Find or Sell Used Cars, Trucks, and SUVs in USA

1973 Volkswagen Camper Bus- Riviera Style Pop Top- More Rare Than Westfalia on 2040-cars

Year:1973 Mileage:150000 Color: Orange
Location:

Worcester, Massachusetts, United States

Worcester, Massachusetts, United States
Transmission:Manual
Body Type:Bus
Engine:Type IV Pancake
Vehicle Title:Clear
Fuel Type:Gasoline
For Sale By:Private Seller
Year: 1973
Exterior Color: Orange
Make: Volkswagen
Number of Cylinders: 4
Model: Bus/Vanagon
Trim: Riviera Camper
Drive Type: 4 Speed Manual
Mileage: 150,000
Sub Model: Riviera Camper Bus
Warranty: Vehicle does NOT have an existing warranty
Condition: Used: A vehicle is considered used if it has been registered and issued a title. Used vehicles have had at least one previous owner. The condition of the exterior, interior and engine can vary depending on the vehicle's history. See the seller's listing for full details and description of any imperfections. ... 

1973 Volkswagen Camper- Riviera style 

Rust free!!
I have well over 100 additional pictures, please click here and view prior to bidding and asking questions: http://www.flickr.com//photos/92916647@N05/show/

Selling my 73 VW Riviera.  For those not familiar with the Riviera here is a link with the history behind the Riviera: http://rivieraregistry.com/history.php
Riviera camper conversions were done by a company out of Oregon, and for the most part were very similar to the Westfalia camper conversion.  The most significant improvement that Riviera had made over Westfalia is that they put on a pop top that lifts straight up in the air, as opposed to tilting up at an angle.  This provides for much more head room, a full size top bed (which is much more sturdy than the late Westfalia's), and the ability to store gear in the top bunk while camping.  I always preferred the Riviera due to the full pop top- it is much more convenient with the extra head room, and has a much cooler look to it.  The interior is almost identical to a Westfalia.  It has the fold out bed with the cabinet next to it and behind it, the ice box unit, jump seat, and fold out table. This particular Riviera also has a bench seat in front as opposed to a walk through- the bench seat is a great option as it provides an additional place to sleep, can sit additional people.  Best part about the bench seat though- it gives your special someone the option to slide over and sit close next to you on those long rides!

Now for the specifics...
I bought this Riviera about a year and a half ago from an older gentlemen whom had not used it in years, and had relocated to Canada.  It was not running or driving when I bought it, and my intention was to restore it, and use it to it's maximum potential.  I had a 1973 VW Westfalia that I sold about 5 years back, and when I seen this Riviera I had to jump on it.  I went through this past summer and replaced all of the brake lines, master cylinder, brake booster, etc.  Brakes are always the first thing I do on  any classic car I own- this is due to the fact that as soon as that engine fires I am going to jump in and start driving no matter what, for the safety of the car (and myself), I want the thing to stop on a dime on that maiden voyage! 

Next project was the engine.  Problem I ran into here was I bought a house, and my mobile house lost its attention.  I put on a new starter and got it cranking, but that is as far as I took it.  As you can see in the picture, the engine looks good with the exception of the ignition coil which looks to have blown and contributed to the Bus going into hibernation.  So, obviously the bus is not running.  It does turn over without a problem and crank strongly.  

The latest registration I have for it is from the late 80's- 1987 I believe.  So as far as I know it has not been used in quite some time.  However, it was not neglected in a field like most of these busses, as it is still very solid, and virtually RUST FREE.  The floors are extremely solid.  The dog legs are exceptional.  Rear corners are solid.  Engine hatch is solid.  Doors are solid.  Sliding door is solid.  Fenders are solid.  Was repainted at some point and shows very well.  There are one or two dime sized rust spots that want to start developing, which I have included pictures of as I want you to see everything I would want to see.  This is why I have decided to part with it, I want it to be used and respected before sitting in my driveway begins to take a toll on it.  If I had a garage I'd let it sit 10 years until I had time for it, as prices on these things are getting ridiculous and I know I won't be able to replace it.  But it is not right nor in my best interest to let it sit, and have one of the few remaining solid busses lose its touch.  The body is straight with no dents, although if you look at it from the right angle with the sun positioned right, it does have a little wavieness to it.  I was told this happens from prepping it for paint and sand blasting the original coating off.  I took pictures from the best angles I could to try and show this, although you can't really notice it in the pictures- like I said it can be tough to see it, but you can notice it if you were to come look in person.  The bottom of the bus is solid and predominately just has surface rust. The heater tube has been removed like most busses- not an issue as far as I'm concerned as these things weren't built to keep you warm while driving- electric heaters are cheap and often mounted under the dash.

The interior is all there, complete, and in fair condition.  The canvas top is in excellent condition as well as the screens. Top bunk is also in excellent condition. As you can see, the front seats def. need to be recovered.  OEM covers are cheap and easy to throw on.  The upholstery in the back is in decent shape. Few tears here and there, not too bad- if I were to keep I would recover it with the plaid covers.  Laminate floor is in good shape.  Laminate covering on the cabinets is very good, the stripping along the edges is lifting in spots.  Table has some chips on the laminate edges, and counter on the icebox could use new laminate (edging is ripped off).  Table on the ice box needs some attention- brackets are there, but the table wood has fallen apart so the screws came out- will need a new table- I was going to sand down and stain a nice piece of wood and put that on. The steering column was drilled into I presume to troubleshoot the locking steering wheel- thus it no longer locks. The key is now wired to an ignition that is in the dash- again it looks like they had some issues with the steering wheel locking mechanism and most likely the original ignition.  Ignition that is being used now in the dash is new.  Seals are getting older on the windows and could be replaced.  Door seals also need replacing, which is cheap and easy.  Headliner over the front seats is the original vinyl and has some tears.  I was going to remove and put a piece of polyurethaned luan wood up there rather than keep a fabric headliner.  Pop top functions perfectly and does not leak.  As far as electrical- I know some of the lights worked- I never really checked into anything as it was not a priority, but I know I did see the headlights turn on and dash lights come on.  I do not believe the wipers worked. 
 
Engine looks good and sounds good then you crank it, but like I said I have not had it running.  Tired are old and would need replacement to truly be road worthy, but they do hold air and I have towed it on them.  As you can see in the pictures, the spare tire blew and is now a decoration piece on the front of the bus. 
 
If you're looking for a solid 70's VW Camper, and are not afraid to put some mechanical time into it to get it driving, this Riviera is for you.  Riviera's are very rare compared to the Westfalia, and offer a much roomier cabin and sleeping arrangements.  These things have gone wild in price over the past few years and I am sure they will continue climbing.  Good time of year to buy a bit of a project as you still have a few months before the camping season. I cross my fingers that I will be able to afford replacing it when I have time down the road.
 
Bus is obviously sold in as is condition.  Will be sold with bill of sale and a previous registration.  Check your states title requirements- a bill of sale and prior registration is all you need to title a classic car in probably 48 of the 50 states.
If you do need a title, I can order one and transfer it to you, but you must first pay in full and agree to pay the sales tax I will incur when titling it- Massachusetts hammers you on sales tax, thus I don't want to take a hit for it- Uncle Sam gets enough from me.

I have tried my best to explain everything, the good and the bad, and tried to show everything possible in pictures.  As always, I would recommend you ask questions prior to bidding, and strongly encourage anyone to come see it in person.  I have shipped vehicles before and can assist with working with a shipper, although payment is the buyers responsibility. Payment is due in full within 7 days, and a deposit of $500 within 24 hours.  Again, please ask questions prior to bidding, I will do my best to answer them fully and accurately- if you would like to chat on the phone I will email you my phone number upon request, and also provide directions on where the bus can be seen.  Bidders with zero feedback please contact me prior to bidding.  Please do not bid if you do not intend to buy, everyone's time is limited and please respect that I don't want mine wasted.  If you intend to make the full payment using Pay-'Friend' (code name for Pal), buyer must include an additional 5% to cover fees associated with this service.  Otherwise, cash or wire payment is best, and cheapest.

Auto Services in Massachusetts

Worldwide Preowned ★★★★★

Used Car Dealers
Address: 185 Liberty St, Duxbury
Phone: (781) 335-0048

Vanderveer Motors ★★★★★

Auto Repair & Service
Address: 930 Washington St, Uphams-Corner
Phone: (781) 255-0797

Swanson Buick-GMC Truck ★★★★★

Auto Repair & Service, New Car Dealers, Used Car Dealers
Address: 12 Sudbury Rd, Ayer
Phone: (978) 897-3311

Superior Systems ★★★★★

Automobile Parts & Supplies, Automobile Alarms & Security Systems, Automobile Accessories
Address: 82 Margin St, Wenham
Phone: (978) 531-1515

Sully`s Auto Body ★★★★★

Automobile Body Repairing & Painting
Address: 16 Mansfield St, Swampscott
Phone: (978) 283-3829

Standard Auto Wrecking ★★★★★

Automobile Parts & Supplies, Used & Rebuilt Auto Parts, Automobile Salvage
Address: 257 Granite St, Sherborn
Phone: (508) 762-4341

Auto blog

Volkswagen looking to acquire Proton, Lotus?

Thu, 26 Jul 2012

Let's say you're an automaker bent on world domination looking to grow your sales. That's going to have you looking at Asian markets, because that's where some of the biggest growth has been, and that's exactly what Volkswagen is doing as it considers making another run at Malaysia's Proton.
Reuters reports that Volkswagen is interested in at least a partial stake, if not a controlling interest in Lotus-parent Proton as a way to continue a production presence in the region without having to build its own factory.
Volkswagen already builds the Passat in a DRB-HICOM facility in Pekan, Malaysia, and plans are in place to build the Jetta and Polo there, as well. With both southeast Asia and its relationship with Proton figuring so importantly in Volkswagen's plans for expansion, buying into Proton can help ensure stability. Volkswagen is being tight-lipped about the whole idea, but CEO Martin Winterkorn did recently say, "it's our clear goal to continue the successful (expansion) course of past years with great dynamics and stability," which sounds an awful lot like deals are on the table to smooth the path to further growth.

VW confirms new TDI for second half of 2014 in Golf, Jetta, Passat and Beetle

Tue, 18 Mar 2014

Diesel lovers rejoice. Volkswagen is bringing the latest iteration of its 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel engine - dubbed the EA288 - to the 2015 model year Golf, Jetta, Passat, Beetle (2013 model pictured above) and Beetle Convertible, and the cars will be on sale in the second half of 2014.
While it shares its moniker with the old diesel, the new engine produces 150 horsepower, a 10-hp boost, and 236 pound-feet of torque. VW promises improved fuel economy as well, but it hasn't announced specifically what amount yet. The company claims that despite the same displacement, only the bore spacing is shared with the previous version. The mill includes new features like exhaust gas recirculation, an intercooler integrated into the intake manifold and low-friction camshaft bearings.
VW Group of America has had great success with diesels in the US recently. Vee-Dub and Audi sold 105,899 diesel-equipped models in 2013. It was the first time the group ever sold over 100,000 diesels in a year, and they accounted for 24 percent of sales. Scroll down to read the full press release about the announcement.

VW confirms development of 10-speed dual clutch, 134-hp/liter diesel

Fri, 26 Apr 2013

Each year, the Vienna International Motor Symposium showcases some of the up-and-coming technologies automakers are engineering for the use in passenger cars, and Volkswagen AG CEO Martin Winterkorn revealed some big developments VW is working on for its future products. Winterkorn discussed a multi-faceted approach that VW is looking to reduce its fleet fuel consumption and exhaust emissions.
Some of the bigger news he discussed included a "high-performance" diesel engine that will produce 134 horsepower per liter and a 10-speed DSG automatic transmission. While no specific applications were mentioned, we can only hope this is for the Audi R4 we keep hearing about.
Another topic he touched on that caused us to perk up our ears was had to do with VW's plug-in hybrid technology. While we know the PHEV versions of the Audi A3 and Porsche Panamera are on the way, Winterkorn also said that these two models will be followed up by Golf, Passat, Audi A6 and Porsche Cayenne plug-in models. Scroll down for a press release highlighting the automaker's future fuel-saving initiatives.