This 1971 Early Bay Westfalia is a rare breed — a proper patina build done right. Behind the aesthetic lies a fully rebuilt, no-expense-spared mechanical foundation. It’s as happy cruising motorways as it is turning heads at a show. It’s a meticulously detailed, fully sorted machine.
The van was taken back to a bare shell by Absolute VW, with the original factory paint retained. Metalwork was then handled to an exceptional standard. All four jacking points, sections of the cab floor, both battery trays, outer and inner sills, rear arch repairs, and dog legs were replaced with premium panels sourced from Klassic Fab and Schofields — and it’s virtually impossible to tell where the work has been done. There’s no filler anywhere on this van. The underside is finished in Raptor for durability, and every detail has been considered.
Patina work to the original paint was done with serious care, as most of the body still wears its original paint, with only the lower half of the passenger side blended in to match. The colour match is dead on. All original dings, dents and character have been left intact to retain its story. All lenses are genuine original units. Window and door seals have been replaced throughout, ensuring it’s tight and ready for the UK’s changeable weather.
Underneath, the mechanical spec is impressive. A narrowed front beam with freshly rebuilt ‘66 Splitty drop spindles brings the stance down subtly, while up front you’ll find a Fellows Speed Shop disc brake conversion using Wilwood 4-pot calipers and Porsche 944 discs — proper stopping power. Braided lines, a new German servo and fresh brake lines complete the setup. Bilstein shocks at each corner (supplied by Type 2 Detectives) keep the ride dialled in. Rear brakes are all new Porsche pattern drums, and the CV joints and wheel bearings have been rebuilt or replaced all round. The bus sits just right on genuine Porsche Cookie Cutters, 6J up front and 7J at the rear.
The heart of the build is a powerful and reliable 2110cc engine, built by John Mayer Racing, putting out a seriously usable 130bhp. It's paired with a professionally rebuilt gearbox from John Walklett, geared to match the engine and deliver smooth highway cruising. Supporting mods include a Vintage Speed high-flow exhaust, rebuilt Dellorto 40s from Eurocarb, a Facet fuel pump with AN braided lines, Concept Racing cooling system, Fram oil filter, and a fire suppression system from VW Aircooled Works — this is a properly specced drivetrain, built to tour.
Inside, the bus keeps its vintage soul with a twist. The original Westfalia cabinets remain, down to the rare original stool, but a custom Rusty Lee rock ‘n’ roll bed has been added for modern comfort. Upholstery is a standout — finished in caramel leather with complimentary tartan wool inserts, it looks and feels sublime. The front seats are heated, making early starts and late-season camping that bit more luxurious. Cabin flooring is Altro vinyl, closely resembling the original spec, while the cab area is tied together with a Hayburner sisal mat. An original Porsche 912 steering wheel adds a subtle hint of flair, and the Gene Berg double black shifter is a joy to use.
Audio and electrics are fully modernised but discreetly integrated. The van features a complete new wiring loom installed by Aircooled Auto Electrics, including a split charge relay system for the leisure battery. There’s a full Kenwood stereo system with custom speaker pods up front, 6x9s tucked into the rear, and a Geek Shack USB charger hidden in the ashtray — just one of the many small but thoughtful details you notice the deeper you look.
From the detailed underside to the matched patina paintwork, from the drivetrain to the custom interior touches — everything has been considered and executed to a high standard. The van comes with a huge history file documenting its restoration and spec, including original import papers and invoices for the full build.
Yours to cherish for £30,000
Delivery available nationwide or internationally.
Walkaround video available on request.