Lot Ended
Description
Ex-sunny South Africa; imported to the UK in 2022; fresh from a total
nut-and-bolt restoration and only 600 miles since; superb condition
throughout; fabulous Westfalia Continental interior; find a better
one!
Volkswagen
introduced the ‘Bay Window’ Camper in 1968 to replace the earlier ‘Split Screen’
design. It offered a massive panoramic windshield for significantly better
visibility along with a host of other upgrades to improve road manners and
creature comforts.
Known to enthusiasts as the
‘Early Bay’, this 1969 model sits perfectly between the vintage charm of the
1960s and the practical engineering of the 1970s, looking more modern but
retaining the classic small early tail-lights and rounded bumpers so prized by
VW aficionados today.
The Continental was a
specific factory conversion package from Westfalia that turned a utility van
into a mobile home. The beautifully constructed interior was a masterclass of
space-saving design, squeezing in all the amenities needed for a comfortable
‘home from home’.
Powered by VW’s trusty 50bhp
1,600cc ‘Twin Port’ air-cooled engine, you wouldn’t call it fast, but it was
highly durable and cheap and simple to maintain.
As the VW Heritage Certificate confirms, this gorgeous Camper was
built for the South African market in May 1969 and was to remain in that dry
climate for the next 53 years. Imported to the UK in December 2022, with all
duties paid, it was then treated to a total nut-and-bolt restoration with the
spectacular results you see today.
Although there
are no invoices to show exactly what was done, the whole process was recorded in
a photo album, extracts of which are reproduced here, and the work has been
itemised in a typed list on file (see last photo).
Flying through its MOT in July 2024 with just one minor advisory
(slight play in rear wheel bearings), it has only covered 600 fine weather miles
since, in the hands of one owner, so the engine is barely run-in yet. Recorded
as a Historic Vehicle on the V5C, it is of course now MOT-exempt and free to
tax.
The best Bay Window Westfalia we have ever
seen, it has been starting instantly and driving beautifully as we have moved it
around on site.
On offer here at a very enticing
guide price, this air-cooled classic is no doubt capable of
scooping some silverware on the V-Dub show circuit, should the lucky new owner
feel so inclined. What a beauty!
Consigned
by James Dennison – 07970 309907 – james.dennison@brightwells.com