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
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Various Foldout seat arrangements for sleeping
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Birch plywood interior panels
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Laminated cabinetry for storage
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Ice box or cold-box
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Sink (some models)
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Water storage and pump
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Electrical hookups
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Curtains
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Screened Jalousie Windows
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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.
M Code Plate
This plate is located typically behind the front right rear seat on .
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DD M Y DD=Day of Month M=Month (1-12) and Y Was the year between 1958 and 1964 (removed in 1965 and placed in first digit of serial number)
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XXX XXX XXX XXX M-Codes
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XX
Export-Codes
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XXX Y
Model-CodesPaint-Type
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XX YY ZZ
Lower-Color-Codes
Upper-Color-Codes
Upholstery-Codes
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AABCCCCCC
AA=21 for panel van or 23 for Kombi
B=Model Year after 1965
CCCCCC=Serial#
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Options
Many factory and aftermarket options exist for these campers. Numerous owners of these Camping Vans and many Volkswagen clubs manage websites detailing these vehicles and their accessories.
©Class Campers 2007