1960 SO-23 Volkswagen Type 2 Westfalia Camper Van

The VW Camper has always conjured up images of freedom and adventure, any image of the great outdoors wouldn't be complete without a 'Westy' or 'Splitty' in the picture. The VW Camper has certainly now achieved "cult status'. These vans are still a most practical "classic" proposition, and with many active and highly supportive clubs, you could be off doing something every weekend with perfect peace of mind as regards spares supply and mechanical back-up.

The SO-23 is the official Volkswagen Split Bus Camper built by Westfalia Werke in Wiedenbruck, Germany between 1959 and 1961. The SO23 is often considered by experts and enthusiast as one of the most desirable and useable campers produced by VW. However finding a SO-23 can prove to be very difficult due to their rarity. Only 129 were ever built and it is believed that just 19 are in the UK, which only helps add to the allure of an SO-23.

The SO-23 VW Westfalia camper van offered here was sourced from America in 2004. Our vendor purchased it with the intention of restoring the car to its original factory appearance but with and upgraded engine, gearbox and suspension.

The camper was taken to marque experts Strictly Air-cooled for them to work their magic on the mechanicals and create a highly sorted camper. This included the fitment of a Creative engineering front disc brake conversion, lowered front axle beam and lowered shock absorbers all round. At the back of the camper a Creative Engineering independent rear suspension conversion kit was fitted which greatly improves the handling and performance. Type 2 bay window drive shafts have been fitted to the Creative Engineering suspension arms on fully adjustable spring plates; this allows you to easily adjust the ride height with a spanner and an Allen Key. New rear brake drums have also been fitted along with new hoses all round.

A 1641 engine dressed in chrome and fitted with street cam and Twin 40mm Solex carb kit fitted provides the power mated to a Karmann Ghia A.T code IRS gearbox. This was fitted due to its high gearing which allows a comfy 70mph motorway cruising speed and we are told will do much more!

The engine is so new that it is still 300 miles from being fully run in so Strictly Air Cooled have offered to complete its last service/oil change free of charge for the winner once it has covered 1000 miles. It's had a full service mot and is ready to go on holiday today but remember no more than 55mph for the next 300 miles!

It's been completely rewired using a new wiring loom and we are told that everything works exactly as it should. A Retro Sound radio is fitted to retain its period look whilst allowing for an iPod connection, USB ports and remote control. A 240v mains hook up has also been installed so when you are on a campsite you can still use your creature comforts and plug in your hair dryer.