Vehicle Description
There's nothing quite like a Volkswagen Microbus. In the '60s,
these psychedelic 'hippie vans' provided a means of escapism. In
the '90s, reborn as stanced 'splitties', they brought refreshing
change to the crowded hot rod community. And now, thanks to low
production numbers and perpetually high demand, well-done Type 2s
are providing investors with a rock-solid place to park some
serious money. The beneficiary of a professional rotisserie
restoration, this 23-window Kombi is a highly desirable rarity that
affords one lucky VW enthusiast the ultimate opportunity to own an
appreciating classic. If you're looking for some of the coolest,
most unique and most valuable metal your money can buy, welcome to
the 'people's car'!
HISTORY/APPEARANCE
Produced from 1949 to 1967, the first generation of the Volkswagen
bus was originally intended as a basic cargo hauler. After much
success and growing demand, Wolfsburg realized the full potential
of their comfortable people mover and, in 1951, began producing a
model called the Deluxe. Considered the ultimate transporter by
many Volkswagen enthusiasts, the Deluxe would soldier on for almost
20 years, creating an automotive icon that, in terms of
collectability, is matched by few other classics.
The beneficiary of a detailed, concours-level restoration that
included many authentic German components, this awesome Deluxe is
about as close to "ultimate" as a classic can get. That rebuild,
conducted by KAO Auto Styling of Las Vegas, Nevada, began with a
solid body that was completely stripped, mounted to a rotisserie
and worked for countless hours. Once those panels were super tight
and exceptionally straight, smooth Pearl White and Mouse Gray
2-stage was rubbed to a mirror-like shine. And the end result is
one extremely nostalgic collectable that exhibits classy,
era-correct aesthetics.
Known for its aerodynamic shape, the Type 2 incorporates a split
windscreen and large, cast aluminum "VW" emblem above a sweeping
V-line fascia that forms the basis for its entire design. At the
front of the bus, cool Safari windows shade chrome-trimmed
headlights, opposing wipers, bullet-style parking lamps and a
correctly guarded bumper. Behind that bumper, polished Deluxe trim
perfectly complements simple door handles and old school mirrors.
Those mirrors reflect a plethora of German greenhouse glass that's
capped by an ornate luggage rack and NOS German cloth. And behind
that cloth, a rare Safari backlite shades a lockable hatch, clean
tail lamps and a second guarded bumper.
ENGINE
Like its Beetle brethren, the Transporter is powered by an
air-cooled, rear-mounted 4-cylinder that makes noise and fumes
nearly non-existent for front passengers. Raise the hatch and
you'll find a balanced and rebuilt boxer motor that clocks in at
exactly 1,500 cubic centimeters. While modest, that upgraded
powerplant is perfectly capable of maintaining safe highway speeds
as it frequently achieves almost 30 MPG on stoplight-free,
cross-country treks. At the top of the pint-size block, a vintage
air filter pipes wind into a 1-barrel Solex carburetor. Below that
carb, a fresh Bosch coil sparks a traditional points distributor
that's equipped with authentic German plug wires. And in front of
that distributor, a pliable German belt spins a fully rebuilt
generator. Aesthetically, the engine bay is clean, road ready and
virtually flawless. The uniquely gated motor fires instantly and
idles well thanks to upgraded 12-volt electronics. And, based on
sound and appearance, it'll likely putter along forever!
DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION
Since Type 1 Beetle pans proved too weak for the Type 2
Transporter, Volkswagen engineered a new ladder chassis with
unit-body construction. That said; because the Type 2's wheelbase
was the same as the Type 1's, engineers reused the Type 1 reduction
gear, enabling this relatively large vehicle to get good
performance out of a relatively efficient engine. At the front of
the bus, rebuilt drum brakes sit at the edges of a completely
rebuilt independent suspension. At the back of the bus, a
professionally rebuilt Benco 4-speed hangs between new exhaust
manifolds and two more rebuilt drums. Power meets the pavement
through 15-inch painted steel wheels, which spin 165R15 Coker
Classic whitewalls around "VW" stamped hubcaps. And every part of
this Volkswagen's undercarriage is detailed to show-ready
condition, including the car's factory-correct, body-matched belly
pans.
INTERIOR Open this rare people mover's curved doors and you'll find
acres of tasteful Basalt Gray and Silver Beige plaid upholstery.
All three rows of seats, including one original unit, have been
completely finished to a pristine state. Above those seats, a tight
headliner frames chrome hardware, a simple mirror and a small,
Pearl White console. At the sides of that headliner, 2-tone door
panels mix bright chrome handles with straight stainless trim.
Below those panels, German square-weave carpet complements
original-style floor mats. At the front of the van, a Pearl White
dash hangs a new church key below simple VDO telemetry, slick
RetroSound audio and a Deluxe-exclusive VDO Kienzle clock. In front
of the driver, a restored steering wheel spins a monochromatic horn
button above an original-style shifter. And behind the passengers,
a carpeted cargo area features polished jail bars.
This stunning, 23-window Microbus is a fully restored, fully sorted
classic that's poised for many years of fun and appreciation. As
some of the most desirable metal on the market, it oozes the kind
of personality that's only found in '60s-era specialty cars. If
you're looking for a blue chip collectable that's as unique as it
is exclusive, you've found your next cruiser!
SUMMARY
The beneficiary of a concours-level rotisserie restoration that
included many German components
Era-correct Mouse Gray and Pearl White paint
Era-correct Basalt Gray and Silver Beige plaid upholstery
1500cc Volkswagen 4-cylinder
Benco 4-speed manual transmission
12-volt electrical system
RetroSound audio
15-inch painted steel wheels
4-wheel drum brakes
Authentic Deluxe Kombi that's complete with German Safari glass and
an NOS German roof
