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The Lens and the Legend - Owner: Eric Arnold
The journey of Eric Arnold’s 1977 Westfalia began in late 2002 with
a modest savings account and a lot of curiosity. At the time, Eric’s
Volkswagen knowledge was nearly non-existent, limited only to occasionally
borrowing a friend’s Bus. When a listing for a green camper in Kingman,
Arizona, popped up on TheSamba, he decided to take a chance. Coincidentally,
the trip fell on the same weekend as Buses By the Bridge VII in 2003.
After a quick stop at the event to see what was for sale, the family continued
to Kingman for a meeting that would change their lives for the next two
decades.
Arriving after dark meant the initial tour of the Bus was conducted entirely by flashlight. It is rarely a good idea to buy a vehicle in the dark, but the Bus appeared complete and it actually ran. The original Sage Green paint was heavily oxidized by the Arizona sun, and the interior cabinets were in rough shape, but the bones were there. After a quick tour of the Type IV motor, a deal was struck. Eric filled the tank and began the drive back to Las Vegas with his young daughters in the back seat and his wife following in her Jetta. They made it home without incident, marking the start of a twenty year evolution.
One of the most striking features of this Westy today is the unique interior cabinetry. While the units are original, they possess a much lighter tone than the standard dark laminate most enthusiasts expect. Eric spent an entire year of weekends stripping, sanding, staining, and sealing the wood to achieve this custom look. He even added a hand painted chess board to the dining table, a detail that has become a favorite at car shows. While the rear plaid upholstery is original and remarkably preserved, the front seats were refreshed with matching plaid covers from Sewfine Products to complete the factory aesthetic.
Under the rear decklid, the Bus has seen significant upgrades for the
long haul. The fuel injected Type IV engine was built by the team at Doug’s
Bugs and Bunnys in Mesa, Arizona, with the displacement increased slightly
to 2056cc for better reliability. It is paired with a rebuilt 091 transmission
to ensure smooth highway cruising. The exterior also received careful
attention, including a restoration of the original propane tank and the
addition of dealer option white stripes. The paint itself was brought
back to life through hours of meticulous polishing and waxing, proving
that original finish often has plenty of stories left to tell.
While the Bus served as a daily driver for thirteen years, it now enjoys a life of special events and prestigious shows. It has earned nearly sixty awards to date, including back to back Best of Show honors at the El Prado Show and Shine in 2023 and 2024. However, for Eric, the trophies are secondary to the experience of camping. He has attended every Buses By the Bridge since that first visit in 2003 and is a regular at the annual Blackstar Campout. For him, nothing beats a night spent in the great outdoors surrounded by his fellow Bus owners.
Ultimately, this 1977 Westfalia represents what Eric calls the perfect
blend. It is a vehicle that has never been truly restored, but rather
maintained and loved with subtle personal tweaks. Through this Bus, Eric
has built a massive VW family that he values above any award. It is a
reminder that these machines are intended to be used and shared with the
community. As Eric says, his Bus might not be pristine, but it is his,
and it continues to fulfill its purpose on the open road and at campouts
across the country.
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