[nosuchthing]

Westfalias retail for upwards of ~$50,000, with 1980's models still fetching upwards of $15,000...

If the Elio [1] can retail for $6,800 new, it's not a stretch to imagine a modern minimal camper-motorcycle/tuktuk/scooter for under ~$20,000... models for countries with less regulatory requirements like India or Asia regions might have much less expensive versions.

[1] http://eliomotors.com/

[shanemhansen]

Westfalias are expensive because they are a bit of a fetish item. I have a 2000 converted camper van (pop top, fridge, solar panels, stove, running water) that I bought for 13k. It's still expensive, but not compared to a tempermental westfalia that's 20 years older.

[nosuchthing]

I assume it's somewhat due to the slim form factor?

There are ford/dodge van campers but they're cumbersome compared to the slimmer Volkswagen Westfalias and similar early Toyota TownAce models. Westfalias have a much larger userbase and parts aftermarket though.

[catbird]

Ah, I had no idea that they cost so much. Thanks