Volkswagen began subcontracting to the Westfalia-werke in Rheda-Wiedenbrück, or more typically Westfalia, to build the official Volkswagen Camper cars sold in the early 1950's through 2003. Many models and interesting options were available for these vehicles. Early Volkswagen Split Screen windshield Kombi models between 1950 and 1967 are highly sought after collector vehicles.
Beginning in the 1968 model year Volkswagen introduced the bay window replacing the split screen style. Production of Volkswagen camping cars continued well into 2003 and was based on the popular Volkswagen Kombi or "bus" as it is often referred to. Many other coachbuilders such as Dormobile, VW Riviera, and VW Sun-Dial also built camping cars based on the Volkswagen bus.
Models
Between 1951 and August 1958 approximately 1000 Camper Box conversions were made by Westfalia the official Volkswagen Camper conversion coachbuilder. In August 1958 the SO models were introduced. SO is short for "Sonderausführung", meaning Special Model.
Westfalia special models included the SO-23; the SO-34, SO-35, SO-33, SO-42, SO-44 and SO-45.
Volkswagen Campers were available from Volkswagen dealers throughout the world. Vehicles were also delivered via the Tourist Delivery Program where a new owner would pick up their new van in Germany and transport it back home, typically to the USA . Many Volkswagen campers were purchased by USA Servicemen and brought back to the USA in the 50's and 60's.
Standard Equipment
Various Foldout seat arrangements for sleeping
Birch plywood interior panels
Laminated cabinetry for storage
Ice box or cold-box
Sink (some models)
Water storage and pump
Electrical hookups
Curtains
Screened Jalousie Windows
Laminated folding table
Optional Equipment
The number of fun options are endless!
Attached "pop up" tops with tent
Attachable stand alone tent
Attachable side awnings
A portable chemical toilet
A camping stove
Various camping equipment
Child sleeping cot in driver cab
Identification
M-Codes are used to identify the vehicle factory options. Beginning in 1958 a metal plate was riveted to the back of the right front seat. The plate tells the date of manufacture and various options that were incorporated into the vehicle.
The information included the date of manufacture, the option codes, the export destination, model number and paint finish (typically a durable finish referred to as Nitro-Lacquer), the paint color codes and the VIN or serial number.