1981 VW T3 / T25 Westfalia Joker - recent restoration

Step into vintage van life with this well-loved and highly sought-after 1981 Volkswagen T3 Westfalia Joker – the perfect blend of retro charm and practical adventure-ready features.

Key Details:

Model: VW T3 Westfalia Joker
Year: 1981
Engine: 2.0L CU air-cooled flat-four petrol engine – smooth running and well maintained
Gearbox: 4-speed manual transmission
Mileage: 68,000 km (due to age of vehicle this cannot be verified).
Drive: Rear-wheel drive

Factory Fitted Westfalia Joker Features:

Pop-top roof with sleeping space for two
Rear bench seat that folds into a double bed
Rotating front passenger seat
Integrated kitchen unit: 2-burner gas stove & Stainless steel sink
Ample storage with built-in cabinets and overhead lockers
Fold-away dining table & Cab table
Auxiliary leisure battery
Original Westfalia upholstery and curtains with blackout material
Hook-up for external power (hidden in engine bay – access via flap)

Ownership & History:
I’ve owned this lovely van since 2017 and have taken it on countless memorable camping adventures to France, Scotland, Devon, and Cornwall, as well as plenty of spontaneous weekend trips closer to home. She’s been incredibly reliable – the only time she’s broken down was when I ran out of fuel (my fault, not hers!). The van has always been serviced annually when on the road & dry stored under my ownership.

Restoration:
A full bodywork restoration and professional respray began in 2020 – a true slow-burner project thanks to the arrival of our first child, buying our first home, and then welcoming our second little one taking priority! The restoration included a complete strip-down of the interior, roof off and windows out, ensuring a thorough job from the inside out.
The interior was then professionally refitted with new sound deadening and insulation, making it noticeably quieter, warmer, and more comfortable for all-season camping. Internal door cards all re-upholstered & internal bare metal parts powder coated (pop top H bar, latch, table legs & kitchen fascia). The result is a clean, rust-free van with fresh paint and plenty of life left to give.
All panels purchased new from AH Schofields & I always buy parts from Brickwerks for quality. I have all the receipts with invoices. I can’t bring myself to add it all up but I know it is in excess of £18k.
New window and door seals across the whole van.
New heavy duty bumpers, both powder coated.
It benefits from a recently fitted new fuel tank and fuel lines too.

Registration Info:
When I bought the van it was on a Q plate (Q191 LEW), but in 2019 I successfully had it changed to an age-related registration plate after providing manufacturing evidence directly from VW to the DVLA – restoring its historical integrity. I have all the DVLA documents and an official VW Birth Certificate from Wolfsburg.

Extras & Upgrades:
I have tried to keep the camper as original as possible by using authentic upgrades after factory fitting –
• ISRI captain seats – I have the original fabric and new seat foam ready for re-upholstery. I bought some sheepskin covers just as a temporary but loved them so much I left it on. The seats do need some attention though under the covers.
• Original Westfalia bubble windows to rear
• Padded dash from later model T3’s
• New 3 window pop top canvas from Brickwerks
• Propex night heater connected to gas supply
• Bluetooth stereo headset, I had to keep the original speakers
• USB charging ports on dash & stereo
• ARB side awning

This camper is Road Tax and MOT exempt due to being classed as a classic

Currently has an agreed valuation via Classic Line Insurance for £17250.00 with an annual premium of around £250.

Overall, the camper is in excellent condition with all the bodywork horrors taken care of that all these great vans suffer from over time. There a few minor age related marks to some of the interior furniture & carpets but they are original and 44 years old so to be expected. There is a very small scratch & dent to the front wing (a tiny argument with a skip on my drive, not long after I finally finished it!).

I’m pretty gutted to be putting her up for sale and only doing so due to outgrowing with the family, sadly there is just not enough space for all the things that come with 2 young children for the sort of holidays we want to go on now. We are looking for a Hymer B544 (late 90’s/Early 00’s) so if you have one, let us know!

Viewings are fine by arrangement and recommended, happy to answer any questions & discuss anything further.