Chris Wilburn's 1972 VW Westfalia "Marshmelo"

Words by: Chris Wilburn

Pictures: RCR Picture Day 

Marshmelo is a 1972 VW Westfalia and one of the last 72’ models made. In fact, by the time it had visited the Westfalia factory to be outfitted as a camper and then sent back to VW for export she rode on a boat with the new for 73’ models.

Originally brought in through the port of Jacksonville and sold to a beekeeper in Ohio, Marshmelo spent each spring, pulling two big beehives, visiting and pollinating orange and other fruit groves along the way. 

Once back in Ohio she was treated to a visit to the local VW dealer for servicing before being put up in the barn for next season.

When Marshmelo and I met she only had 72k miles and had never been the victim of rust, dents, or even basic wear and tear.

The original type 4 1700cc engine has seen better days and was rebuilt by a friend. A year later she dropped a valve guide which resulted in total annihilation of the original engine. 

A 1776cc type 1 engine provides power now with dual 40mm carbs, a small cam designed for the heavy weight of the bus and an exhaust by Vintage Speed make for a good driver. The remote filter and cooler with thermostatically controlled fan keep things cool on long drives and hot days.

This winter Marshmelo was treated to a cosmetic refresh. White paint was done by Unser Werks, with graphics by Kolewe Customs that match the custom printed curtains and pop top fabrics from England. Powder coating of the bumpers, push bar and even the legs of the interior stool were done locally at Epic Coatings. 

Shifter is a “Big John” from Bug-Tec out of Germany, in a custom green powdercoat. The rest of the interior sports original cabinetry with new trim where needed. All the fabrics were sourced and custom designed through Sewfine. Wendy and I were able to fit it all without issue.

A custom suspension brings Marshmelo a little closer to the Earth, and the 17x7 wheels took 7 months (and a number of friends) to get here from South America.

Other touches, like the package shelf and the barn door inspired steering wheel came from Thailand. 

Earlier this season, after needing nothing more than oil changes and the annual valve adjustment, Marshmelo came down with a case of the leaky bottoms. After pulling the engine twice for oil cooler seals and still leaking, the third time out I put it on my start stand an observed a leak from the cooler itself. Is it fixed now? Time will tell but the garage floor is looking clean so far.

Marshmelo and I have been together for almost a decade now and while other cars have come and gone she will always be my bus. If you see her out and about give me a shout or wave.