1978 Volkswagen Bus Westfalia

1978 Volkswagen Bus/Vanagon

1978 Volkswagen Westfalia:Equipped with SOLAR PANELS!!

Let me start by saying that I have owned a handful of antique vehicles over the last ten years or so and this Bus is by far the best. Not much compares to cruising down the street in the stereotypical 60’s/70’s VW bus, honking the horn at every one you see, stopping into car show and stealing all the attention, setting up camp at the edge of the ocean, or just having a safe place to sleep after consuming too many cosmopolitan’s at a summer cookout. Travel across country with friends or use it as the family camper.Bus comes with a TON of receipts (showing several thousand dollars in maintenance) and paperwork, manuals, etc.Overseas bidders are welcome to bid.

Close to 100 pictures available! See here: CLICK FOR PICTURES & VIDEOS

I also have some short video’s there that I put together here so you can see it running and driving, which it does great! (I suggest being very cautious if buying a ‘running’ vehicle on Ebay without actually seeing it run in a video or in person, some people use the term ‘running’ petty loosely)

Let me say that I can guarantee that you will not find any comparable bus to this for under $25K, I have looked. These busses are prone to rotting, neglect, and ‘customization’, so finding one of this caliber and being able to buy it for under $20K is something you’re not going to see often.It’s a solid running and driving bus.Aside from a VW specific car show, you likely have never nor will ever see a bus this solid, complete, and original.Keep in mind when buying a bus that the 1978 has a few unique items that are missing from other years: the big 2L engine, a full top bunk bed, a great interior setup, seatbelts, and best of all in my opinion the front passenger swivel seat that has the ability to turn around and face the back!

I’ll start with what I think is the best part that you’re not going to find on other busses… SOLAR PANELS!Bus has 2 ultra slim solar panels that were professionally mounted on the roof, wired up to the proper gauges and up to a long lasting deep cycle auxiliary battery.They work incredible and can easily power fans, chargers, basic electronics, ipod, coffee maker, etc.Great for off the grid camping because let’s be honest, everyone likes a couple amenities!Work from home? Heck, plug in your laptop and work from the woods while camping!If it’s sunny the power is endless.If its cloudy or dark the deep cycle will suffice as it holds a ton of power, easily enough to run a fan all night so no need to worry about sleepingin 90 degree weather!

As far as the condition goes it is damn near mint for a 1978. The interior is just about flawless. The original plaid upholstery is in perfect shape, no rips, no fading, no holes. The bed folds down with ease and if you've never slept on one, you'd be surprised as it is quite comfortable. The top bunk is also in excellent condition. The front seats are in excellent condition. The dash is in excellent condition. The door panels are in excellent condition. One of the key things I point out to everyone is the carpet in the camping area, which is in PERFECT condition and 100% original.The cabinetry is all there with the original handles in place, and again in excellent condition. The sink is in great shape. The ice box is in mint shape.The closet even still has the original mirror hanging in it! The louvered windows still have the screens. Somehow it still has the original curtains which are in outstanding shape.Sliding door slides smooth. Pop top goes up and down with ease, and the canvas was just replaced and in great shape. In my opinion this bus is best color combination, the green interior and green paint.J

Mechanically the bus is in great shape as well. Starts right up, even after sitting for long periods of time. Drives down the road straight and stops well. Emergency brake works great. Engine idles and runs well. No smoking like you would expect for a 40 year old car. Tires are in great shape, as well as the brakes. All the lights are hooked up and in great shape, headlights, parking lights, taillights, brake lights, license plate lights, reverse lights, etc.Wipers work.Has radio but let’s be honest, who wants to use that?Sit back and enjoy listening to the engine, conversation with friends, and bystanders yelling “cool bus man!”.

Transmission shifts incredibly smooth, no hesitation in any gear whatsoever. No popping out of gear, no difficulty getting into gears, no grinding, etc.Clutch is in great shape as well which makes driving this a breeze. Speedo works, dash lights work, warning lights work, fuel gauge works.

Body wise this bus is also in great shape and solid. Seals around the windows are in good shape. Paint is beautiful and in great shape with the exception of a couple very small bubbles.Nothing major by any means. Nose is straight and undented, as is the rest of the body- everything is straight, not wavy or dinged up, doors shut great, and everything lines up mint.The only areas that aren't perfectand have a little rust is the back driver corner near the taillight, and on the bottom corner of the front nose (see pics for both).Both are very small areas which are still very solid, they are common spots and a very easy fix should you want to.Again this is a very minor cosmetic item, nothing structural, just want to give full disclosure.Rockers and doglegs are solid, slider is solid, bottom of doors solid, and around engine lid is solid.Obviously as you can see it’s a beautiful bus, and overall this bus looks amazing and is perfect to be used on a regular or daily basis, which is a lot more enjoyable than owning a $45,000 ‘trailer queen’ that you’re afraid a bird will poop on.As far as the underbody / bottom goes this thing is incredible as it was undercoated with a protective coating when it was purchased back in 1978, and it has held up extremely well. Most of the undercoating is still present on all the floor paneling and frame rails, helping them standup over time without rusting and rotting, which is very rare for a Bus of this age. No frame or floor patches whatsoever. Front floors are also perfect, with no rust ever present.

This bus gets a ton of looks, smiles, thumbs up, high fives, etc... by far the most compared to any other classic car I've driven in, which includes some pretty unique, rare, and expensive cars. You pull this thing into a campground and it gets much more positive reactions than a $225,000 RV. Everyone has a story, everyone is happy so see it, and for better or worse everyone asks for a ride.

Please remember this vehicle is 40 years old, and no it will not drive like a 2015 Ferrari (although it will be more fun). Yes, it is in fantastic shape for it's age. Could it use a few small odds and ends? Of course.Could a 2015 Ferrari use a few odds and ends (aside from the driver’s ego)? I wish I knew! Anyway, I have described everything to the best of my ability. If you have any additional questions please reach out prior to bidding. This is sold as is, $1,000 deposit via PayPal due within 24 hours and non-refundable, full payment due within 72 hours (3 days). Payment must be made via wire transfer, check (must fully clear), or cash in person... wire preferred. Shipping cost is buyer's responsibility and obviously bus doesn’t ship until payment clears. Willing to work with shipping company to help coordinate pickup, and can help facilitate port drop off for international buyers. Bus is for sale locally as well and therefore I reserve right to end the auction early, unless of course you use Buy It Now, which is priced extremely reasonable at $18,500.Buy it now tends to disappear as soon as someone bids, so if you would like to make me an offer and do not see the Buy it now option just shoot me a message.

NOTE:: Orange bus that you can see in a few of the pictures belongs to my best buddy. He will be selling as well at some point so if you’re interested I can share his info (we’ve made a deal to pursue a new venture).It’s a mint 1976, similar condition, similar price maybe slightly higher (he is a little greedy!).

• Condition: Used
• Make: Volkswagen
• Model: Bus/Vanagon
• Type: Camper Bus
• Trim: Westfalia Camper
• Year: 1978
• Mileage: 78,000
• Color: Green
• Engine size: 2.0 Liter
• Number of cylinders: 4
• Fuel: Gasoline
• Transmission: Manual
• Drive type: RWD
• Interior color: Green
• Vehicle Title: Clear
Want to buy? Contact seller!