Graham Fletcher with his 1971 VW Bay Camper was the winner of the ClassicLine sponsored 2019 Gemini Events Pride of Ownership awards at the Father’s Classic Day Out show at Trentham Gardens. After the event, we caught up with Graham to find out more about his Bay Camper.
Graham’s passion for classic cars started with his very first car, a 1966 Mini, some 40+ years ago. Graham tells us that the Mini was great fun to drive but needed a lot of work, but it was this that ignited his mechanical interest.
Then about ten years ago, Graham purchased his 1971 VW Bay Camper. As a left-hand drive model, the Camper was imported from California by John Abbott Volkswagen. John did most of the restoration work before Graham bought the Camper which included full repaint of bare shell in original Volkswagen colour ‘Pastel White’, all new rubbers were used in the refit and the engine bay detailed. The original uncut padded dash was also refitted into the cab. The chassis and floors are in excellent ‘rust free’ condition too.
We love the personal touches that have been added to this VW. A ceramic coated EMPI exhaust, as well as polished aluminium EMPI sidestep. All sitting on JGE ‘GeeBees’ alloy wheels. There is even a rare MKI Gene Berg gear shifter!
The ’71 Camper is powered by the 1600cc twin carb engine with duel port unleaded heads with 4 rib VW 4 -gearbox. Graham tells us it cruises great a 55mph!
The interior is a fantastic example of a classic Westfalia with original fabrics and units as it came from the factory some 47 years ago. The wood panels and flooring are original Westfalia and are in great condition. Although there has been the addition of new curtains, foam padding and replacement vinyl but to the original spec and colour. The front seats are stuffed and retrimmed as original, new original style door panels have been fitted as well.
