Volkswagen Bus/Vanagon Deluxe Campmobile (1979)
for sale
Price: US $24,999.00
Price: US $24,999.00
1979 Volkswagen Westfalia Deluxe Campmobile
Relisted due to non-payment (even after non-refundable $500 deposit was made).
A true survivor. All original paint and interior, pampered, unrestored, unaltered, unbelievably well preserved, well documented, highly optioned and factory accessorized gem with dealer-installed factory dashboard-matching air conditioning unit and super rare outside accessory camping tent!
This stunning example of the pinnacle of Volkswagen air-cooled transporters is truly a once in a lifetime find. The body is unbelievably straight and dry. Rust and accident-free. It is probably the only opportunity one will find to own an all original Deluxe Campmobile in it’s original, practically new state.
The reason that the condition is so wonderful is that it has been a dry, California vehicle since it rolled onto the dock in Long Beach in 1979. For the last 25 years it has been always garaged and protected from the harmful sun at home in dry Turlock, California. It was only taken out very occasionally by it’s previous owners for short trips. It has never seen rain or snow. The previous owners had it religiously maintained at Bob Tumazi Auto Repair, in Turlock over the last 25 years (he has been servicing Volkswagens for 45 years). Yes, only one master mechanic has pampered and lovingly maintained this beauty.
Color: Mexico Beige with Brown Beige Cloth Upholstery
Includes original Owner’s Manual, Westfalia Campmobile Manual, original import documents (in German), and original Volkswagen dealer invoice (in museum quality condition) with options listed.
The Deluxe Campmobile is the top of the line model. It has the following features:
1. Basic Equipment:
Rotating dinette table with extension leaf (top is mar-proof and heat-resistant).
Rear bench seat converts to double bed, with storage locker below.
Rear deck mattress covering engine compartment.
Swivel passenger front seat (can face rearward or sideways).
Clothes closet with vanity mirror.
Ceiling cabinet.
Linen closet.
Transistorized 12-Volt fluorescent ceiling lamp.
110-125 Volt A.C. electrical hook-up receptacle on outside of vehicle. Double outlets, master switch and circuit breaker on kick panel underneath rear bench seat. Curtains for all windows, including windshield. Louvered windows in left side wall and sliding door. Cabinet with stainless steel sink, 12-Volt water pump. 26 liters (7 gallons) water tank, drawers, and storage compartment with shelves.
33 liters (1.1 cu. ft.) icebox, with polyester insulation, ice rack, and separate drain. Storage chest. Child’s hammock (over front seats). Rear luggage compartment lid screen. Ceiling and walls insulated and panelled. Floor covered with loop pile carpeting. Two assist straps. Color-coordinated cloth covers for mattresses and upholstery. Safety belts for four seating positions. Spare wheel/tire stored in right section of sink cabinet.
OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT
2. Campmobile with Pop-Up Roof.
In addition to the Basic Campmobile Equipment, the following are the optional equipment combinations:
Pop-Up Roof with weather-resistant canvas sides and fiberglass-reinforced polyester top. Front wall has a screened window with zippered flap. Luggage rack of fiberglass-reinforced polyester with buffer rods and tie-down hooks. The rack can be easily reached from inside the Pop-Up Roof. 1.8m x 1.2m (6’ x 3’ 10”) foam rubber double bed with cloth covers in Pop-Up Roof for two adults.
3. Deluxe Campmobile with Pop-Up Roof
This is the most comprehensive option and includes all of the above items plus the following:
City water hook-up. 33 liters (1.1 cu. ft.) 12-Volt refrigerator.
110 Volt A.C. to 12 Volt D.C. converter for refrigerator operation and battery charging. Gas (propane) range with refillable propane tank and hook up. Small dry chemical fire extinguisher.
Upholstered storage box/trash container between front seats. Small removable table in driver’s cabin.
1979 was the pinnacle of the air-cooled transporters, as they were the most evolved and largest displacement, most powerful engines ever used in them. It was the best year mechanically in my mechanic’s opinion, based on 45 years of servicing all years of Volkswagen transporters over the years.The engine is the original 2.0L and features factory fuel injection, electronic ignition, and hydraulic lifters (no valve adjustments required). It features power disc brakes for powerful, modern stopping and freeway friendly gearing for easy 65 mph cruising (max cruising speed of 75 mph) all day long.
I purchased this gorgeous vehicle from the previous owners of 25 plus years who are in their eighties, who had never intended to sell it but after consulting their now adult children, they reluctantly decided that it was finally time to sell it through their mechanic, Bob Tumazi, since they rarely used it. I am a customer of Bob’s and he thought it would be perfect for my family. Unfortunately, as I discovered, my family does not like camping at all. Therefore, I now am reluctantly selling it.
The tires appear like new. In April 2015 it easily passed California Smog with flying colors (it has passed for the last 25 years very cleanly). I had a new Bosch starter, new batteries ($220 Odyssey Deep Cycle Gel Mat for the accessory battery, Interstate battery for the main), new engine compartment seal, and new fan belt fitted in May 2015.
It is super-reliable and starts, runs, stops, and drives like a new vehicle. You could take this across the country and back with confidence. It rides very smoothly and just a joy to drive! All glass is original, clean, and clear. All doors and windows open and close like new. All gauges, locks, etc. function perfectly. Both propane burners function perfectly. All upholstery, carpet, curtains, curtain straps, and wood grain is original.
The included super rare accessory outside tent is complete and intact, it appears to have never been used or used very little, as the canvas is in great condition with no damage besides a little color washout of the canvas from age. Plastic floor is perfect. No mold, rips, or tears. All zippers work as new, door snaps are in place as new. All poles and stakes are present. Come in original blue canvas storage bags.
The previous owners replaced the original front seats with seats from another 1979 transporter after the original front seat upholstery was worn, and the original front seats are included with the sale. They will required restoration.
Air conditioning compressor is present but requires replacement (all A/C components are present). Refrigerator components are all present, but I haven’t tested it, it may need new refrigerant.
Body is rust-free with the exception of a couple of very minor surface rust spots on the edge of the driver’s door, probably from the seat belt, easily touched up. Very minor dings along sides of the body, most likely from the door of the car parked next to it in the garage.The rear bumper could use a little straightening.
It is almost impossible to find this model in this well preserved, original condition. It is an investment that is guaranteed to increase in value. Who ever thought an early 23 Window Microbus would be worth $125, 000 today?
update: 2015-05-13
Condition: | Used | VIN (Vehicle Identification Number): | 2392099691 |
Year: | 1979 | Sub Model: | Deluxe Campmobile |
Make: | Volkswagen | Exterior Color: | Mexico Beige |
Model: | Bus/Vanagon | Interior Color: | Brown Beige Cloth Upholstery |
Trim: | Deluxe Campmobile | Number of Cylinders: | 4 |
Engine: | 2.0L | Transmission: | Manual |
Drive Type: | Rear | Vehicle Title: | Clear |
Mileage: | 110,984 | Power Options: | Air Conditioning |