Date:         Sun, 4 Jun 2000 11:11:58 -0400
Reply-To:     David M Crossman <dmc+@PITT.EDU>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         David M Crossman <dmc+@PITT.EDU>
Subject:      Mercedes Westie
In-Reply-To:  <200006040347.XAA11768@post-ofc09.srv.cis.pitt.edu>
Content-type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII

In 1984, we picked up our new Westie at the Westphalia factory in
Wiedenbrck.  While there, my wife and I saw several Mercedes vans which
had been converted to campers by Westphalia Werks.  They were luscious!
They were named Sven Hayden, after a Scandinavian explorer, we were told.
I have never seen one on this side of the pond and am quite sure they were
never imported.  Westphalia has a campground (or did) on the grounds of
the factory so that you could spend the night there checking out your
systems, fridge, stove, pop-top, before heading out into the German
wilderness!  It was suggested that we go into town, buy some groceries and
come back and spend the night.  We did just that and shared their little
campground with half a dozen new Westy owners.  In the morning, a factory
representative came by to answer questions.  Of course, we all had
questions.  One by one we set out.  For us it was a six month adventure.
We went from central Norway to southern Yugoslavia (at least what was then
Yugoslavia) and every point in between.  Six months later we had the van
shipped back to the States at VW's expense.  It was a trip of a lifetime!

We have been enjoying the van stateside ever since.

Dave & Marian Crossman
1884 Westie - Escorial Green - 285K
Pittsburgh. PA & Tenants Harbor, ME