1971 Volkswagen T2A Westfalia

Built in 1971, this left-hand-drive VW Westfalia camper was imported to the UK in 2004 and restored throughout (the vendor believes in 2010), including an interior featuring numerous period beer mats and other memorabilia relating to alcoholic beverages. The camper, known as “Ruby”, has been well maintained and tested for roadworthiness almost every year since coming to the UK, and has taken its proud owners to numerous VW festivals all over the country.

If Ruby doesn’t offer enough accommodation for your tribe, then the 1972 Eriba Pan Familia caravan hitched to the rear should do the trick. The two vehicles were paired up a few years ago, with the caravan painted to match and given the nickname “Murray”.

For those of you not familiar with British rhyming slang - where a name or phrase meaning one thing implies the meaning of something else that rhymes with it - the name “Ruby Murray” (actually a pop singer from the 1950s) rhymes with and refers to a “curry”.

This hot and spicy duo (see what we did there) have recently fled the UK for somewhere warmer, and currently reside in the South of France, about 35 km west of Cannes, looking for new owners to take them on some more adventures.

We understand that Ruby underwent a bare metal restoration around 2010 and repainted in its original Chianti Red with white bumpers and roof panels. And now the condition of the paint and bodywork is still surprisingly good.

There are some age-related marks, chips, cracks and scuffs, an area of bubbling under the paint on the sliding door and rust on the undersides of the front doors but otherwise it looks smart and the brightwork appears in very good order too.

As well as the characteristic pop up roof and original louvred windows, Ruby is also fitted with a front sun visor, side step and a tow bar with 12V electrical hook up.

The camper sits on 17-inch ‘slot-mag’ alloy wheels in good condition and fitted with Sailwin Sportway tyres.

As for Murray - the Eriba Pan Familia caravan, another classically shaped vehicle - he was given a repaint to match Ruby’s red and off-white colour scheme in 2020, although the finish on the coachwork is a little flatter than the camper’s gloss.

There are one or two marks here and there but largely the caravan presents in a good external condition and like the camper, has a pop-up roof to extend the headroom and provide ventilation.

The caravan sits on 12-inch steel wheels fitted with age-appropriate chrome VW hubcaps and Marshall tyres dating from 2013.

The owner reports that the hand-operated brake on the towing arm is currently broken.

The camper’s inside is a classic Campmobil Westfalia interior, there is a plaque that denotes this. Clearly restored, there is still a good deal of originality and a bucket load of authentic period feels.

For starters, the combination of red and white vinyl on the upholstery in the front cabin and through to the rear, with matching gingham curtains, is about as retro as you can get.

The furnishing is all in excellent condition with no undue wear and is complemented by red vinyl on the door cards and red carpeting on the floor. There are black rubber overmats in the front for additional protection. The spare wheel in the rear blends in with the interior style thanks to its chequered-pattern PVC cover.

Also up front, the dashboard and fascia look very true to the original style, with a basic, large diameter steering wheel and a functional textured-vinyl dashboard. Additional touches include a more modern JVC CD-radio in the central dash - with speakers throughout the camper - and a tachometer and clock affixed to the dash top. A full-width shelf underneath gives plenty of stowage, although there are some exposed electrics which you’d need to be mindful of.

As well as an official warning not to drive with the sliding door open - there is a tongue-in-cheek label on the dash reminding you not to lower the windows when going over 120 mph… if only!

Lining the roof and side walls throughout are what look like a lifetime’s collection of period beer mats and other drink-related memorabilia - which is very effective and complements the other, more classical, decoration. If you’re ever stuck for something to do on a rainy day at the campsite, you could spend a few hours looking at all the beverages represented and maybe make a tally of those you’ve tried over the years.

In the main part of the camper, the built in wooden furniture and structures look all original and the layout features an original Campmobil “rock and roll” seat that flattens into a bed. There is also a hammock present in the Westfalia pop-up roof and in the front cab.

The heating system is original and there is a combination of 12V lighting with a 220/240V circuit and UK-style sockets with USB options. A fire extinguisher is also present.

The stow away dining table and moveable stool give plenty of options for seating and eating - although you’ll mostly be cooking next door…

In the caravan, the interior feel is much the same - with red vinyl upholstery and wood panelled furniture. Plain red roller blinds rather than gingham curtains help to block out the light for better sleeping.

There is a full kitchen up front - including fridge, gas hob and sink (both with wooden covers), as well as lots of storage cupboard space underneath, alongside and and overhead throughout the van.

The main area of the caravan has two long bench seats and a half-length dining table - all of which transform into a very large bed - apparently big enough for three! Like the camper, the van has 12V lighting but is also wired for mains electricity and USB charging.

The combination of Ruby and Murray provides pretty much all that you need in terms of flexible camping accommodation either for a roomy two or a larger family.

The engine fitted to the camper isn’t the original but a rebuilt version of the slightly later 1641cc twin-port air-cooled flat-four motor, fed by an electronic fuel pump through a Weber 32/36 carburettor and capable of 50 bhp.

We understand that it was fitted to the camper along with a Freeway Flyer rebuilt gearbox just a few thousand miles ago and not only does it look immaculate, it reportedly starts first time and gets along very well. Stopping is no issue either, as the camper has disk brakes up front.

The undersides of the camper are clean and appear solid with no apparent corrosion - although a coating of underseal might be a good idea to keep things that way.

Underneath the caravan - there is surface rust on the frame and the laminated wooden floor boards have a tiny bit of peeling in places.

Ruby has a current UK MoT, valid until January 2024. Although in many countries the camper will be exempt from annual testing, it is always a good idea to have an independent view on its safety for the road on a regular basis.

In terms of paperwork, there is a sheaf of documentation covering ownership including parts invoices, garage bills and past MoT reports.

There is also an EU costumes Certificat 846A for the T2 and Eriba and a French FFVE Attestation for the T2 allowing both to be officially imported into Europe with all taxes paid.

VW campers are always popular with enthusiasts and collectors looking for a retro camping and outdoor experience - and few more so than the Westfalia versions.

With just a few bodywork issues to address, a unique period-feel interior and excellent mechanicals, Ruby the T2 has just about every need fulfilled and every buying guide box ticked. Anything she doesn’t have is provided by her running mate Murray the Eriba caravan - an equally stylish and authentic period camping vehicle.

This charming hitched-up Chianti Red couple are pretty much ready to go on their next outdoor adventure - or maybe they’ll be the start of an exciting new rental business or pop-up catering outlet for festivals.

Individually, both Ruby and Murray are eye-catching and present very well inside and out. Hitched up and together they are more than the sum of their parts - the combination is just fantastic.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with the vendor in Fayence, South-Eastern France. To arrange an appointment 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, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.