1978 Volkswagen Bus/Vanagon Westfalia

Fully Rebuilt 1978 Volkswagen Bus - Westfalia - Road-Trip Ready!
Up for sale is maybe one of the few and only reasonably priced Bay Window Westfalia’s out there in this condition at the moment. If you’ve been looking then you know what they’re getting (or at least asking!) for these time machines in anything but ‘project status’ shape! This particular bus has all of the ever important original charm on first glance to revisit the free living lifestyle of the 70’s but with a tastefully upgraded and thoughtfully restored rebuild throughout. A lot of effort went into this bus to make it practical to enjoy long into the 2000’s without losing that charm.
As you can see in the pictures, the bus sports the super fun Sage Green paint inside and out, with the original green plaid interior fabric in excellent shape on both bench, back and pop top bed cushions. The front seats are not original (you don’t say J) but instead replaced correctly with modern leather VW seat replacements with POWER! Might be a love it or hate it opinion on these over originals BUT I challenge anyone to take this bus cross country in these seats vs the originals and THEN tell me what you think! J I’m a believer! Tilt recline lift base and slide… with the flick of toggle like a new GTI No chance you won’t find a way to get snug in these things for the long trip. To compliment the seats is a modern, yet non-intrusive looking stereo/cd deck and speakers nicely placed. In the glove box you’ll find USB ports to connect your phone! All tucked away nice as to not distract from the BUS itself. All glass in the bus is in excellent shape and windshield and rubber was replaced a couple years back when most updating took place. Pop top is in excellent shape and functions as it should, and canvas is 100% perfect. It is the 3 window screen top with the access screen from inside to get to the roof rack, best one available. Was also done back with other items mentioned and works great! No mold or gross stuff living in the bunk like so many I’ve seen. This bus was clearly stored thoughtfully when not in use. Full size bed up top as it’s of the later bay window generation. Easily sleeps two adults. Me and my wife usually crash up top while our two kids sleep below with the pup. ‘Down stairs’ or the ‘main floor’ is in great shape with recent floor carpeting and mostly original everything else. Incredible amounts of storage, a sink with drain (water tank removed) and an ice chest with a drain as well are all there. Long counter top was replaced with wood and looks good and acts the part as it should. Seatbelts present in factory locations for kiddos in the back, and belts up front as well all work. All lights work front and back, as well as horn and wipers. This bus is inspection ready for the road. Slider door operates as it should and closes and opens true, as do the front doors left and right. All jalousie windows crank, and screens stay put without any holes. The interior of this bus just makes you want to smile and call it home out in the mountains somewhere for weeks!
The motor is a recently rebuilt (last 1,500 miles) Aircooled 2 Liter Engine (The biggest one available for these VW’s) with dual Weber 44 carburetors (a > $1000 upgrade alone) on it that really pushes this old breadbox alongside nearly any modern car out there today. On and off the highway is a breeze. It’s the best of both worlds really, with the nostalgic charm and utility of a camper, but with the power and comfort to genuinely go across the country. The carbs MAY be overkill as I’m told and could use a sync/tune or could swapped down to smaller ones (with $$ back your way as these are pricey add-ons) if you’re not concerned with keeping these on board. When the bus was rebuilt there was clearly little concern for budget as most all parts replaced are done with top option items. I’ve owned a few busses over the years and none of them had the gusto this one does though that’s for sure. The body was repainted and some minor repairs were likely made though evidence of which is not easily found. All the ‘problem’ rust areas on these busses for this one are still original steel and in excellent rust free shape. Some minor areas were patched (inside cabin floor) but done well, a while back, and are completely solid and rust free today. You’d never know unless you went looking, and again, they are 100% solid and good now. Paint is a nice match to Sage Green and really does look good both on road and up closer. It’s not a $10,000 paint job but certainly not a backyard or maaco job either, very nicely done for the driver this bus was built to be. Rear hatch seal was replaced and need be broken in or maybe swapped out for a thinner material as it can be a little effort to get it closed but never fails and stays shut and centered once so. Most of the brakes and suspension components are new when the bus was reconditioned or otherwise in excellent original shape. The bus steers like a modern vehicle which is entirely uncommon with these old VW’s. I suspect a lot of attention was put into the front end, (new beam at least) and only am more confident of which when looking at it all in such great shape. Rear hatch screen included as well as a few random surprise accessories I’ll leave in there. I think that about covers most of what I know of the bus today but I’m more than happy to address any specific questions you have before you bid. What it all really boils down to is that it’s EXTREMELY important to concern yourself with finding a bus that is RUST FREE and one that has not been hobbled together mechanically so that you can enjoy miles in the hillside instead of hours in the forums trouble shooting or worse, $$$$ at the mechanics trying to make your ‘craigslist deal’ something you can enjoy ‘some day’ (ask me how I know this story….). This is a get in, go, and show off Bus with very minor choose to do or not type of things as its new caretaker. I had big plans for this bus with my family and I for next season to go across country, but with a new direction I’m going into coming sooner than expected, and time and money of high importance for the next several months, I’m letting it go. I’m terrified of the challenge it will be to replace this one within a reasonable price but nothing can be sacred at the moment, and I’ll have to cross that bridge when I return to the market.
As these things go, some key points to make and understand before bidding. Given the age of the bus and the venue in which it’s being listed, I am offering this sale AS-IS, no warranties outside of my word on the items mentioned above, and no refunds of any kind once the deal is done. This said PLEASE ask any and all questions, come and see/inspect/drive the bus if you’re able, and get all of your own permissions/financing/space cleared in your garage BEFORE you bid. As mentioned above, I am working on a specific project non car related, to which these proceeds are required for so I would like not to list more than once which is reflective in my price I would think. BUY IT NOW can be agreed on at $26,000 or upon discussion, so please reach out if this is of interest. The bus is also going to be listed elsewhere and for sale locally, first to pay is the new owner. Otherwise, bid what you can afford to and are committed to pay, and we’ll see from there! PayPal for deposit is OK, the rest will have to be wire, cash, or certified bank check (PP Fees too high for full payment). Nothing gets handed over till funds clear. Pick up here at my house in Barre MA is expected within 5 business days of end of auction. Shipping is responsibility of the buyer, but I will of course do anything I can on my end to help get that sorted. I’ve both shipped a car home and away so I’m happy to lend my experience onto whomever might not have before to make it go smoothly. I have all the paperwork, open and ready for new owner to register in their name etc, all will be sent certified mail once funds are cleared.
In closing, my reputation on here means a lot to me, and my enthusiasm for these cars and the people that enjoy them is my favorite part of the hobby. If there is anything you’d like to know or share in regard to this awesome little Westy, I’d love to chat. Thanks again for the interest in my bus. Cheers, Brandon

Also published at eBay.com