1985 Volkswagen Vanagon GL Westfalia Camper

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

German automotive company Westfalia began converting Volkswagen Type 2 buses in 1951, but it was most famous for the “pop-top” camper conversion that it installed on VW Buses and Vanagons. So it’s no wonder that Volkswagen and Westfalia would partner to provide a “factory” camper.

This 1985 VW Vanagon Camper, for example, still has the brackets (beneath the carpet) where a middle row of seats would have been installed if it had been a seven-passenger Vanagon GL. Instead, that space was used to install a Westfalia kitchenette with propane stove, sink, refrigerator, swing-out table, and numerous storage cabinets, drawers, and a closet. Its rear bench seat can be converted into a bed when combined with a cushion over the engine compartment, and the pop-up camper top allows occupants to stand up inside the main cabin area, along with more slumber space. 

The ’85 Vanagon Camper also featured an upgraded sliding door mechanism, which improved both the latch and sliding functions, as well as deluxe swivel seats up front with fold-down arm rests and a smaller steering wheel with power steering.

The water-cooled “Water Boxer” 2.0 liter four-cylinder engine on this Vanagon was recently rebuilt, and it has been driven only 813 miles since.

Highlights 

• A 1985 Volkswagen Vanagon GL Camper with a Westfalia kitchenette 

• Finished in Merian Brown paint over beige interior with cloth/vinyl seats 

• Powered by a recently rebuilt 2.0 liter inline-four engine with Digi-Jet AFC fuel injection (813 miles since rebuild) 

• Four-speed automatic transmission 

• Light duty trailer hitch 

• Camper features include: 

  • Propane stove 

  • Sink with 10.5 gallon water tank 

  • Refrigerator 

  • Swing-out interior table 

  • Bench-to-bed rear seat 

  • Pop-up camper top 

  • Swivel front seats 

  • 110 volt power outlets 

  • Window curtains 

• The chassis number (WV2ZB0258FH000320) decodes as: 

  • W – Germany 

  • V – Volkswagen 

  • 2 – Multi-purpose vehicle 

  • Z – 1980-91 Camper 

  • B – Four-cylinder gasoline (water-cooled) engine 

  • 0 – Passive restraint system 

  • 25 – Vanagon 

  • 8 – Check digit 

  • F – 1985 model year 

  • H – Hanover, Germany, assembly plat 

  • 000320 – Sequential production number  

•   Clean CARFAX Vehicle History Report  

 Features 

• Rear-wheel-drive camper van 

• Oil pressure gauge mounted on top of dash 

• Ignition kill switch on left side of passenger seat 

• Air conditioning 

• Sanyo AM/FM/CD/Cassette stereo system 

• Front seat lap and shoulder belts 

• Arm rests 

• Cigar/cigarette lighter and ash tray 

• Independent front and rear suspension 

• Power assisted brakes (front disc/rear drum) 

• 14 inch steel wheels 

• Chrome hub caps 

• Hankook 185R14 tires 

• Wheelbase: 96.9 inches 

• Overall length: 179.9 inches 

• Width: 72.6 inches 

• Height: 77.2 inches 

Known Imperfections 

• Odometer has been replaced; currently shows 6,010 miles 

• Cruise control does not work 

• Air conditioning fan works, but A/C does not run cool 

• Oil light is on, but it is not connected; driver advised to use oil pressure gauge mounted on top of the dashboard 

• Top bed does not fold down easily; needs right-side bracket 

• Tires are 10 years old 

• Propane tank is missing 

• Two small stains on driver’s seat 

• Stains on driver’s side floor 

• Multiple cracks on dashboard 

• Multiple tears in canvas camper top 

 Included 

• Spare tire (stored front underside)

• Jack 

• Volkswagen Vanagon repair manual 

• Jumper cables 

• Grill top for fire pit 

• Funnel 

Ownership History

According to the accompanying CARFAX Vehicle History Report, this 1985 Volkswagen Vanagon was shipped to its original dealer in the U.S. on 13 October 1984, but the camper van’s documentation does not begin until 18 December 1996, when it was purchased in Dexter, Michigan. The Vanagon was sold on 1 May 2001 in Midland, Michigan, and it has remained with its current owner for the last 23 years.

Additional Notes

A Broad Arrow Group Consignment Specialist is working as an agent on behalf of the owner of this vehicle.

Contact: Craig Zimmerman  Phone: 586.707.5811‬  email: cszimmerman@hagerty.com