Wheels: Westfalia returning to America

Volkswagen enthusiasts and van lifers know Westfalia, and most others recognize the vehicle if not the name. Westfalia is named for the region in northwestern Germany, Westphalia, where the company is headquartered. Westfalia has gone through some changes in its 180-year history and in its current form as Westfalia Mobile GmbH is responsible for their signature pop-top van campers.

According to their website, Westfalia camper conversions began in 1951, when they created the “Camping Box” specially designed for a British Special Forces officer stationed in Germany, who wanted to equip a VW Type II transporter as a mini home. The design had to be neat and efficient, suitable for sleeping, living and working. Double doors were installed on the side of the van and multi-purpose furniture was built in behind the front seats. No detail was spared including ruffled curtains that matched the checkered upholstery. A studio couch, folding table, seat bench, roll-front cabinet and sideboard completed the interior. The result was so successful the Camping Box went into production using the VW T2 bus as the platform.