Westy Alternative: 1975 Volkswagen Riviera Camper
When it comes to Volkswagen’s beloved Type 2 Bus, most people are familiar with the Westfalia camper vans, a conversion commissioned by VW itself. However, other coachbuilders made camper conversions for the Type 2, such as this 1975 Volkswagen Bus Riviera that is available here on eBay.
This camper van is available in Citrus Heights, California with a clean title. It has an interesting history behind it – Unlike the German-built Westfalia camper vans, the ASI/Riviera conversion took place in Beaverton, Oregon. Riviera Motors was a regional distributor for Volkswagen products at the time, and beginning in 1965, they collaborated with a Vancouver, Washington based company called Automotive Services Inc. to meet the growing demands for camper conversions.
The ASI/Riviera conversion utilizes a top that pops straight up, unlike the Westfalia’s, which pops up at an angle, allowing this conversion to have more headroom than its German counterpart. Unfortunately, parts are harder to come by for the ASI/Riviera campers, but the seller claims that all the conversion-related components are in good shape.
Inside the cabin, you’ll find an exterior that has some slight wear, but it is in overall impressive condition for its age. Things are very period correct, but the vinyl seating does not have any rips, and everything appears to be present.
Currently, the fuel-injected flat 4-cylinder engine has some idling issues, but it does fire up with a jump. In the seller’s state of California, this Volkswagen does not require a smog test, which is definitely a selling point for in-state buyers.
At the time of this article being written, bidding for this bus is at $5,922. Would you take this Riviera camping, or would you hold out for a Westy in similarly good shape?
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Comments
Hi all
Over here in the UK the market for VW has gone mental with people paying silly money for anything with a VW badge on the front of it
This van would probably sell for $20000
Madness I know
Way to many colors going on for me. Perhaps it’s a former circus wagen. But, I’m out.
😲I HAV👍A 73 VW WINDOW WARMED
OVER 140hp CORVAIR💰 😎
Does that setup work well?
A 1975 exempt from smog in Ca? I thought 74 was the cutoff. Can someone clarify?
Yes it works very well I have a 74 Riviera and I like the top going strait up it makes for more room on the top bed of course a westy is more desirable but for use I like the riviera
Riviera all day long they just look cooler and there’s way less of them.