymouth
Phone: (978) 670-2927
Auto Repair & Service, Automobile Body Repairing & Painting, Used Car Dealers
Address: 25 Main St, South-Weymouth
Phone: (781) 335-4400
Auto Repair & Service, Brake Repair, Tire Changing Equipment
Address: 737 Broadway, Jamaica-Plain
Phone: (781) 289-2160
New Car Dealers, Used Car Dealers
Address: 280 Quincy Ave, North-Pembroke
Phone: (781) 917-1401
Automobile Parts & Supplies, Used & Rebuilt Auto Parts, Automobile Parts & Supplies-Used & Rebuilt-Wholesale & Manufacturers
Address: Ashby
Phone: (508) 485-1414
Auto blog
Tue, 26 Feb 2013
The upcoming Geneva Motor Show is going to be stocked with important new production models and sexy concept cars, but hot hatch enthusiasts will undoubtedly see it as the coming out party of the MkVII Volkswagen GTI. And while we've only got European specifications and pricing to go on for now, we can tell from the get-go that the new GTI will be a proper heir to VW's hot hatch legacy.
This seventh-generation GTI is powered by a turbocharged, direct-injection 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, which makes 220 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque in base form. For the first time ever, Volkswagen is also offering a performance pack for the GTI as well, which ups the horsepower to 230 (torque remains unchanged). With a slightly lower curb weight to push around - the new base car weighs 2,978 pounds versus 3,034 for the current three-door GTI - 0-62 miles per hour is now achieved in 6.5 seconds, and top speed is 153 mph. (Cars with the performance pack offer 0-62 mph in 6.4 seconds, and a 155-mph top speed.) Buyers my choose between a six-speed manual transmission or an optional six-speed DSG unit.
Visually, the new GTI has obviously adopted the slant-nosed looks of the MkVII Golf, though with plenty of added drama. The exterior is dominated by the 17-inch "Brooklyn" wheels wearing 225-section rubber, and the aggressive front fascia gets black honeycombed inserts in the upper and lower grille sections. At launch, Volkswagen will offer the GTI in three colors: the Pure White seen here, Tornado Red and Black. Tartan patterned seats are of course still an option for the interior, while the GTI-specific steering wheel and shift knob are standard.
Wed, Jan 28 2015
If you've been dipping into the Autoblog feed over the past days and weeks, you wouldn't even have to be a sports fan to know the Super Bowl is coming up. Automakers have been teasing their spots for the big game, dropping them days early, fully-formed onto the Internet and otherwise trying to amp up the multi-million-dollar outlays that they've made for air time on the biggest advertising day of the year. And, we're into it. The lead up to the Super Bowl is almost akin to a mini auto show around these parts; with automakers being amongst the most prolific advertisers on these special Sundays. The crop of ads from 2015 looks as strong as ever, but we thought we'd take a quick look back at some of our favorite spots from the last five years. Take a look at our picks – created from a very informal polling of Autoblog editors and presented in no particular order – and then tell us about your recent faves, in Comments. Chrysler, Imported From Detroit Chrysler, Eminem and a lingering pan shot of "The Fist" – it doesn't get much more Motown than 2011's Imported From Detroit. With the weight of our staffers hailing from in and around The D, it's no wonder that our memories still favor this epic Super Bowl commercial (even though the car it was shilling was crap). Imported really set the tone for later Chrysler ads, too, repeated the formula: celebrity endorsement + dramatic copy + dash of jingoism = pulled car-guy heartstrings. Mercedes-Benz, Soul teaser with Kate Upton One of our favorite Super Bowl commercials (and yours, based on the insane number of views you logged) didn't even technically air during the game. Mercedes-Benz teased its eventual spot Soul with 90-seconds worth of Kate Upton threatening to do her best Joy Harmon impression. (Teaser indeed.) It doesn't win points for cleverness, use of music, acting, or any compelling carness, but it proved that Mercedes' advertisers knew how to make a splash in the Internet Age. And, hey, it's still classier than every GoDaddy commercial. Kia, A Dream Car. For Real Life Like the Mercedes video above, the initial draw here is a pretty lady; in this case the always stunning Adriana Lima. But this Kia commercial really delivers the extra effort we expect while scarfing crabby snacks and homemades, too. First of all, Motley Crue. Second, a cowboy on a bucking rhino. Enjoy yet again.
Wed, 08 Jan 2014
Getting a new diesel-powered car just got a bit easier. Volkswagen has announced a new Jetta TDI Value Edition for 2014 that trims over $2,000 off the starting price of a Jetta TDI, making the most affordable diesel-powered car in America even more so. Prices start at $21,295 (*plus $820 for destination) for a Value Edition with a six-speed manual transmission, while a six-speed dual-clutch automatic adds $1,100 to the price. For that money, owners will get 140 horsepower, 236 pound-feet of torque and 42 miles per gallon on the freeway.
Despite the lower price and being down on content versus the previous base Jetta TDI, the Value Edition does come quite well equipped, with standard heated cloth seats, a six-speaker stereo with a Media Device Interface, satellite radio, and one-touch, up-down power windows on all four doors. Customers will be giving up some notable stuff though, including tilt/telescopic steering, Bluetooth streaming audio, power seats and a multi-function steering wheel.
Still, if you're aching to get your hands on a new TDI, this is now the most affordable way to do it. We suspect having the lower MSRP will help the German manufacturer make even further diesel-powered inroads here in the States, a land where they cleared their decks of over 100,000 TDI models in 2013.
1967 vw bus so-42 walkthrough westfalia camper - volkswagen
1970 westfalia camper
1972 vw bus
1971 vw panel van / bus
1976 tin top camper van
1985 vw bus "wolfsburg edition" westfalia weekender with pop-top