WARNING.— The person in whose name this vehicle is displayed may or may not be the current owner of the vehicle. Readers are warned, therefore, that this entry is not proof of ownership.
Details
- Registration Mark
- ZV 37646
- (a) Type:
- Type 2
- (b) Year:
- 1971
- (c) Colour:
- Chianti Red
- (d) Paint code:
- L31H
- (e) Engine CCs:
- 1548
History
- (a) Country of origin:
- United States
- (b) County first reg'd:
- Kildare
- (c) Current or last known location:
- Kildare
Model information
1971 Bay Window Camper
Info
1971 VW Type 2 Camper
“Layla”
This VW was first registered on 16 August 1971, and picked up from the factory in Germany. It had its first inspection service in Orleans in France and its second service in Palo Alto, USA. In the 1970’s it was common for US servicemen based in Europe to buy a new VW camper to US specifications and collect it from the German factory. They would then tour Europe before shipping it back to the US at the end of their tour. So that’s what seems to have happened to this vehicle. Although its history is sparse, receipts found in the original service book show that it spent a lot of time in California, but also travelled across the US, visiting a National Park in New York State. It ended up in Montana, before being shipped to the UK for refurbishment.
Having spent a lot of time in a dry state, the bodywork is largely original with only the cab floor and battery try being replaced due to corrosion. However, it did suffer an accident at some time in the US which required the front panel to be replaced. Refurbishment revealed that this had been done to a very low standard with half an inch gap in the structural pillars being filled with mastic!
The camper was imported to the UK in 2009 and a mild restoration was preformed and the bodywork was resprayed “chianti red”. At the time the suspension was lowered and fitted with alloy wheels and sold on.
The next UK owner purchased the camper in 2012 and continued the restoration, painting the underside, replacing the canvas roof and bunk, replaced the engine (Twice!). For comfort and practicality the suspension was returned to normal height and steel wheels were refitted. The interior was totally refurbished, replacing the original to create a vehicle suitable for family camping.
I imported and registered “Layla” in early 2017. I have only really had to upgrade the generator to an alternator and swap the starter motor. My goal is to use her as much as possible and to enjoy it as that is what they were made for.
M Plate Decode
VW Type 2s have an “M Plate” attached inside that provides details of the vehicle as it left the factory. These can be decoded, so this vehicle originally was:
• Type 2 model 231
• Kombi bus with one sliding door and LHD
• Built Tuesday 1st June 1971
• 1548cc engine developing 50bhp
• Manual 4 speed
• L31H Chianti Red
• Westfalia Campmobile
• Picked up by 1st owner from factory in Germany but specified for US market
• Vents in cab doors
Additional Photos
Sorry, no more photos yet. If you have some, please submit them