1984 Volkswagen Caravelle 78PS Camper

This 1984 T25 Caravelle, you will notice, is a vehicle that stands out from the rest. Not only has the T25 undergone a complete restoration inside and out, but it has also been converted into a ‘Swamper’ style campervan, making it very useful for going pretty much anywhere you like. The restoration saw the body completely stripped and had all the seams blasted, treated and sealed before being coated in three coats of Epoxy primer, four coats of high build primer and finished with four coats of Volkswagen Slate Blue LH5V.

Converting it into the Swamper has seen many additional parts fitted, which have helped create this unique look to the already much-loved T25.

Being a 1984 vehicle, in 2024 it will be eligible for historic status, making it tax and MoT exempt.

Finished in the original colour of Slate Blue, as we mentioned, the body has been restored, and this also included new inner and outer sills and new front cross members, followed by the complete underside being undersealed to help futureproof it against unwanted corrosion. 

Let’s start at the front of the T25. The front bumper has been replaced along with the endcaps, which are in good condition. Additionally, a nudge bar is fitted to help with the swamper theme. The grille has been upgraded to four rectangle headlights for a more modern look. Some paintwork has been carried out since the respray on the driver's side corner, which can be noted where it blends in across the front panel.

Around to the sides, the wheel arches have been treated to some Tera Wagen extensions; there are a few minor scratches which we noticed and some small corrosion blisters around the driver's-side door. The windows appear to be in good condition with no noticeable scratches to point out, and the seals look relatively good with just minor signs of age to them. The opening side window surround has some paint that has flaked off. Perfect for those summer evenings, you can unroll the Fiamma F35 Pro awning that is mounted over the side door.

The rear sees a modified Fiamma bike rack and an additional door ladder mounted to the right. The rear lights are in good order, and like the front, the bumper has been replaced. The roof has also been taken advantage of with a Rhino roof rack, perfect for additional storage should you embark on any long excursions. There are also two sunroofs, which add a nice amount of ventilation.

Fitted with 15” Mefro steel wheels, these have been finished in satin black and have been shod in B.F. Goodrich All-Terrain tyres, which have a good amount of tread remaining.

Inside the T25 has been given a total makeover. Starting in the cab area, the front seats have been professionally retrimmed with a vinyl outer with a black and green tartan material. Both front door cards have been replaced and are in good condition. The rubber flooring is in good order and has been covered with a set of fitted mats, which are also in very good condition. 

Sitting behind the steering wheel, this looks in good condition with no signs of excessive wear. The dashboard does have some holes across the top edge, but these are quite small. The instruments are working correctly, and the odometer shows a reading of 393,984 miles. All of the switchgear appears in good condition, with just a light amount of wear to the lettering. A Pioneer headunit has been fitted and connected to two 6x9 speakers in the rear.

Moving into the rear, the custom handmade furniture incorporates a wardrobe, cutlery and crockery storage cupboard, a new 12-volt/240-volt fridge and a Smev twin hob and sink unit covered with a black glass top. Various LED lights supply the interior lighting, and there are additional sockets that have been installed, powered by a leisure battery. In addition to this, there is a 240-volt mains hookup for when on a campsite. Other features include a swing-out table that can be mounted alongside the rear seat and another table that can be attached above the fridge. Sleeping arrangements are in the form of a two-third Rock ‘n’ Roll bed, which has been trimmed to match the front seats. There is also a fold-away DVD player for on-board entertainment.

Fitted with the 1900cc petrol engine, this has just received a major service and runs with no issues reported. There has been a stainless steel exhaust and new manifold fitted. The four-speed gearbox, driving the rear wheels, is said to be in good order and it's easy to select the gears. The brakes are working as they should, confirmed by a recent MoT test on the 23rd November 2023.

One of the highlights of the Swamper look is the height of the T25. This has been achieved with a lift kit, and the damping has been taken care of with a set of Spax adjustable shock absorbers.

With all the hard work carried out, a new MoT has been recently obtained, meaning the T25 is very usable and ready for its next adventure. There were a few advisories, as can be seen in the documents gallery.

Several previous MoT certificates are present, showing some previous advisories and giving you an idea of the amount of work put into the T25 over the years. There are also some invoices dating back to 2018 showing some suspension and engine service work, and then in 2021, a coolant flush was performed and the rear wheel cylinders were replaced.

T25s have a considerable following, making them desirable for those wanting to experience a more straightforward way of life touring in a classic campervan. This T25 will give you that experience plus much more, thanks to the additional parts fitted to create the ultimate swamper! 

Are you looking for that perfect hideaway in the middle of a forest? Fear not; the T25 swamper will get you there with ease. We estimate this modified T25 Caravelle will fetch in the region of £15,000 - £20,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at the Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are strictly by appointment. To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.