If you find this site useful and would like to make a donation to help towards the running and development costs please click on the button below.

 

 Thank You !

1978 VW Westfalia LT Sven Hedin Camper 

 

The Volkswagen Westfalia LT Sven Hedin Camper Model History

The first VW Westfalia Sven Hedin was shown at the 1977 motor show and in 1978 the VW Westfalia LT Sven Hedin model was available to purchase. At around the same time another more basic model called the VW Westfalia Captain was also introduced. The Westfalia Sven Hedin model generally used a specifically designed Westfalia high top (whereas the Captain and some early versions of Sven Hedin used the same high top as would be fitted to a standard Volkswagen LT van) and also the interior layout and specifications were different as can be seen below.

If you find the site useful please consider making a small donation to help pay towards the site running and development costs by clicking the Paypal button on the left (You don’t need a Paypal account to make a donation) ;-)

 

1) VW Westfalia LT Sven Hedin 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

Circa 1982 the petrol motor changed to the 2.4 litre, 6 cylinder 66 KW (90 PS) Otto motor version.

Circa 1986 it was also possible to get a 2.4 litre, 6 cylinder 75 KW (102 PS) Turbo Diesel version.

By 1984 it was possible to get either LT28 (total permissible weight 2800 kg) or LT31 (total permissible weight 3200 kg) versions for the base vehicle.

Then the additional cost of the furniture and fittings:

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

Westfalia Sven Hedin with PVC flooring and petrol heater (for petrol vehicle base) DM 22,211 Order Number 217 006 000 001

Westfalia Sven Hedin with PVC flooring and diesel heater (for diesel vehicle base) DM 22,211 Order Number 217 006 000 002

Westfalia Sven Hedin with carpet flooring and petrol heater (for petrol vehicle base) DM 22,211 Order Number 217 006 000 003

Westfalia Sven Hedin with carpet flooring and diesel heater (for diesel vehicle base) DM 22,211 Order Number 217 006 000 004

2) VW Westfalia LT Sven Hedin Camper Colour Options

The VW Westfalia LT Sven Hedin Camper was initially available in R1R1 Pastel White (L90D) (Pastellweiss)  (with white roof)

PastelWhite

1980WestfaliaSvenFacRoofWhi

WestfaliaSvenHedinWhite

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The 1978 Sven Hedin in the picture below looks like P4P4 Taiga Green (L63H) (Taigagrün) so I guess this colour was available initially as well as Pastel White.

TaigaGreenLarge

1978SvenHedinGreen

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In 1981 another colour option was added:

M2M2 Lime Green (LH6A) (Lianegrün)

However this colour option was not available for long and was not listed as a possibility in the 1984 price list.

WestfaliaLimeGreen

1982SvenHedinGreen

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In 1983 another colour option was added:

N1N1 Escorial Green (LT6A) (Escorialgrün)

EscorialGreen

1983SvenHedinEscorialGreen

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3) VW Westfalia LT Sven Hedin Camper Furniture Specification

WestfaliaSvenHedinOutline

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WestfaliaSvenHedinLayout

 

 

 

 

 

The VW Westfalia LT Sven Hedin Camper layout consisted of:

1) Westfalia comfort seats.

2) Relocatable seat bank.

3) Detachable table.

4) Fixed seat bank.

5) Wardrobe.

6) Shower Room.

7) Cooker

8) Sink / Fridge.

9) Sideboard Cupboard.

Note that some earlier versions had the Volkswagen factory hightop instead of the Westfalia hightop (can be seen in photo above).

 

VW Westfalia LT Sven Hedin Camper Interior Photos

The 1978 Volkswagen Westfalia LT Sven Hedin camper had furniture with a dark brown woodgrain shell with light brown woodgrain doors and openings.

EarlyWestfaliaSvenHedinInt3

EarlyWestfaliaSvenHedinInt2

EarlyWestfaliaSvenHedinInt1

1978SvenHedinInt1

1978SvenHedinInt2

1978SvenHedinInt3

1978SvenHedinInt4
1978SvenHedinInt5
1978SvenHedinInt6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Circa 1981 the colour of the furniture changed to a light beige leather look shell with dark brown leather look doors and openings.

1982WestfaliaSvenHedinInt4

1982WestfaliaSvenHedinInt3

1983WestfaliaSvenHedinInt3

1982WestfaliaSvenHedinInt2

1981SvenHedinInt1

1982WestfaliaSvenHedinInt1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At around the same time that the interior furniture colour changed it was also possible to get to different floor plans layouts that related to the kitchen at the rear of the van.

Version 1: Side arranged galley and separate door in the rear with the advantage of an additional accessible door for entry and exit at the rear.

SvenHedinKitchenV1

1987WestfaliaSvenHedinKitch

1986WestfaliaSvenHedinInt1

1987WestfaliaSvenHedinInt1

 

 

 

 

 

 

Version 2: Pantry installed transversely across the rear with the advantage of additional storage space, which is accessible from both inside and outside the vehicle.

SvenHedinKitchenV2

1983WestfaliaSvenHedinInt1

1983WestfaliaSvenHedinInt2

 

 

 

 

 

 

4) VW Westfalia LT Sven Hedin Camper Upholstery Specification

The 1978 VW Westfalia LT Sven Hedin camper had brown upholstery in the rear living area.

1978SvenHedinSeatMaterial

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The upholstery after 1981 in the VW Westfalia LT Sven Hedin camper was brown beige and was called Adagio. This was the same material that was used in the Westfalia T3 Club Joker.

1981WestfaliaSvenHedinUphol

1981SvenHedinSeatMaterial

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The curtains for the front rear and sliding door in the VW Westfalia LT Sven Hedin camper were dark brown.

WestfaliaSvenHedinCurtainMa

 

 

 

 

 

 

5) Volkswagen Westfalia LT Sven Hedin Camper High Top Roof Specification

The high top roof on the VW Westfalia LT Sven Hedin camper was an original Westfalia hightop constructed using strong glassfibre.

The interior has a standing height of 212 cm at the front and 186 cm at the rear.

In the front part is mounted above the cab a pull out double bed of 160 cm x 200 cm.

1983WestfaliaSvenHedinInt5

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On the rear lowered part of the roof there is a luggage rack which can be accessed using the ladder mounted on the left rear access door.

Three insulated lifting air vents each fitted with mosquito nets.

1978SvenHedinRoofRack

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6) VW Westfalia LT Sven Hedin Camper Flooring and Carpeting Specification

The flooring in the rear of the VW Westfalia LT Sven Hedin camper was either a brown beige PVC lino material or a carpet depending on original specification of vehicle.

SvenHedinVinylFloor

SvenHedinCarpetFloor

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7) Volkswagen Westfalia LT Sven Hedin Camper Door Trim Specification

Door trims -  made from brown vinyl.

1978SvenHedinDoorTrim

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8) Volkswagen Westfalia LT Sven Hedin Camper Standard Model Specification

Windows

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

Curtains and Roller Blinds

The living room has white roller blinds so that people cannot see in from outside.

The living area also has dark brown blinds inside to stop light entering when sleeping.

1984 Westfalia Sven Hedin Window Blinds

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the front cab area, rear tailgate and the sliding door there are dark brown curtains.

Living / Bedroom Area

At the center of the vehicle is the spacious living / sleeping room with 2 large padded seats.

The front bench, 1.30 m wide, can be folded using the 2 handles due to the original Westfalia fittings allowing - you sit either in the living position or in the direction of travel position.

1978SvenHedinSeats1

1978SvenHedinSeats2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rear seat benches are both equipped with safety lap belts for 2 persons.

To sleep the seat can be folded by simply tilting the backrest of the back cushion to make a double bed of 195 cm length and 130 / 115 cm wide.

1983SvenHedinBed

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

A table 110 x 56 cm, which is attached to the left side wall, completes the group.

The table seems to have been beige with dark brown edging on earlier models and then some models have dark brown table with dark brown edging.

SvenHedinTable1

SvenHedinTable2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kitchen

At the rear is the kitchen combination with two flame gas cooker, large sink with hot and cold water mixer tap,  cutlery draw, fridge and large supply cupboard. Above the kitchen combination is a large storage locker with shelf. Sink and cooker specification varied depending on year and the layout specified.

SvenHedinStove1

SvenHedinStove4

SvenHedinStove2

SvenHedinStove5

SvenHedinStove3

1978SvenHedinSink

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fridge

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

1978SvenHedinFridge

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Storage Room

The vehicle is equipped with plenty of storage space. In addition in the kitchen there is a half-height tableware cupboard that can simultaneously serve as a countertop. In the rear part of the vehicle there is a wardrobe 35 cm wide. A linen closet, many overhead storage bins and the space under the seats give a you enough space for everything you need during a long journey. For the bedding there is additional space in the hightop roof in the area of the folded double bed.

Shower Room

The shower cell with wash basin is constructed from glass fibre plastic in one piece so is completely watertight. Equipment includes a hot and cold water mixer tap with integrated shower head, mirror, toilet cabinet, hand towel holder and a place for a portable toilet.

1982WestfaliaSvenHedinShowe

1983WestfaliaSvenHedinInt4

1987WestfaliaSvenHedinBathr

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Water Installation

The freshwater tank has a capacity of 70 litre. There is a central pump for running water and for hot water an automatically operating hot water boiler. Under the vehicle is a 70 litre waste water tank.

Gas Equipment

External underbody 10kg LPG tank with fuel level gauge.

Heating

Some earlier models were fitted with Truma E 2300 heater with thermostatic control.

Later models had 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.

A 12 v socket, 1 inverter for converting 12 volt DC voltage to 220 volt AC voltage for using an electric shaver and 6 lights for the living, kitchen and shower rooms complete the equipment.

Control Panel

Above the kitchen sideboard there is an operation and control unit including 2 safety cut outs for the 12 volt circuits, a diode display showing the charge level of the second battery, a level indicator for the fresh and waste water tanks, a control indicator showing when the fridge is operating on gas and the operation and control unit for the hot water unit.

1985SvenHedinDisplayPanel

 

 

 

 

 

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 paneling are coated with an imitation leather finish. 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 Sven Hedin can remain fully operational at temperatures down to -15 C.

Flooring

The flooring was either a durable PVC or hard-wearing carpet depending on the vehicle specification initially ordered.

Driver and Passenger Seats

Before 1981 the VW Westfalia LT Camper used the original Volkswagen cloth seats.

1978SvenHedinFrontSeats

1978SvenHedinFrontSeattMate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The upholstery for the front seats after 1981 in the VW Westfalia LT Sven Hedin camper was brown beige and was called Adagio (the same material as was used for the rear seats).

1985SvenHedinFrontSeatMater

1985SvenHedinFrontSeatMate1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From around mid 1985 there were some VW LT model updates. You can tell if a vehicle is the updated model as the front headlights changed from being round to square.

pre1985SvenHedinHeadlights02

post1985SvenHedinHeadlights02

 

 

 

 

Compulsory Additional Model Equipment

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 Sven Hedin 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

10) Accessories available at extra cost included:

There were many accessories available at extra cost for your Westfalia LT Sven Hedin 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 Sven Hedin Camper Side Stripes and Logos

VW Westfalia LT Sven Hedin Camper side stripes.

WestfaliaSvenHedinLogos

 

 

 

 

 

1980WestfaliaSvenHedinLogo

1980WestfaliaSvenHedinLogo1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12) Links to Volkswagen Westfalia LT Sven Hedin 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.

1978 VW Westfalia LT Sven Hedin Camper Sales Brochures Prospekt

1978 VW Westfalia LT Sven Hedin Camper Sales Brochure Prospekt Dutch (12 Pages Colour).

08_1978 VW Westfalia LT Sven Hedin Camper Sales Brochure Prospekt (8 Pages Colour).

1981 VW Westfalia LT Sven Hedin Camper Sales Brochure Prospekt (4 Pages Colour).

1981 VW Westfalia LT Sven Hedin Camper Sales Brochure Prospekt (6 Pages Colour).

1981 VW Westfalia LT Sven Hedin Camper Sales Brochure Prospekt in Italian language (6 Pages Colour).

Feb 1983 VW Westfalia LT Sven Hedin Camper Sales Brochure Prospekt (8 Pages Black and White).

Sept 1983 VW Westfalia Multimobile including LT Sven Hedin Camper Sales Brochure Prospekt(6 Pages Colour).

Nov 1983 VW Westfalia LT Sven Hedin Camper Sales Brochure Prospekt (6 Pages Colour).

September 1983 VW Westfalia Multimobile Show Brochure Prospekt including LT Sven Hedin (6 Pages Colour).

Feb 1984 VW Westfalia LT Sven Hedin Camper Sales Brochure Prospekt (6 Pages Colour).

1985 VW Westfalia LT Sven Hedin Camper Sales Brochure Prospekt (6 Pages Colour).

1987 VW Westfalia LT Sven Hedin Camper Sales Brochure Prospekt (10 Pages Colour).

 

1978 VW Westfalia LT Sven Hedin Camper Accessories Zubehör

1983 VW Westfalia Accessories Zubehör Brochure Including Sven Hedin (8 Pages Colour).

May 1986 VW Westfalia Mosaik / Accessories Zubehör Brochure Including Sven Hedin (Accessories start on page 19) (28 Pages Colour).

 

1978 VW Westfalia LT Sven Hedin Camper Price Lists Preiseliste

Jan 1979 VW Westfalia LT Sven Hedin Camper Price List Preisliste (6 Pages Black and White).

Nov 1979 VW Westfalia LT Sven Hedin Camper Price List Preisliste (6 Pages Black and White).

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).

Sept 1981 VW Westfalia LT Sven Hedin Camper Price List Preisliste(4 Pages Black and White).

Jan 1983 VW Westfalia LT Sven Hedin Camper Price List Preisliste (2 Pages Black and White).

July 1983 VW Westfalia LT Accessories including Sven Hedin Camper Price List Preisliste (4 Pages Black and White)

Oct 1983 VW Westfalia LT Sven Hedin Camper Price List Preisliste (2 Pages Black and White).

Mar 1984 VW Westfalia Accessories Price List includes Sven Hedin Preisliste (4 Pages Black and White).

April 1984 VW Westfalia LT Sven Hedin Camper Price List Preisliste (2 Pages Black and White).

Sept 1984 VW Westfalia LT Sven Hedin Camper Price List Preisliste (2 Pages Black and White).

Nov 1984 VW Westfalia LT Sven Hedin Camper Price List Preisliste (2 Pages Black and White).

Jan 1987 VW Westfalia LT Sven Hedin Camper Technical Data and Price List Preisliste (4 Pages Black and White).

August 1987 VW Westfalia LT Sven Hedin Camper Technical Data and Price List Preisliste (4 Pages Black and White).

Jan 1988 VW Westfalia Accessories Zubehör Price List Preisliste (includes Sven Hedin with brown interior) (4 Pages Black and White).

 

To get notifications when this site is updated subscribe to my VW Camper Blog or Follow Us on Facebook.

If you find the site useful please consider making a small donation to help pay towards the site running and development costs by clicking the Paypal button on the left (You don’t need a Paypal account to make a donation) ;-)

 

Please read the Disclaimer and Privacy Policy before using this site.

© Copyright 2010 -    All rights reserved