Winnipeg Beach, Manitoba

Several people have asked whether I would be putting Bettie up for sale this spring—this after I purchased a newer (waterboxer) VW Westfalia last autumn. I hate to see this air-cooled butter-colored beauty go (after only three years), but I really don’t need two… so please consider this an official offer to sell. There, I said it.

Some stats: 1981 VW Vanagon L Westfalia Camper, 2.0 L four-cylinder engine, rear-wheel drive, manual four-speed, seating for five occupants including driver, sleeps 4 (two double beds)—German-engineered efficiency at its best. Fully camperized means a super-convenient pop-up top (takes less than 10 seconds), sink with onboard water tank and city water hookup, two-burner propane stove, three-way refrigerator (propane/110v AC/12v DC), loads of built-in storage, swing-out tables, swivel front seats, sliding windows with insect screens, full curtains, and a rooftop luggage rack. Extra niceties included: a trailer hitch, fire extinguisher, lockable strong-box (great for storing laptop and valuables while on a multi-day climb), an AC power inverter (for charging a computer, etc.), a decent sound system (radio, cassette and plug-in CD player), and comprehensive owner and service manuals.

Admittedly not a speed demon, Bettie cruises comfortably at 110 km/h on the open road (though she slows down on sustained uphill inclines). I’ve driven her out to the Rockies in each of the last three years (have I mentioned that a Westy makes for the world’s best climbing base-camp?), and with all gear and food staples neatly stored (literally, she’s a home on wheels), it’s simply a matter of adding some fresh food, a cooler of recreational beverages, and some casual clothes on a Friday after work—within half an hour you’re off for a weekend sortie. Though Bettie is pushing 30, she’s in great running condition, has low mileage (about 150,000 original kms), consumes in the area of 12 L/100 km of fuel, and is pure joy to own and drive.

If you’re interested, call me days at 1 204 943 3693 or evenings at 1 204 781 8132, or send me an e-mail through this site’s Contact form. Asking price: $7500 Canadian… I’m going to miss you, girl.

Status update as of 29 March 2010:

Bettie has been sold (to an old climbing friend, I’m happy to say)…

(previous posts about Bettie here and here)