1971 Volkswagen Type 2 Camper

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE 

Part of the second-generation “Bay Window” series introduced for 1968, the 1971 Volkswagen Type 2 Kombi featured a one-piece curved windshield, improved visibility, and numerous refinements over the earlier split-window design. Powered by a rear-mounted 1.6-liter air-cooled flat-four engine, the Kombi utilized Volkswagen’s traditional rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout and a four-speed manual transaxle. 

As the popularity of camping and road travel grew in postwar Europe and North America, Volkswagen partnered with German conversion company Westfalia-Werke to transform standard Type 2 buses into “Campmobile” compact recreational vehicles. Some owners did their own camper conversions. 

This 1971 Type 2 Camper is finished in red paint with a white top over patterned cloth upholstery. It features all of the expected period camper equipment: a pop-top roof, rear folding bed, sink with fresh-water faucet, wood cabinetry, storage drawers and compartments, flip-up table, walk-through front cabin, jalousie windows with horizontal glass slats that crank outward, colorful curtain package, front bucket seats, rear cargo access hatch, and auxiliary camper storage areas. A "Campmobile" badge appears on the sink cabinet. 

The current owner states that the VW's 1,600cc four-cylinder engine was rebuilt by Ed Syrocki of EMS Classic Car Care in Warren, Michigan. The vehicle also has front disc brakes, independent front suspension, a 12-volt electrical system, sliding passenger door, and an AM/FM radio. 

This 1971 Volkswagen Type 2 Camper is now offered by the seller on behalf of its current owner with a clean Michigan title.   

Highlights  

• Camper conversion with sink, bed, and cabinets 

• Finished in red paint with a white top 

• Tan interior with flower-patterned cloth upholstery and curtains 

• Rebuilt 1,600cc flat-four engine 

• 4-speed manual transmission 

Factory Equipment 

• The chassis number (2312250079) decodes as: 

  • 2 – Type 2 

  • 3 - Kombi 

  • 1 – 1971 model year 

  • 2250079 – Production number 

• Sliding side cargo/passenger door 

• Front disc brakes 

• Independent front suspension 

• Swing-axle-independent rear suspension 

• 12-volt electrical system 

• Dual front bucket seats 

• Sapphire XIV AM/FM radio 

• Pop-top camper roof with upper sleeping area 

• Rear bench seat that folds into a bed 

• Built-in sink with faucet 

• Laminated wood cabinetry and storage compartments 

• Flip-up table mounted on the wardrobe cabinet 

• Privacy curtains throughout the cabin 

• Jalousie side windows for ventilation 

• Front walk-through cab layout 

• Storage beneath the rear bench seat 

Modifications

• The replacement flat-four engine bears the stamping 966442

• Period-pattern upholstery and curtain fabric 

Known Imperfections 

• Paint flaws, including bubbling, chips, and rust on passenger rear end 

• Weather stripping is dry and cracked 

• Scuffing and dents on wheels and hub caps 

• Firestone tires are worn and cracking 

• Rear seat upholstery has a tear/missing piece 

• Wear to interior materials consistent with age and mileage 

• Images detailing the condition of the car are presented in the gallery 

Ownership History 

The current owner of this 1971 Volkswagen Type 2 acquired it in June 2025. 

Included Items 

• Front-mounted spare tire