1961 VW Westfalia SO23 Camper For Sale
The Westfalia campers have a following like nothing else when it comes to the camper scene.
Throughout the history of the VW Bus, it is the Westy that is the most coveted and respected.
The early model Westfalias are certainly the most beautiful of the range, as the interiors were finished
in real wood and the use of laminates was held to a minimum.
1961 was the last year for the pointy front turn signals and small glass taillights,
These "bullet busses" are a hot property in their own right.
The color combo of sealing wax red and beige grey is perhaps the most iconic of the era.
Taking the "box on wheels" and making it into something far more than just transportation
is what the camper life is all about. Sure, you can drive it and haul folks around,
but the interiors in the back invite much more than just that.
The space is warm and cozy and immediately takes one to a special place
when you crawl inside. This is a spot you want to stop and sit and just hang out.
The wood and the materials are all correct in this Bus and it "feels right" as well.
Like your own little camping cabin on wheels.
Its all about the "Westy Life".
The fittings and details in this Bus are all original and look fantastic.
The wood was refinished by a master woodworker in Arizona that has researched the correct grain and finish
and knows the VW campers very well. The SO23 being a "sub hatch" model is especially cool.
This hatch opens up all the way if desired, providing access to the luggage rack as well as ventilation and sunshine.
Front panels as original are the grey pressboard.
The floor mat is a superb reproduction of the original sisal that was sourced in France.
The red check material on the seats is the correct weave and design that came from a source in Belgium.
This is a serious restoration, not just some "fluff and buff" job.
The 6 volt 40hp engine has been rebuilt and detailed beautifully.
Great runner as well. All mechanical systems have been restored and gone through.
Very clean in the engine room
Nice!
All stock, just the way it should be.
Detail of the engine lid latch...clean stuff.
The side tent is an extremely nice reproduction done by BBT in Belgium
It fits perfectly in the factory mounting spots on the roof and bumpers.
I believe they have side walls available as well if that was desired.
So fun!
Park this rig at the beach or any campground and you will have a steady flow of admiring visitors all day long!
In back there is plenty of room for your picnic gear.
The table in the center folds down of course and the bench seats turn into a bed.
The cabinetry is fantastic. This is all the original cabinets and hardware back here that were
beautifully restored and refinished.
Rear deck was fitted with a material similar to the original, easy to clean and quite stout.
Many people put carpet back here which is incorrect.
Fantastic attention to detail...check out the screw heads all lined up along the edge
The cabinets all work wonderfully.
Hinges are strong and the original latches in great shape.
Very hard to find these original latches if they are missing...these are all here and are in great shape.
The wood is just gorgeous.
All that wonderful camping stuff packed tightly into a pretty package that you can drive anywhere you want to go!
The original machine turned trim along the opening is so freakin cool!
The original prop rod for the top is included but is missing the "ball" end.
The owner has been looking, but has been unable to locate one yet...but the hunt continues.
Paint and body is excellent.
The restoration of this Bus has taken many years.
It has just now been completed and is ready for a loving home.
Very nice fit and finish to the body panels and door gaps, etc.
It shows fantastic...possibly even better than new.
The wiid slat roof rack of course is a must have for a camper!
Look at that shine!
Long "spoon" latches to pop those windows open wide!
Wow.
She is such a beauty!
All new window rubber and body seals of course.
Correct 15" wheels wrapped in new boas ply tires made in original period molds.
Spartan and simple drivers compartment, just as they were when new.
Dash is excellent and uncut.
Steering wheel and controls are all super clean as well.
Correct "hump" bench seat with the bulge in the middle of the back.
Body is finished cleanly even in the spots you dont see.
Church key for opening the engine lid and gas door is in the correct clip on the front panel.
Correct speedometer is super clean.
The camper has very few miles on it since completion...just test miles at this point.
It is fresh!
Radio block off plate
Fresh air vent is well painted and functional
Wow that is pretty!
Its a shame you cant drive facing backwards...I just want to sit here and stare at this all day.
So nice.
The cushions have all the original springs and hardware, fresh padding and the material of course.
The original gold trim cleaned up amazing.
The glass for the mirror is new but the original mounting hardware is here.
Original latches are in great shape.
The material is excellent.
It is spot on a perfect match for the original stuff.
Period map in the parcel tray is a nice touch.
Correct pressboard sun visor.
The small hatch and glass taillights are one of my favorite elememnts of these early Busses.
in 62 the taillights got bigger and a couple years later the hatch got wider...
Hatch latch detail
The pretty stuff does not stop on the outside of this one...even the underside is pretty.
Here is an under the engine shot...very clean under here!
Chassis has all been sprayed in the body color and looks wonderfully clean.
Transmision has been freshly rebuilt and is super clean
Front suspension is detailed as well.
Nice!
Super clean underneath.
Quick trip back inside...under the mats in the back, the wood has been finished as well!
Cabinets inside are clean as well.
The bread box is the original and shows some obvious age.
This is a tough part to find, but this one could be used to pattern a replacement.
The little tab that screws to the cabinet at the front is included, but the owner chose to keep it off
so that the bread box can be removed until a replacement can be found.
Reproductions of the original aluminum style drinking cups are available out there...would be nice to get a set.
The laminate and edging on the tables and ice box cabinet are new.
Originally the gold edging had a texture to it, but that material is no longer available,
This smooth gold is as close as could be found and it looks phenomenal.
Door latch detail...this is a clean Bus!
In closing this is truly a stellar Bus inside and out.
Wonderful restoration to stock specs all the way through.
You will have to search long and hard to find one done this well on the market today.
Asking
$95,000 obo
For More Info...CALL
951 767 1600
or email oldbug@earthlink.net