Designed to be a commercial compliment to the original Beetle, the Volkswagen Type 2 was about as utilitarian as it gets this side of a farm implement. Even to this day, a variation of the original is still in production to this day in Brazil. Surfers, hippies and artists have all had their way with these vans, employing them as a sort of mobile canvas. Interesting results have come about, ranging from the low riding Cal look to vans modified for off-road use. This early barndoor T2 for sale in North Carolina looks fairly subtle at first, but dig deeper and a few surprises lurk beneath.
Year: 1953
Model: Type 2 Panel Van
Engine: 1.2 liter supercharged flat four
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Mileage: 9,305(?) miles
Price: $50,000
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1953 Volkswagen Type 2 Panel Van on eBay
1953 Barndoor Panel, lowered, 36hp Judson November 17, 1953 Type 2 Panelvan Barndoor, delivered to Post, Darmstadt/Germany. Restored to original condition except for being lowered and upgraded 36hp engine w Judson Supercharger. Interior in great, restored condition with original dash pod and keys. Grey seat covers, grey kick panels. Original metal everywhere except under battery. Never nose damage. Original pans, side panels, etc. Safari windows with latching! 36hp engine with Judson Supercharger runs strong. Lowered front and rear suspension. Original front and rear bumpers. Kog hubcaps. All original hard to find parts there. A restored, great driving and looking 1953 barndoor. Fuel tank just recoated and repainted. Fuel lines replaced. New pictures added. Body in great condition with a few paint imperfections. Most notable are a chip on lower driver door and crack along seem on driver door. If I respray the driver door, it will cost more next time I sell.
**Note: the bus is lowered. Non-stock. I am not interested in raising it up for you. Sold as is. It runs and drives great.
**Car is located in North Carolina. Moved out of CA a year or so ago. I have plenty more pictures if really interested. Selling locally also, have the right to end auction early. Contact me with any questions.
This van is really sharp. The stance, color and supercharger add up to one seriously cool collectable. It’s also an interesting subject as these panel vans are less common than their passenger oriented counterparts, especially when restored like this. This is one of those vehicles that could appeal to a variety of enthusiasts, from those looking for a simple camping vehicle to a small business owner who doesn’t need a lot of power for hauling but needs something sensibly sized for getting around town.
Volkswagen vans have been trending upward in value over the last few years, whether it be an early T2 or a later Vanagon Syncro. Back in 2011, a 1963 T2 Bus fetched over $200,000 at auction. While this T2 has some interesting period pieces, including that Judson supercharger, this one is priced more realistic but still pricey for what was once a vehicle for the masses. Like the Warhol and the Campbell’s Soup can, it’s amazing what can become icons of all things cool.
-Paul
