We are very proud to offer this beautiful, fully restored, GTi powered 1986 VW T25 westfalia joker poptop campervan.
For those not already familiar with the T25 Westfalia, this is essentially the best and most sought-after VW T25 camper conversion. Westfalia was the official factory-licensed camper converter and their vehicles have a huge following due to the build quality and design brilliance. They benefit from many of the features you find in much more modern vans, but with more interior space than any other generation of VW camper, either before or after, due to the T25’s brick or box shape!
As you can see from the pictures and video, this particular example is presented in concourse exterior condition, having undergone a very expensive and extensive bodywork restoration. Under the hood, she has also undergone mechanical transformation; whilst inside, she has a brand new roof and all appliances have been serviced and checked to ensure she’s 100% ready to camp!
As a lady of 38 years age, Esmerelda will become MOT exempt and ULEZ compliant (dec 2026), as well as tax exempt (currently from 1 April 2027). VW T25 Westfalia values have risen steadily in the last decade, so she may even appreciate in your ownership!
Bodywork
Presented in beautiful and unique metallic green, “Esmerelda” is completely rust free; every last area of rust was cut out and replaced with fresh metal, before she was treated, primed and prepared for paint. The entire interior was removed, along with every window. We have many additional pictures of the restoration process for interested buyers to review.
She is rock solid and fully protected underneath, such that she should last another 40 years.
Powertrain
The van has also been upgraded mechanically with a professionally installed 2.0 8v Golf GTi engine, giving her a much more modern and reliable powerplant; these conversions transform these vans, making them much easier to live with in the modern world! She will now cruise happily at 70mph, steam up hills and delivery impressive fuel economy whilst also bringing a smile to the face during committed driving. The engine came from a 1996 Golf with 75k miles and had full going over during installation, with new cambelt, water pump and gaskets throughout.
Getting the most from this power, whilst keeping things original for ease of servicing and parts availability, the engine is mated to a 5-speed gearbox (3H code – the one with the best final drive ratio for economical motorway miles!).
A huge number of parts were replaced as part of the GTI conversion, including:
– Timing belt and water pump
– Brickwerks E100 safe fuel lines
– Elvis Summers wiring loom
– Clutch kit and spigot bearing
– Starter motor
– Fuel pump
– Spark plugs, HT leads
– Battery
– Breather pipes
– Air filter
– Sensors
– Custom exhaust
– All fluids
Interior
Interior-wise, Esmerelda benefits from all the usual Westfalia refinements which make these such comfortable and accomplished campers.
As part of the restoration, we removed the poptop roof, refreshed the fabric flocking which is always tired and often mildew stained, relined the ceiling in wheat coloured carpet and replaced the tired canvas with a brand new 3 window Brickwerks canvas.
We have also been through all the interior equipment to ensure that it works as it should.
Spec as follows:
– Pop-top roof with sleeping space for two (brand new Brickwerks 3 window canvas, plus the interior roof covering has been renewed, something you very rarely see!).
– Rear rock and roll bench seat that folds into a double bed
– Rotating front seats
– Underslung lpg gas tank which can fuel the fridge and cooker for weeks at a time (much cheaper to fill than gas bottles – and you can even run an external BBQ from it!).
– 3 way fridge that operates completely silently from gas, 240v electricity on hookup, and 12v when the engine runs.
– Integrated kitchen unit: 2-burner gas stove & Stainless steel sink with water pump
– Generous storage with built-in cabinets and overhead lockers
– Fold-away dining table
– Brand new Jenox Gold leisure battery (brand new)
– Modern 7 stage 240v battery charger
– Original Westfalia upholstery
– All round period check pattern lined curtains
– 240v electric hook-up for external power
– Sony CD player head unit
– Twin cigarette lighter sockets up front
Two points to note:
- As you’ll see from the pics, we’ve left the seats and units unmolested. Both the seat covers and units (in particular the kitchen block) do have some signs of wear – fabric and other spares are available if the new owner wants to refresh them in due course.
- The original Eberspacher diesel heater, whilst still present and complete, won’t function because the van was converted from diesel to petrol. It could potentially be recommissioned (but not by us). Alternatively, if you want a modern heater fitted, we can do so at a very reasonable rate.
Maintenance
The van will be sold with 1-year MOT and serviced with new oil, filters and spark plugs. It’s had many, many new parts, as detailed above. She drives beautifully, without any knocks, bangs or squeaks, creaking, smoking, pulling to one side, or any other ailment. The steering is smooth, the brakes work as they should, the gear change is unusually precise for a LHD T25! Everything feels spot on.
Disclaimers:
This is not our vehicle, we are selling it on behalf of the owner. It is therefore a private sale – no warranty is given or implied.
We expect it to offer very reliable and trouble-free motoring, however, potential buyers must appreciate that this remains a 38-year-old vehicle and we haven’t changed every last component. You should inspect the vehicle carefully or ask someone qualified to do so on your behalf. It is sold as seen and the representations given above are not for you to rely on in making a purchasing decision, they are there to help you assess whether it’s worth coming to have a look.
Further, to those who haven’t owned a classic camper before, we should state that classic vehicle ownership is not for everybody. Even with the upgrades, these vehicles need regular maintenance and to be “listened to” when they are driven. You will need to do things like check the oil, you’ll have to be confident enough to drive a left hand drive vehicle on UK roads, and have some basic maintenance skills and/or have a trusted garage to keep her reliable and maintained (we can help if you’re nearby!). This is all part of the ownership experience and adventure!!
Esmerelda is available for viewing in Streatham / Norbury, SW16.
You will need insurance to test-drive.
