Riviera Motors was based out of Oregon and were an official VW dealership. They were the main Volkswagen distributor in the Pacific Northwest during the 1950s and 1960s when camping was vastly popular. At this time Westfalia campers were very popular since they were able to travel to remote places that larger campers were not able to reach. With demand high, and Westfalia’s selling out at dealerships, Riviera Motors saw an opening in the market. Knute Qvale, owner of Riveria Motors, began to talk with ASI camper conversions in Vancouver, Washington, about developing their own camping conversions for the VW Bus.

In 1965, the first new Riviera Campers hit the market. Customers were initially skeptical about a Westfalia competitor, but that was soon dispelled once the build quality was seen. Throughout the production of these conversions, no serial or production numbers were started, so there is no way of knowing exactly how many were made.

The Riviera conversions were built primarily using walk-through panel vans, however there are some non-walk-through vans there were converted.

This restored Bus is powered by a rebuilt 1600-cc, four-cylinder engine that is presented in excellent condition, along with the painted engine bay. Backing the engine is a four-speed manual transmission. Underneath the bus is a very tidy chassis that shows a meticulous restoration. The exterior is shown in white and blue two-tone paint with matching bumpers and wheels that are sporting polished wheel covers, along with a roof rack that adds more storage room. Five of the side windows have multiple panes that crank out to let in the sea and mountain breezes. The interior is very tidy, and fitted with new wood paneling throughout, a spice rack on the door, new upholstery, flooring, tables, curtains and an AM radio.

The VW Bus offered here has had an all-encompassing restoration with an acute attention to detail throughout. This Bus has been revived to its former glory and is ready for another adventurous weekend.