Volkswagen Aircooled Westfalia Joker T25 / T3 Camper (And Watercooled Diesel)

The first 1979 T25 / T3 models were available with either 1.6 or 2.0 litre aircooled engines. The engine was still mounted in the rear as it had been on the bay window T2 model that the T25 / T3 replaced. The 1.6 was available with only a manual gearbox whereas the 2.0 litre was available with both manual and automatic gearboxes. In 1981 a 1.6 diesel engined bus (water cooled) was added to the range.

You can normally tell if a VW T25 / T3 is one of the earlier aircooled versions by looking at the front. The air cooled versions have only a single headlight grill. The water cooled versions have an extra front grill below the headlight grill. As although still rear engined the radiator is located at the front. The extra front grill was required to allow air flow to cool the radiator.

The first Volkswagen Westfalia T25 / T3 Camper Vans were named the Westfalia Joker.

1) Early VW Westfalia Joker engine options and approx price (inclusive tax when new in standard form):

Prices are from 09/79 price list. Prices are in German Deutschmark:

VW Westfalia Joker Pop Top (Joker 1 and Joker 2)

Price For Volkswagen Transporter

Petrol  Aircooled  1.6 Litre CT (1584cc) 37 Kw 50PS 4 speed manual gearbox 17,656 DM

Petrol  Aircooled  2.0 Litre CU (1970cc) 51 Kw 70PS 4 speed manual gearbox 18,781 DM

Petrol  Aircooled  2.0 Litre CU (1970cc) 51 Kw 70PS automatic gearbox 20,324 DM

From 01/1981 a Diesel Version was added to the range:

Diesel 1.6 Litre CS (1584cc) 37 Kw 50PS Price for Transporter 17,219 DM (from 01/81 price list).

Then add the additional cost for Westfalia equipment depending on the configuration chosen (see diagrams lower down for clarification of the layouts)

VW Westfalia Joker 1 with underfloor gastank - 8685 DM

VW Westfalia Joker 1 with gas bottle holder - 8398 DM

VW Westfalia Joker 2 with small cupboard in rear and underfloor gastank - 8685 DM

VW Westfalia Joker 2 with small cupboard in rear and gas bottle holder - 8398 DM

VW Westfalia Joker 2 with small cupboard in front and underfloor gastank - 8845 DM

VW Westfalia Joker 2 with small cupboard in front and gas bottle holder - 8558 DM

VW Westfalia Joker 7 - 5446 DM

In 1981 a diesel version was released with same Joker interior options (Price for Joker specifications would have been similar to those above allowing for the fact that prices would have increased between 1979 and 1981).

2) Early Aircooled Volkswagen Westfalia Joker Colour Options

The early VW Westfalia Joker was initially available in 5 colours:

B5B5 Bamboo Yellow (LH1B) (Bambusgelb)

B9B9 Ivory Beige (L567) (Elfinbein)

J5J5 Medium Blue (LH5G) (Mediumblau)

M2M2 Lime Green (LH6A) (Lianegrün)

T6T6 Assuan Brown (LH8B) (Assuanbraun)

In late 1981 there was a model update whereby the colour of the furniture was changed to beige with a dark brown edging. The upholstery material was changed to either blue/brown stripes or green/brown stripes depending on the external colour specified. It would seem that the bamboo yellow option was dropped and 2 new colours where added to the range.

The colours available and interior options after this 1981 change were:

B9B9 Ivory Beige (L567) (Elfinbein) as above - Available with interior upholstery van Dyck Green/Brown (KW) or van Dyck Blue/Brown (KD)

J5J5 Medium Blue (LH5G) as above - Available with interior upholstery van Dyck Blue/Brown (KD)

M2M2 Lime Green  (LH6A) (Lianegrün) as above - Available with interior upholstery van Dyck Green/Brown (KW)

T6T6 Assuan Brown (LH8B) as above -Available with interior upholstery van Dyck Green/Brown (KW) or van Dyck Blue/Brown (KD)

and new colours:

R1R1 Pastel White (L90D) (Pastellweiss) see below -Available with interior upholstery van Dyck Green/Brown (KW) or van Dyck Blue/Brown (KD)

T1T1 Agate Brown (L86Z) (Achatbraun) see below -Available with interior upholstery van Dyck Green/Brown (KW) or van Dyck Blue/Brown (KD)

3) Early Volkswagen Westfalia Joker Furniture Specification

Initially the VW T25 / T3 Westfalia Joker Camper was available in two different interior layouts known as Joker 1 and Joker 2. (Joker 2 was also available in two different configurations!)

Volkswagen Westfalia Joker 1 Pop Top

The VW Westfalia Joker 1 layout consisted of:

1) Kitchen Block 87 cm wide x 45 cm with 2 flame gas cooker, sink, electric pump for tap, draining board and cover plate.

2) Cupboard unit with integrated freshwater tank.

3) Wardrobe and storage unit over the engine bay.

4) Roof locker below roof bed.

5) Cushion 120 cm wide over the engine bay.

6) 3/4 width rock n roll bed for 2 persons (bed is 188 cm x 120 cm when folded out) with bedding storage area under seat.

7) Rear table on swinging arm (80 cm x 40 cm) with off white surface finish and dark brown edging trim.

8) Front table on swinging arm (60 cm x 40 cm) with off white surface finish and dark brown edging trim.

Volkswagen Westfalia Joker 1 (Pop Top) Interior Photos

From introduction in 1979 to late 1981 interior consisted of brown woodgrain furniture and brown upholstery with multi  coloured rectangles.

VW Westfalia Joker 1 (Pop Top) with “Van Dyke EN” (dark brown with multi coloured cubes) upholstery

VW Westfalia Joker 1 (Pop Top) with “Gazelle EP” (light brown with multi coloured cubes) upholstery

For 1982 a new version was introduced with beige furniture and upholstery with either brown and blue or brown and green stripes.

VW Westfalia Joker 1 (Pop Top) with “Van Dyck KD” (beige base with brown and blue stripes) upholstery

VW Westfalia Joker 1 (Pop Top) with “Van Dyck KW” (beige base with brown and green stripes) upholstery

Volkswagen Westfalia Joker 2 (Pop Top)

The VW Westfalia Joker 2 (Pop Top) layout could be ordered in two configurations !

A) VW Westfalia Joker 2 (Pop Top) with rear wardrobe over engine bay:

10) Kitchen Block 71 cm wide x 50 cm deep with 2 flame gas cooker, sink, electric pump for tap, draining board and cover plate.

11) Upholstered seat cushion.

12) Small wardrobe over engine bay with open storage at the rear.

13) Roof locker below roof bed.

14) Cushion 120 cm wide over the engine bay.

15) Full width rock n roll bed (bed is 188 cm x 160 cm at the front and 188 cm x 120 cm at rear when folded out) with bedding storage area under seat.

16) Rear table on swinging arm (80 cm x 40 cm)

17) Front table on swinging arm (60 cm x 40 cm)

VW Westfalia Joker 2 (Pop Top) with  Rear Wardrobe Over Engine Bay Interior Photos

From introduction in 1979 to late 1981 interior consisted of brown woodgrain furniture and brown upholstery with coloured rectangles.

VW Westfalia Joker 2 (with rear wardrobe) with “Van Dyke EN” (dark brown with multi coloured cubes) upholstery

VW Westfalia Joker 2 (with rear wardrobe) with “Gazelle EP” (light brown with multi coloured cubes) upholstery

For 1982 a new version was introduced with beige furniture and upholstery with either brown and blue or brown and green stripes.

VW Westfalia Joker 2 (with rear wardrobe) with “Van Dyck KD” (beige base with brown and blue stripes) upholstery

VW Westfalia Joker 2 (with rear wardrobe) with “Van Dyck KW” (beige base with brown and green stripes) upholstery

B) VW Westfalia Joker 2 with small front wardrobe (and fold down rear facing seat) behind the passenger seat:

18) Small wardrobe with fold out seat installed behind the passenger seat.

19) Cushion 160 cm meaning full width rock n roll bed 188 cm x 160 cm (with no rear wardrobe this configuration gives the biggest possible bed).

Note also full width roof locker.

From introduction in 1979 to late 1981 interior consisted of brown woodgrain furniture and brown upholstery with coloured rectangles.

VW Westfalia Joker 2 (with front wardrobe) with “Van Dyke EN” (dark brown with multi coloured cubes) upholstery

VW Westfalia Joker 2 (with front wardrobe) with “Gazelle EP” (light brown with multi coloured cubes) upholstery

For 1982 a new version was introduced with beige furniture and upholstery with either brown and blue or brown and green stripes.

VW Westfalia Joker 2 (with front wardrobe) with “Van Dyck KD” (beige base with brown and blue stripes) upholstery

VW Westfalia Joker 2 (with front wardrobe) with “Van Dyck KW” (beige base with brown and green stripes) upholstery

In late 1980 some further variants where added to the range.

Volkswagen Westfalia Joker 3 (High Top)

Having the same layout as the VW Westfalia Joker 1 poptop but now with a hightop option.

VW Westfalia Joker 3 with “Van Dyke EN” (dark brown with multi coloured cubes) upholstery

VW Westfalia Joker 3 “Gazelle EP” (light brown with multi coloured cubes) upholstery

VW Westfalia Joker 3 with “Van Dyck KD” (beige base with brown and blue stripes) upholstery

VW Westfalia Joker 3 with “Van Dyck KW” (beige base with brown and green stripes) upholstery

Volkswagen Westfalia Joker 4

Having the same layout as the VW Westfalia Joker 2 poptop but now with a hightop option

VW Westfalia Joker 4 with “Van Dyke EN” (dark brown with multi coloured cubes) upholstery

Note in above photos original upholstery has been covered over but they do show roof layout.

If you have photos of Joker 4 hightop with original Van Dyke EN upholstery please send them to me.

VW Westfalia Joker 4 “Gazelle EP” (light brown with multi coloured cubes) upholstery

VW Westfalia Joker 4 with “Van Dyck KD” (beige base with brown and blue stripes) upholstery

VW Westfalia Joker 4 with “Van Dyck KW” (beige base with brown and green stripes) upholstery

Volkswagen Westfalia Joker 5

Having the same layout as the VW Westfalia Joker 1 pop top but now with a pop top with raised back option.

Volkswagen Westfalia Joker 6

Having the same layout as the VW Westfalia Joker 2 pop top but now with a pop top with raised back option.

All had interiors consisting of dark brown woodgrain units with a dark brown edging.

Volkswagen Westfalia Joker 7

Based on the VW Westfalia Joker 1 (poptop) but without gas fittings, gas cooker, fridge, air heating, battery charger, leisure battery.

4) Early Volkswagen Westfalia Joker Upholstery Specification

From introduction in 1979 to late 1981 there were 2 options available for the seating material called “Van Dyke EN” (dark brown with multi coloured cubes) and “Gazelle EP” (lighter brown with multi coloured cubes).

These materials are not as hard wearing as those used in later Westfalias and consequently when buying an older Joker it is worth taking an extra look in areas of high use such as the drivers seat and the rear seat edge. If the seats are worn it is difficult to get replacement material of the same design.

For 1982 when the beige furniture was introduced the upholstery was also changed  to either “van Dyck KD” (brown and blue stripes) or “van Dyck KW” (brown and green stripes).

This material seems to be harder wearing than the earlier options (see above) but can still show signs of wear on seat edges etc.

From introduction in 1979 to late 1981 if “van Dyke EN” (dark brown with multi coloured cubes) was specified the curtains, rear armrest and carpets were dark brown.

If “Gazelle EP” (lighter brown with multi coloured cubes) was specified the curtains, rear armrest and carpets were light brown.

For 1982 when the beige furniture was introduced if “van Dyck KD” (brown and blue stripes) upholstery was specified the curtains and rear armrest were made from material with blue and  brown dots.

If “van Dyck KW” (brown and green stripes) upholstery was specified the curtains and rear armrest were made from material  with green and  brown dots.

The double bed in the roof on pop tops and high tops was light brown for all early Jokers.

The roof canvas on pop tops was light brown for all early Jokers.

5) Volkswagen Westfalia Joker Roof Specification

VW Westfalia Joker 1 Pop Top Roof Version:

Luggage rack over the drivers cab.

Inner lining of roof was a soft flock material.

Canvas had a large opening aperture at the front with a zippable mosquito net.

Double bed in pop top roof 185 cm x 122 cm.

VW Westfalia Joker 3 High Top Roof Version:

White coloured fibre glass roof.

with large plastic double glazed panorama window at the front.

Insulated with 25 mm insulation.

Front cupboard locker over drivers cabin.

One 40 cm x 40 cm  lifting air vent with mosquito net.

2 x 12 volt lights inside roof.

Double bed in hightop roof 194 cm x 116 cm.

The double bed in roof on pop tops and high tops was light brown for all pre 1986 Westfalia Jokers.

The roof canvas on pop tops was light brown for all  pre 1986 Westfalia Jokers.

6) Early Volkswagen Westfalia Joker Rear Flooring

The rear flooring was a multicoloured lino and there was an option for a removable square brown carpet with a non slip rubber backing.

7) Early Volkswagen Westfalia Joker Door Trim Specification

From introduction in 1979 to late 1981 if “van Dyke EN” (dark brown with multi coloured cubes) was specified the door trims, headrests and seat vinyl were dark brown.

If “Gazelle EP” (lighter brown with multi coloured cubes) was specified the the door trims, headrests and seat vinyl were light brown.

For 1982 when the beige furniture was introduced if “van Dyck KD” (brown and blue stripes) upholstery or Van Dyck KW” (brown and green stripes) upholstery was specified the door trims , headrests and seat vinyl were dark brown.

8) Early Volkswagen Westfalia Joker Standard Model Specification

Lined panels on interior side walls and carpeting throughout.

Insulation in side walls, roof and floor.

Curtains all round.

One transistor 12 volt light.

220 volt External Hook Up with internal outlet socket.

Choice of either external underbody 10 kg LPG tank or a polyester fastening for a 5 Kg Propane gas tank in the internal cupboard.

55 Litre Freshwater tank with electric pump and lockable cap.

Pop top roof with double bed and luggage rack over the drivers cab, inner lining of roof was a soft flock material.

45 litre fridge working from 12v, 220v and gas.

Circulating air heating system (Eberspacher) running from buses main fuel system. Space saving installation under the floor of the bus.

Leisure battery with automatic charging and split charge relay.

Diode control display system on the kitchen unit showing freshwater tank level and leisure battery charge level.

Swivelling passenger and drivers seat.

Logos and striping on the side and front of the bus.

9) Options available at extra cost included:

There were many options available at extra cost for your Joker. Below is a list of some of them taken from 9/79 price list. Prices include tax and are in German Deutschmark:

M025 Clock and speedometer with resettable mileage trip. Cost 83.74 DM

M032 Lockable fuel cap. Cost 18.16 DM

M050 Dual Circuit and Handbrake warning light.  Cost 48.13 DM

M054 Lockable glove box.  Cost 21.19 DM

M074 Rear mudflaps.  Cost 67.60 DM

M089 Windscreen in laminated safety glass. Cost 161.43 DM

M102 Heated rear screen ( Not if plastic double glazed windows S703 ordered).  Cost 177.57 DM

M121 Fresh air blower assembly. Cost 170.51 DM

M121 Fresh air blower assembly in conjunction with radio.  Cost 218.94 DM

M172 Steel Belt Reinforced Tyres 185 SR 14 (only for 1.6l Motor).  Cost 223.98 DM

M184 Three point automatic (inertia reel) safety belts for driver and passenger.  Cost 75.66 DM

M206 Dipping rear view mirror.  Cost 23.21 DM

M208 Towbar with ball type hitch. Cost 430.81 DM

M288 Headlight washers. Cost 279.47 DM

M386 Carpet over front wheel arches inside buses. Cost 105.00 DM

M430 Heat absorbing laminated safety glass windscreen. (Not in conjunction with M089). Cost 257.28 DM

M506 Stronger brakes (for 2.0l Motor).  Cost 220.96 DM

M511 Instrument panel part padded.  Cost 79.71 DM

M534 Child lock on sliding door.

M551 Halogen Headlights. Cost 133.18 DM

M561 Quarter light windows in front cab. Cost 113.00 DM

M597 63 Amp Battery. Cost 61.54 DM

M571 Rear Fog Light. Cost 44.40 DM

M616 Reversing Light. Cost 81.72 DM

M619 More powerful alternator 65 Ah. Cost 43.38 DM

M622 Cigarette lighter with 12 volt outlet. Cost 36.32 DM

M626 Hydraulic Clutch.(Not with M506). Cost 89.79 DM

M643 Storage pocket on drivers door. Cost 35.31 DM

M652 Intermittent windscreen wipers. Cost 44.40 DM

M659 Halogen Fog lights. Cost 226.00 DM

M987 Sliding window with fly net opposite the sliding door. Cost 119.06 DM

S703 Removal of the standard fitted glass in the rear (required when plastic double glazed windows ordered as an extra). Cost 83.74 DM

R01 Radio Salzgitter. Cost 279.47 DM

R02 Radio Braunschweig. Cost 336.98 DM

R03 Radio Emden. Cost 452.00 DM

Also there were a couple of packages you could buy such as:

Z01 Bad weather package including rear fog light, intermittent windscreen wipers, halogen fog lights. Cost 291.59 DM

Z02 M-Packet including clock and speedometer with resettable mileage trip, rubber trim on bumpers, quarter light windows in cab, reversing light. Cost 301.66 DM

10) Accessories available at extra cost included (Prices in German Deutschmark and Order Number from Price list 09/79):

Small front cupboard and fold out seat for behind passenger seat (not Joker 2). Order Number 216 026 ... 001, Cost 378 DM.

Seat storage box for behind passenger seat. Order Number 216 007 ... 020, Cost 212 DM.

Head cushions for comfortable sleeping. Order Number 216 064 ... 005, Cost 39 DM.

Five tinted double glazed plastic windows for the rear area (already included for Joker 3 and Joker 4) S703 is required when this option is ordered. Order Number 216 006 145 001, Cost 584 DM.

Additional insulated and quilted curtain for the front screen and driver /passenger side windows. Order Number 216 015 ... 020, Cost 186 DM.

Dividing curtains between front cab and rear. Order Number 216 003 ... 020, Cost 67 DM.

Dividing curtains between front cab and rear (Only for Joker 3 and Joker 4). Order Number 216 004 ... 020, Cost 88 DM.

Mosquito net for the tailgate. Order Number 216 004 238 001, Cost 42 DM.

5 kg Gas bottle with gas bottle holder.  Order Number 216 005 246 005, Cost 62.76 DM.

Fire extinguisher. Order Number 216 011 250 010, Cost 40.45 DM.

PVC luggage bag for the luggage rack above the front cabin (not for Joker 3 and Joker 4). Order Number 216 004 443 001, Cost 126.62 DM.

Awning ( 2500mm x 1900mm complete with supports).  (not for Joker 3 and Joker 4). Order Number 216 006 433 010, Cost 95 DM.

Twenty five metre 220 volt mains hook up cable. Order Number 216 001 345 020, Cost 95 DM.

12 volt magnetic light. Order Number 216 014 345 001, Cost 29.76 DM.

Water canister (10 litres). Order Number 216 011 250 015, Cost 14.93 DM.

When ordering some of the above items replace the “...” with the correct code as listed below depending on the upholstery / curtains of the bus:

Upholstery Van Dyck = dark brown with colour rectangles code 801

Upholstery Gazelle = light brown with colour rectangles code 802

Curtains Van Dyck = dark brown code 873

Curtains Gazelle = light brown code 874

11) Early Volkswagen Westfalia Joker Side and Front Stripes and Door Logos

VW Westfalia Joker side stripes and driver and passenger door decals

12) VW Westfalia Aircooled Joker Camper Rear Badges

13) Links to Volkswagen Early Volkswagen Westfalia Joker Sales Brochures (Prospekt) and Price Lists (Preisliste)

The following links show various sales literature that was produced by Westfalia.

Please note that some of the links take you to an external site called vwpix.org which is an excellent source of sales literature for all versions of VW camper van. Most of the brochures are in German language as this was the main market.

VW Westfalia Joker Sales Brochures Prospekt Download

1979 VW Westfalia Joker Sales Brochure Prospekt (4 Pages Black and White)

1979 VW Westfalia Joker Sales Brochure Prospekt “Der Campingwagen” (12 Pages Colour)

Sept 1979 VW Westfalia Joker Sales Brochure Prospekt (8 Pages Black and White)

1980 VW Westfalia Joker Sales Brochure Prospekt (6 Pages Colour)

1980 Westfalia Joker Sales Brochure Prospekt with new colours for interior (6 Pages Colour)

1980 VW Westfalia Joker Sales Brochure Prospekt with new colours for interior Italy (6 Pages Colour)

Sept 1980 VW Westfalia Joker Sales Brochure Prospekt (8 Pages Black and White)

Jan 1981 VW Westfalia Joker Sales Brochure Prospekt (8 Pages Black and White)

Aug  1981 VW Westfalia Joker Interior Colour Specification Prospekt (2 Pages Colour)

1982 VW Westfalia Joker Diesel Sales Brochure Prospekt Belgium (4 Pages Black and White)

VW Westfalia Joker Accessories Zubehör Download

None yet!

VW Westfalia Joker Price Lists Preisliste Download

March 1980 VW Westfalia Joker Price List Preisliste and Info Brochure Prospekt (8 Pages Black and White)

Jan 1981 VW Westfalia Joker Price List Preisliste (2 Pages Black and White)

For loads more VW Westfalia T25 / T3 / Vanagon downloads CLICK HERE

14) Water cooled Volkswagen T25 / T3 Westfalia Joker - The next generation

Please note that the next version of the Volkswagen Westfalia Joker was released circa 1983. This newer version had the same beige interior furniture with dark brown edging and either brown/green or brown blue striped upholstery as the later aircooled version but now it was based on the watercooled version of the Volkswagen Transporter.

To find out more about this next generation of bus CLICK HERE

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