1967 Volkswagen VW VW Bus VW Camper VW Camping VW Combi VW Westfalia westfalia 1967 Westfalia Combi Bus Volkswagen

1967 Westfalia Combi Bus Volkswagen

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  • Tuesday, January 3, 2012
My 1967 model SO-42 Campmobile was undergoing the final phases of restoration in January 2001 when I discovered an unusual SO-44 Westfalia on eBay. I had never seen one of these Deluxe Campmobiles with an entirely different camping package than my SO-42. The SO-44 models were never offered in the U.S. by Volkswagen of America. Any SO-44 that found its way into the U.S. was privately exported from Europe. In the 1960's and 70's, it wasn't uncommon for a vacationing American family to arrange European delivery of a new Westfalia built to U.S. specs (bumpers, lighting, speedometer), then tour the Continent in their new Campmobile. At the end of the vacation, the European VW dealer arranged export to the U.S.
1500cc VW

But my SO-44 found its way to American shores through entirely different circumstances as you will discover. By January 2001, it was offered on eBay with a mere 46,000 original miles in almost new, unrestored condition. Knowing it would be several months before I … Volkswagen® Auto Cars photos :
Volkswagen VW VW Bus VW Camper VW Camping VW Combi VW Westfalia westfalia 1967 VW Westfalia Campmobile 1500cc

1967 VW Westfalia Campmobile 1500cc

1967 VW Westfalia Campmobile
A long, slow climb with a VW 1500cc engine! Cozy camper is surprisingly roomy with a very comfy bed





































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1967 VW VW Bus VW Camping VW Combi VW Transporter VW Westfalia westfalia 1967 Westfalia Combi Bus Volkswagen

1967 Westfalia Combi Bus Volkswagen

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  • Monday, January 2, 2012
I learned that Volkswagen outsourced the conversion of the basic Kombi model bus to a "camping box" from the earliest days of the "Transporter." Westfalia was the primary company that worked directly with VW, although other variations such as the Sundial were sold. The first Westfalias from the early 1950's were very basic, giving the outdoorsman a place to eat and sleep within the camper, but they were quite spartan. By 1959, the Westfalia (seen to the right) was becoming more elaborate with beautiful birch cabinetry, a dining table and a more comfortable bed.


1959 Westfalia on display at the VW Classic Show Irvine, California - June 2003

    But after discussions with my VW afficianado friend, I decided to seek the last year of the split-windshield VW Westfalia, a 1967 model. The VW Transporter bus had become more advanced by '67, offering a 12 volt electrical system for the first time, safer dual-circuit brakes, more powerful 1500cc engine (underpow… Volkswagen® Auto Cars photos :