Westfalia is arguably the most iconic name in campervan history. As the original Volkswagen camper converter, Westfalia created the template that every van conversion manufacturer has followed since 1951. The pop-top roof, the rock-and-roll bed, the compact galley kitchen — these were all Westfalia innovations that became industry standards.

Today, under Rapido Group ownership, Westfalia produces a modern range of premium van conversions that honour the brand's heritage while embracing contemporary engineering. The current lineup is built primarily on Fiat Ducato platforms:

The Columbus — Westfalia's flagship compact van conversion, available from 5.4m to 6.8m. The Columbus 540 D packs remarkable accommodation into a short body, with an optional pop-top for four-berth capability.

The Amundsen — a versatile range spanning four models from 5.41m to 6.36m. The Amundsen is also available in an Offroad variant with enhanced suspension, all-terrain tyres and underbody protection for adventure-focused buyers.

The Kepler — a further option in the Westfalia van conversion lineup, offering different layout configurations to complement the Columbus and Amundsen.

What sets modern Westfalia apart is the combination of heritage credibility, premium German engineering and the backing of the Rapido Group's manufacturing resources. These are compact campervans built to a standard that justifies the premium over mass-market alternatives.

Westfalia's story in motorhome conversions began in 1951 when Westfalia-Werke in Rheda-Wiedenbrück, Germany, began converting Volkswagen buses into campervans. The company's origins stretch much further back — Westfalia was established in 1844 as a metalworking company — but it was the post-war partnership with Volkswagen that created an icon.

The partnership reportedly began when a British Forces officer stationed in Germany requested the conversion of a VW transporter into a mobile home. The resulting Camping Box became wildly popular, particularly with American servicemen who took them home to the US. Between 1951 and 1958, approximately 1,000 Camping Box conversions were produced.

Over the following decades, Westfalia became the official Volkswagen camper converter, producing iconic models on the VW Type 2, Vanagon and T4 platforms. The famous pop-top roof design became Westfalia's signature feature and inspired countless imitators worldwide.

Westfalia expanded beyond VW in 1976 with its first Mercedes-Benz motorhome, launching beloved models like the James Cook and Sven Hedin. The Sven Hedin was notably the first motorhome equipped with a shower, hot water and a pop-top elevated roof.

The company was later acquired by Daimler AG (Mercedes-Benz), which led to the end of the VW collaboration. Subsequently, Westfalia was acquired by the Rapido Group, the French motorhome giant. Under Rapido ownership, Westfalia has been revitalised with new models including the Columbus, Amundsen, Kepler and Jules Verne, manufactured in both Germany and France.

Inventing the campervan — Westfalia literally created the recreational van conversion as a concept. The 1951 Camping Box on a VW Type 2 was the first purpose-built campervan, and Westfalia was the official Volkswagen camper converter for over five decades. The brand's place in motorhoming history is unassailable.

The iconic pop-top roof — Westfalia's elevating roof design became the defining feature of the campervan genre and has been copied by every manufacturer since. The pop-top provides standing headroom when parked while maintaining a sleek, van-like profile for driving.

Compact, clever engineering — Westfalia has always excelled at maximising usable space within a standard van body. The layouts are meticulously designed to provide genuine living functionality — cooking, sleeping, washing — without wasting a single centimetre.

Heritage and cultural status — a classic Westfalia VW is one of the most recognisable and desired vehicles in the world. The brand carries an emotional resonance and cultural cachet that transcends the recreational vehicle market. Owning a Westfalia connects you to a story that spans seven decades of adventure.

Premium quality under Rapido Group — the modern Westfalia range benefits from Rapido's manufacturing expertise and quality standards. These are not nostalgia exercises — they're genuinely premium, thoroughly modern campervans that happen to carry one of the most storied names in motoring history.

If brand heritage matters — no other campervan manufacturer can match Westfalia's history. If you want to own a piece of motorhoming legend while still enjoying modern engineering, Westfalia uniquely satisfies both desires.

If you want a premium compact campervan — the Columbus and Amundsen ranges deliver premium fit, finish and engineering in a compact van format. For buyers who want more quality than mass-market van conversions but don't want a large coachbuilt motorhome, Westfalia occupies the perfect position.

If off-road capability appeals — the Amundsen Offroad variant offers genuine adventure capability with enhanced suspension and protection, while remaining practical for everyday use. It's a compelling package for buyers who want to explore beyond tarmac.

If resale value matters — the Westfalia name carries exceptional brand recognition and emotional appeal. Used Westfalia campervans — both classic and modern — consistently hold their value well, driven by strong demand and limited supply.

If you want Rapido Group backing — as part of one of Europe's largest motorhome groups, modern Westfalia benefits from strong dealer support, parts availability and ongoing manufacturer investment.

Premium pricing — Westfalia campervans carry a significant price premium over mass-market van conversions. You're paying partly for the brand heritage and partly for genuine premium quality, but the price difference over alternatives like the VW California is notable.

Limited UK dealer network — while the Rapido Group provides backing, Westfalia's UK dealer representation is limited compared to mainstream brands. Servicing and warranty work may require travel to specialist dealers.

Compact living space — as panel van conversions, even the largest Westfalia models offer less interior space than a coachbuilt motorhome. For extended touring or taller occupants, the compact dimensions can feel limiting compared to a low-profile or A-class.

Complex brand history can confuse — the transitions from VW partnership to Daimler to Rapido ownership mean the Westfalia name spans very different vehicles. A 1970s VW Westfalia and a 2024 Fiat Ducato Westfalia are entirely different products — ensure you understand which era you're buying from.

Classic models command enormous premiums — if your interest is in classic VW Westfalia campervans, be prepared for very high prices, complex restoration requirements and the challenges of maintaining vehicles that may be 30–60 years old.

Parts for older transitional-era models — Westfalia models from the Daimler-era transition period can be challenging for parts sourcing, as they fall between the classic VW support network and the modern Rapido Group infrastructure.

Identify the era and platform — Westfalia campervans span seven decades across VW, Mercedes-Benz and Fiat platforms. The inspection priorities vary dramatically depending on the specific vehicle. For modern Fiat Ducato-based models (Columbus, Amundsen, Kepler), standard Ducato checks apply. For classic VW models, specialist vintage vehicle inspection is required.

On modern Fiat-based models, check the base vehicle — verify cam belt replacement history, test clutch operation, check gearbox condition and look for oil leaks. Standard Ducato inspection applies.

Check the pop-top mechanism if fitted — operate the elevating roof multiple times, checking for smooth operation, complete sealing when closed and secure locking. Inspect the roof fabric/bellows for deterioration, UV damage or water permeability. Pop-top seal replacement can be expensive.

Conduct a thorough damp check — pay particular attention to around the pop-top perimeter (the most common ingress point on any elevating roof vehicle), window seals and any roof-mounted fittings.

On classic VW models, get specialist inspection — classic Westfalia VW campervans require specialist assessment. Check for structural rust (especially around jacking points, sills and wheel arches), engine condition, pop-top mechanism and any restoration quality.

Verify provenance and specification — the Westfalia brand's prestige means that non-Westfalia conversions are sometimes misrepresented. Verify the vehicle's identity with the Westfalia identification plate and chassis records.

Modern Westfalia models benefit from Rapido Group manufacturer warranty. When buying used, verify the warranty status and ensure all required servicing has been completed. The Rapido backing provides reassurance of ongoing parts and support availability.

For classic VW Westfalia models, no manufacturer warranty exists. These vehicles should be treated as classic cars requiring specialist insurance, maintenance and a budget for ongoing restoration work.

An independent warranty backed by the RAC is recommended for modern used Westfalia purchases, providing coverage that's independent of the dealer network and protecting against both habitation and base vehicle mechanical failures.

OakTree Motorhomes offer up to three years of RAC-backed warranty, providing peace of mind on a premium campervan where repair costs reflect the brand's premium positioning.

When buying a used Westfalia, look for a dealer that offers an independent warranty backed by a provider like the RAC. This means your warranty remains valid even if the dealer ceases trading. OakTree Motorhomes offer up to three years of RAC-backed warranty, covering the average ownership period.