Our last visit into VW Bus-land was with a couple of extreme restomods much more focused on looks than function. Today’s is just as gorgeous but a bit more original. Inside and out it appears like-new, but the dark green and white combo keeps it from looking too much like an overdone toy. It also comes with the EZ Camper package, making it the perfect machine for roadtrips or, as the seller aptly cites, concerts. It may not have quite the usability of the T3 Westies I so often feature here, but that doesn’t mean it wouldn’t be a huge amount of fun. 60s Buses are going for crazy money these days so you’ll have to decide if the classic VW Van is worth that much to you. If it is, this is the one I’d go for.
Tag: Bus
The Volkswagen Type 2 “Bus” is one of the most iconic vehicles of all time, perhaps second only to the Type 1 Beetle. They draw smiles everywhere they go, and are perfectly acceptable as rusty survivors and perfect, climate-controlled-storage classics. The one my brother drove for a while was of the no-muffler beater variety, but today’s examples are gorgeous, show-quality items that will blow minds with both their looks and their prices. Both are modified to take on the look of the desirable “21-window” bus, but the first one has significantly more than that…
Click for details: 1965 Volkswagen Type 2 Limousine on eBay
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I get wound up at times by Volkswagen of America’s product decisions. The cool cars that helped establish the company in this market are somehow now back burner issues for the company. VW had a perfectly good van in the Transporter (known as the Eurovan on these shores), yet decided to sully their brand by rebadging a Dodge Caravan into a People’s Minivan. Bad move. After a few short years, the Routan was pulled from the lineup and we have yet to see a return of a van with the VW badge here in the US.
If Volkswagen is worried the current generation Transporter wouldn’t work in the US market, maybe they should take a look back at their history and see how much brand equity is tied up in this workhorse. Fewer vehicles these days seem as versatile. A vintage Type 2 Microbus such as this restored example for sale in San Diego is on offer for mega bucks, but this seems to be the new norm for these vans.
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1954 Volkswagen Type 2 Deluxe Microbus on The Samba
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Here’s a new one to add to my growing list of possible vehicles for when I forsake this overly-busy life and decide to strike out on the open road indefinitely. Someone in Alaska has apparently already done it in this car, but was of the (proper) mindset that big repair bills would were just part of keeping it in great running order. That doesn’t mean beautiful – this proto-Sprinter O309D has a few blemishes and some needs – but the right care has been to taken to keep it ready for what I see it as made for: living in and covering tons of miles. It won’t get there fast with a terminal velocity of 65 mph, but it returns an alleged 24 mpg on average from the 3.8l turbodiesel 4-cylinder, which is insane for a vehicle of this size. With Westfalias commanding insane multiples of $10k, this is priced right for someone to start/make/restart a life in.
Click for more details: 1975 Mercedes-Benz O309D Van on eBay
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December 2013 marked the end of an era at Volkswagen. The last Type 2 Kombi rolled off the assembly line in Brazil and with it the chapter closed on an impressive 56 year production run. Around the world, this was a vehicle with multiple personalities, available in minibus, pickup and panel van form. From ambulance duty to the camper’s companion, this VW has cemented its place in automotive history. This T1 panel van for sale in Arkansas is done up in Porsche racing livery. After being stored for a number of years, this is a van that is bound to capture the attention of Porschephiles and track day enthusiasts.