1990 Volkswagen T25 Westfalia Camper

All factory Type 25 Westys were left hand drive, meaning this car is a unique build by an enthusiastic VW addict... In his mind, he wanted to build the perfect right hand drive Westfalia recreation for its spacious and practical layout. What started as a "passion project', developed into a three year battle to get the vehicle just right...

It began with the eventual sourcing of a one-owner from new GL with cruise control, electric windows, mirrors and power steering and this vehicle was made even more attractive as it was also fitted with quarter lights, which we understand to be very rare. They're tough to find, but sourcing a candidate in the correct order for a painless conversion proved nigh-on impossible. This Caravelle still retains the stock standard mechanicals which are a 2.1litre fuel-injected and water-cooled engine capable of pushing the vehicle effortlessly along through the automatic gearbox.

Mike Simmonds at Bounce Rentals in Warwick, a VW Specialist, was able to bespoke manufacture and fit a complete new pop-top roof assembly that was designed to look just like the Westfalia roof, but able to be fitted to a Caravelle or a Panel Van. Mike further improved the Caravelle by helping the restorer with a new Westy style interior bespoke fitted to Type 25's. The interior conversion was completed by sourcing many components, namely, seats, interior panels, a kitchen block, rock "n' roll bed and cupboards all of which came from genuine Westfalias. Likewise, the flooring which is traditionally a grey plastic floor with a removable grey carpet had to be crafted, and a grey rubber lino was chosen as the solution. It looks as if it could have been installed in the Westy in 1990 as it's perfectly in keeping with the remainder of the cabin.

Body repairs and attention were given to the cabin steps and around the bottom of the windscreen where water had got trapped and it had begun to corrode. Once completed the entire Camper was given a fresh coat of Dove Grey paint (Yes, it's actually a metallic Blue colour. We don't know why VW call it Dove Grey either...).

Being a standard mechanical vehicle, there are no complaints on the way that she runs and behaves, in fact, her current owner has recently been to France for a month, then Dorset, before this special VW was borrowed by the Small Steps charity to go to shelter fundraisers at Glastonbury...