The Volkswagen Westfalia LT Captain Camper Model History

Circa 1978 the VW Westfalia LT Captain model was introduced. At around the same time another better equipped model called the VW Westfalia Sven Hedin was also introduced. The Westfalia Captain model used the same high top as would be fitted to a standard Volkswagen LT van (whereas the Sven Hedin had a high top designed specifically for the camper version) and also the interior layout and specifications were different as can be seen below.

1) VW Westfalia LT Captain Camper engine options and approx price (exclusive tax when new in standard form):

From 12/1981  price list. Prices are in German Deutschmark:

First you had to pay for the base vehicle:

Volkswagen LT 28 Hightop Bus, Petrol Motor with 2.0 litre, 55 KW (75 PS) 5 Speed Gearbox, load weight 2800 kg, wheelbase 2500 mm 24,522 + 478 (for 5 speed box) DM

Volkswagen LT 28 Hightop Bus, Diesel Motor with 2.4 litre, 55 KW (75 PS) 5 Speed Gearbox, load weight 2800 kg, wheelbase 2500 mm 26,204 + 478 (for 5 speed box) DM

Then the additional cost of the furniture and fittings:

From 10/1980  price list. Prices are in German Deutschmark:

Captain with PVC flooring and petrol heater (for petrol vehicle base) DM 16,691 Order Number 217 005 000 001

Captain with PVC flooring and diesel heater (for diesel vehicle base) DM 16,691 Order Number 217 005 000 002

2) VW Westfalia LT Captain Camper Colour Options

The VW Westfalia LT Captain Camper was initially available in 1 colour.

R1R1 Pastel White (L90D) (Pastellweiss)  (with white roof)

In 1981 another colour option was added:

M2M2 Lime Green (LH6A) (Lianegrün)

3) VW Westfalia LT Captain Camper Furniture Specification

The VW Westfalia LT Captain Camper layout consisted of:

The seating arrangement can accommodate 5 people.

Continuous rear bench seat and two individual seats behind the driver's cab.

There is sufficient storage space for linens, towels, sweaters, and shirts in a convenient arrangement.

Folding table.

Shower room with sink and shower head

VW Westfalia LT Captain Camper Interior Photos

The 1980 Volkswagen Westfalia LT Captain camper had furniture with a dark green shell with light green doors and openings (look beige in photos but brochure says light green?).

4) VW Westfalia LT Captain Camper Upholstery Specification

The upholstery in the VW Westfalia LT Captain camper was beige with green decoration.

The curtains in the VW Westfalia LT Captain camper were dark green.

5) Volkswagen Westfalia LT Captain Camper High Top Roof Specification

The high top roof on the VW Westfalia LT Captain camper was the same high top roof as the one used on the standard VW High room panel van.

The inside height of the vehicle was 183 cm.

Two insulated lifting air vents each fitted with mosquito nets.

6) VW Westfalia LT Captain Camper Flooring and Carpeting Specification

The flooring in the rear of the VW Westfalia LT Captain camper was a brown beige PVC lino material.

7) Volkswagen Westfalia LT Captain Camper Door Trim Specification

Door trims -  brown vinyl.

8) Volkswagen Westfalia LT Captain Camper Standard Model Specification

Windows

Tinted, heat insulating and double glazed plexi glass windows in rear living area. One opening window.

Curtains

Curtains all round for the living and cab area.

Living / Bedroom Area

The spacious living / bedroom is equipped with a longitudinal bench 190 cm wide on the left hand side behind the driver's seat. On the right side i.e. right and left of the sliding doors there are two single seats equipped with lap belts.

The table is in the middle of the aisle and bolted to the longitudinal bench by a swivel bracket. The table is 72 cm x 63 cm and the surface is made of beige Getalit laminate.

For sleeping the table top is removed and placed on the flaps between the two individual seats. The longitudinal bench is equipped with original Westfalia snap fittings and by simply lifting the seat the bed is formed. The backs of the single seats are lay next to the table and the whole area becomes a double bed of 190 cm x 184 cm.

Another child bed of 160 cm x 100 cm can be installed in the cab (optional).

Kitchen

At the rear right is the kitchen combination with two flame gas cooker, large sink, a cutlery draw, fridge and large supply cupboard. In photo small cupboard is equipped for gas bottle but not sure if the gas fittings have been added at a later date as brochure states this model had underfloor LPG tank as standard?

Fridge

45 litre fridge working from 12v, 220v and gas.

Storage Room

Storage space is plentiful in the vehicle.

Above the kitchen there are two cupboards suitable for crockery etc. Rear left there is a large wardrobe, 30 cm wide x 180 cm high. A linen closet, many overhead storage bins and storage under the seats offering plenty of space for clothes, shoes, sporting goods, grocery stores etc. For the bedding there is a large storage area in the high top roof above the drivers cab.

Wash Room

The large wash room has a wash basin, a water tap, mirror, toilet cabinet, shelves, hand towel holder, transistor light and a place for a portable toilet.

Water Installation

For the washroom and kitchen a 13 litre water canister with electric pump is installed.

Gas Equipment

External underbody 10kg LPG tank with fuel level gauge.

Heating

Thermostatically controlled Eberpacher night heater using either diesel or petrol depending on engine specified

Electrical

220 Volt external hook up with two internal outlet sockets and safety trip cut out.

12 Volt circuit with 80 Amp leisure battery with split charge relay and automatic battery charger to power transistor lights, the water pump and the heater fan.

Interior Installation

The side walls of the living room and the roof are insulated with 40 mm thick non-flammable mineral wool.. The insulation is strongly glued to the body. The roof and side wall panelling are plastic coated. Under the floor there is a 10 mm thick Bitumen insulating board. In conjunction with the optional padded and quilted curtains and with the heating switched on the Captain can remain fully operational at temperatures down to -15 C.

Flooring

The flooring is a durable PVC in a colour that matches the furniture.

Driver and Passenger Seats

The original Volkswagen seats with upholstery in velour material.

Compulsory Additional Model Equipment (included in the base price)

S704 VW Factory Preparation

M378 Rear axle ratio 40:9

M206 Dimming interior mirror

M280 Steering lock pins

M343 Spare wheel outside (under the cargo floor front left)

M345 2 convex outside mirrors with large view field (on metal arms)

M619 65 amp alternator

M622 12 volt socket on instrument panel

M916 Suspension comfort package

9) Options available at extra cost included:

There were many options available at extra cost for your Westfalia LT Captain Camper. Below is a list of some of them taken from 10/80 price list. Prices include tax and are in German Deutschmark:

M025 Clock and speedometer with resettable mileage trip.

M032 Lockable fuel cap.

M050 Dual circuit and hand brake warning light.

M054 Lockable glove box lid.

M074 Rear mudflaps.

M089 Windscreen in laminated safety glass.

M162 Rubber profile strip in front and rear bumpers.

M184 Three point automatic (inertia reel) safety belts for driver and passenger.

M208 Towbar with ball type hitch.

M227 Detachable head rests for driver and passenger seats.

M288 Headlight washers

M305, M310 Additional sound proofing for petrol engine model.

M305, M310, M596 Additional sound proofing for diesel engine model.

M551 Halogen Headlights.

M561 Quarter light windows in front cab.

M571 Rear Fog Light.

M596 Water trap for diesel engine.

M597 63 Amp Battery.

M616 Reversing Light.

M640 Long term underbody treatment (bitumen based)

M643 Storage pocket on drivers door.

M656 Height adjustable drivers seat.

M659 Halogen Fog lights.

R01 Radio Salzgitter UKW.

R02 Radio Braunschweig MW, UKW.

R03 Radio Emden MW, UKW, Push button stations.

Front Spoiler. Order number - ”on request”.

Curtain between drivers cab and living area. Order number 217 001 200 020. Cost 214 DM

Additional insulated and quilted drivers cab curtain. Order number 217 003 280 001. Cost 231 DM

Childs bed in drivers cab. Order number 217 007 237 001 001. Cost 152 DM

Waste water tank, 70 litre, under the rear end. Order number 217 002 209 010. Cost 397 DM

10) Accessories available at extra cost included:

There were many accessories available at extra cost for your Westfalia LT Captain Camper. Below is a list of some of them taken from 10/80 price list. Prices include tax and are in German Deutschmark

Awning. 2.5 m x 1.9 m, complete with supports. Order Number 216 006 433 010. Cost 109 DM

Awning. Order Number 216 008 433 010. Cost 500 DM

Cable roll with 40 m cable and connection cable. - Order number - ”on request”.

12 Volt magnetic light. Order number 216 014 345 001. Cost 34 DM

Fire extinguisher 2 kg. Order number - ”on request”.

Tent. Order number 216 008 433 001. Cost 1,458 DM

4 Loudspeakers with balance control. Order number - ”on request”.

Additional water canister. Order number 000 000 504 489. Cost 19 DM

Pair of roof bars for sports equipment. Order number - ”on request”.

Surfboard attachment for 1 surfboard. Order number - ”on request”.

Ski attachment for 2 pair ski’s. Order number - ”on request”.

Kayak attachment for 1 kayak. Order number - ”on request”.

Attachment for 2 cycles. Order number - ”on request”.

11) VW Westfalia LT Captain Camper Side Stripes and Logos

VW Westfalia LT Captain Camper side stripes and driver and passenger door decals

12) Links to Volkswagen Westfalia LT Captain Camper Sales Brochures (Prospekt) and Price Lists (Preiseliste)

Please note that some of the links take you to an external site called vwpix.org, which is an excellent source of sales literature for all versions of VW camper van. Most of the brochures are in German language as this was the main market.

1980 VW Westfalia LT  Captain Camper Sales Brochures Prospekt

Sept 1979 VW Westfalia LT Captain Camper Sales Brochure / Pricelist Prospekt (4 Pages Black and White).

March 1980 VW Westfalia LT Captain Camper Sales Brochure Prospekt (4 Pages Black and White).

1980 VW Westfalia LT Captain Camper Accessories Zubehör

None yet!

1980 VW Westfalia LT Captain Camper Price Lists Preisliste

October 1980 VW Westfalia LT Captain / Sven Hedin Camper Price List Preisliste (6 Pages Black and White).

Jan 1981 VW Westfalia LT Captain / Sven Hedin Camper Price List Preisliste (6 Pages Black and White).

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