1959 Volkswagen Westfalia Camper
Add to SetSummary
Volkswagen introduced its "box on wheels," the VW Type 2 Bus, in 1949. A few years later, VW contracted with Westfalia and introduced converted campers. First exported to the US in 1956, Westfalia campers provided home-like camping comfort and created a post-war recreational vehicle lifestyle. This soon-to-be cultural icon transported Americans down highways and byways and into the great outdoors.
Volkswagen introduced its "box on wheels," the VW Type 2 Bus, in 1949. A few years later, VW contracted with Westfalia and introduced converted campers. First exported to the US in 1956, Westfalia campers provided home-like camping comfort and created a post-war recreational vehicle lifestyle. This soon-to-be cultural icon transported Americans down highways and byways and into the great outdoors.
Artifact
Camper (Vehicle)
Date Made
1959
Keywords
On Exhibit
at Henry Ford Museum in Driving America
Object ID
87.153.1
Credit
From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Material
Metal
Glass (Material)
Wood (Plant material)
Rubber (Material)
Color
Peach (Color)
White (Color)
Inscriptions
Hubs: VW Center front: VW peach-colored emblem
Specifications
Make & Model: 1959 Volkswagen Westfalia camper
Maker: Volkswagen GmbH, Wolfsburg, West Germany | Camping equipment by Westfalia-Werke, Wiedenbruck, West Germany
Engine: horizontally opposed 4, 73 cubic inches
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Height: 76.5 inches
Width: 69 inches
Wheelbase: 94.5 inches
Overall length: 166 inches
Weight: 2569 pounds
Horsepower: 36 at 3700 revolutions per minute
Pounds per horsepower: 71.4
Price: $2,737
Average 1959 wage: $4,965 per year
Time you'd work to buy this car: about 7-1/2 months
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