At first glance, the Jurgens Autovilla camper-mobile looks like a one-off oddity. But to those who know, it’s a highly sought-after automotive rarity. Lo and behold, there’s a 1975 Autovilla compact motorhome for sale on eBay. It’s one of about 1,000 such models built from a classic VW bus.
Buy It Now on eBay
Compact Camper with Kitchen and Bathroom
Most folks will assume that the Autovilla is the product of a backyard builder. In truth, it’s a factory-built wonder. The vanlife-ready vehicle started its life as a right-hand-drive 1961 Volkswagen split-window bus built in South Africa. Despite its cult appeal across the pond, the Autovilla rarely made its way to our shores.
Jurgens’s history dates back to 1952. At one point, the company was the largest caravan manufacturer in South Africa. The Autovilla was introduced in 1973, opening the door for mass-produced compact motorhomes.
The Autovilla was so successful that it spurred Karmann to build the Frankencamper under license in Germany. It was dubbed the Karmann Gipsy.
While it may be tiny, the Autovilla qualifies as a home away from home. The cabin includes a kitchen with a refrigerator, stove, and sink—along with a mini-bathroom and ample storage space.
Refreshed Interior in Orange and White
Jurgens offered two distinct versions: Standard and Deluxe. The Deluxe model furthered the Autovilla’s snail-like appearance, with a sleeping nook over the cab providing space for a full-size mattress.
The ’75 Autovilla for sale on eBay is a well-preserved standard version. The doors, kitchen, and wood sections are original. But the camper went through a restoration somewhere along the way—probably while it was still in South Africa. The interior is thoroughly refreshed with new upholstery, panels, and headliner. In addition, the whimsical striped curtains and linens nicely complement the orange and white paint.
Its sweet options include pop-out Safari windows in the front and rear, along with front disc brakes and an updated steering system. The relatively ample two-liter four-cylinder engine with dual Solex carburetors pairs with a four-speed manual.
You might not get anywhere in a hurry, but you’ll love the ride.
Beyond Rare
The seller, Miami-based In Gear Motors, specializes in importing and exporting vehicles. In Gear offers an eclectic mix of unique European classics and vintage American iron. The scrumptious Jurgens “Split” Autovilla is among a VW doublecab, Lancia Fulvia, open-air Fiat 500 Jolly, Austin Healey Sprite track car, and other wild vehicles offered in its eBay Motors listings.
The folks at Gear Motors told us they purchased the Autovilla from a car collector. But it would take some sleuthing to determine when it first came over from South Africa.
What can be confirmed by the seller is how Jurgens steers. “Extremely well, like power steering,” says Sebastien Deillonm the owner of In Gear Motors. “We’re not sure what they did to the rack and pinion to make it work so well.”
The Volkswagen Jurgens Autovilla is so much more than a limited-production snail with wheels. Enthusiasts prize split-window VW vans due to their scarcity and timeless appeal. Owning a split-window Autovilla offers the keys to perhaps the most exclusive Vee-Dub club of all.
How many Jurgens Autovilla compact motorhomes are there in America? You can probably count them on one hand—starting with the pristine example now for sale on eBay.
