This 1978 Bay Window spent the majority of its life in San Jose, California, where it remained within the same family between 1979 and 2010. Early history suggests it was used regularly, reaching approximately 165,000 miles by 1984 when the engine was rebuilt, with an invoice present for the work. After this period, the documented history becomes lighter, suggesting much lower use over the following 25 years. A small number of receipts show odometer readings gradually increasing to around 90,000 miles.

The van was restored at some stage before arriving in the UK, with its first UK registration recorded in 2012. Unfortunately, there is no paperwork detailing the restoration work carried out at that time. The camper interior currently fitted was installed in 2015, with an invoice present. The interior is absolutely brilliant — a stylish and highly usable camper setup that perfectly complements the exterior colour scheme. The cabin presents beautifully and is in superb condition throughout, feeling almost brand new. The headlining is especially impressive and adds a really smart finish to the interior. Practical and versatile, it features a rock and roll bed and a gas stove, making it ideal for weekends away or longer trips. Up front, the bench seat comfortably accommodates three people, adding to the van’s practicality and social feel.

Mileage in the UK has remained very low. Based on MOT records and the current owner’s use, the van has only covered modest annual mileage and the odometer currently reads approximately 3,900 miles.

Amazingly, the van comes with original California registration cards, as well as a flurry of receipts up to the early nineties. A new cylinder head was fitted in 2016 along with an MOT at the same garage. At this point, there is a small anomaly in the mileage record, with the figure appearing to drop by around 10,000 miles. The likely explanation is a simple recording error — 86,000 miles written instead of 96,000 — which is supported by the overall progression shown in the MOT history.

When the current owner purchased the van in 2019 it was clear that, while the bodywork and interior were both in very good order, many of the mechanical components — including brakes, suspension, steering and gear linkage — required attention.

The van was therefore taken to T2D for a comprehensive health check, and all recommended work was carried out, totalling approximately £7,850. This included a range of mechanical improvements along with oil leak rectification, a new exhaust system and a full service. Since then the van has returned to T2D for additional minor works, with invoices retained. The owner has also carried out various improvements himself, particularly around the fuel injection system — including hoses, S-boot and wiring — along with routine maintenance to keep the van running well. The current owner truly went the extra mile for caring for this bus and it shows when it arrived and we had a look around it. 

The 2000cc fuel injected engine pulls strongly and has proven reliable. These are brilliant engines and certainly feel stronger uphill compared to many carburetted examples.

Overall, this is a very well-maintained LHD Bay Window camper that has clearly been cared for throughout its life, benefitting from sensible mechanical investment while retaining an honest and highly usable character. It is a really, really nice van at a great price - ready to be enjoyed immediately, whether for weekends away, road trips or shows and presented in genuinely lovely condition throughout.

On the market for £18,000.

Located in our North Devon showroom.
UK and overseas delivery available.

Thank you for reading.