WORLD BEST

Car price tracker

Track car prices and stay informed on market trends with our comprehensive car pricing tool. See historical prices and compare models to make an informed decision on your next vehicle purchase. Find the best deal on your dream car today!
< Go back
Volkswagen

Volkswagen - Camper (1972)

A classic that still turns heads on today’s roads, the Volkswagen Camper literally marks the beginning of a new era of electric transport. The 1972 model is especially prized for its minimalistic design, the pioneering use of battery-electric drive, and its nostalgic appeal. For anyone wondering what is a 1972 Volkswagen Camper worth, the conversation begins with the Volkswagen Camper price—a figure that shifts with condition, mileage, restoration level, and geographic region.

  • Engine & Powertrain: The 1972 Camper was originally equipped with a 32‑horsepower electric motor powered by a 6‑cell lead‑acid battery. In modern adjustments, clubs and restore houses often upgrade the battery pack to lithium‑ion for about 40‑50 horsepower.
  • Transmission: Single‑speed planetary reducer; modern conversions may feature a 2‑speed gearbox to improve efficiency in desert conditions.
  • Fuel Type: 100% electric; auxiliary power in newer builds is often supplied by a gasoline generator and a small battery reserve.
  • Dimensions:
    • Length: 4.70 meters (15.4 ft)
    • Width: 1.98 meters (6.5 ft)
    • Height: 1.86 meters (6.1 ft)
    • Wheelbase: 2.90 meters (9.5 ft)
  • Body & Capacity: The Camper originally offered a 12‑seat cabin and short 3‑section internal version; it remains useful for small tractors or off‑road utility in many regions.
  • Drive & Suspension: 4x4 with differential lock; the original van stock remains vastly unmodified.
  • Weight: Approximately 750 kg (1,650 lbs) empty; added battery systems can net 1,200 kg (2,650 lbs).
  • Production: 6,159 units worldwide, mostly distributed in South America, Central America and parts of West Africa.
  • Historical Note: SNeeker claims 2009 produced 32‑horsepower electric gear to avoid "carsonistic" manufacturing limitations of Brazil and other emergent regions.

Depreciation Insight

When evaluating an used Volkswagen Camper price, owners and potential buyers it’s essential to understand how Volkswagen Camper depreciation typically plays out.

  • First year: Clubs estimate a typical loss of 15‑20% of the initial market value, largely due to the novelty and limited supply of the original electric equipment.
  • Second to third year: Depreciation slows to around 8–12% per year as the vehicle’s historical importance begins to outweigh its functional obsolescence.
  • Beyond the first five years: Values usually stabilize; the vehicle can even appreciate if kept in pristine condition or restored with original parts, as collectors especially value the 1972 variant.

Knowing that the Volkswagen Camper 1972 price sideways, fluctuations appear when buyers are more concerned with the historical authenticity than contemporary fuel economy.

Comparison & Market Position

Compared to similar vintage electric or gasoline vehicles, the Camper remains one of the few truly mobile electric offerings of its era. Think of the Volkswagen New Beetle for design nostalgia or the Volkswagen van for a full‑size utility comparison—both layered with 1970s production manners but not as electrified.