Vehicle Description
1970 Volkswagen Bus
The Volkswagen Type 2, known officially, (depending on body type),
as the Transporter, Kombi or Microbus, or, informally, as the Bus
(US) or Camper (UK), P�o de Forma (Loaf of Bread...Portugal) is a
forward control light commercial vehicle introduced in 1950 by the
German automaker Volkswagen as its second car model. Following -
and initially deriving from - Volkswagen's first model, the Type 1
(Beetle), it was given the factory designation Type 2.
A windowed passenger bus smack dab in the middle of the "Hippie"
era, we have a consignment like no other microbus in our Hallowed
Halls. This barn find example had some mechanical work performed,
(check out that engine), but still is in need of exterior and
interior work all the while retaining its familiar design with an
aged look. Rust stained painted bumpers, a bit of rust, dents and
dings, mere battle scars of a life lived in service to its owners.
A diamond in the rough, awaiting your capable hands to create
something special....retro style.
Exterior
Bathed in its faded blue and white paint, there is plenty of wear
off from the passage of time. Slight surface rust on various areas
and some invasive rust, both new and peeking through prior repairs
is noted. Gone was the 11, 13, 15, 21, 23 window design. In its
place was a body with big and long windows on front, rear, on
either side. And no more the split window. Passenger versions
dumped the double doors, replaced with a single right-side sliding
door. The face has totally changed, the new bus has a flatter brow
with less character but stronger bumpers and better headlamps.
Chrome trimmings are present and accounted for, and these include
the door handles, and the VW round front badge. Rust stained
bumpers adorn both the front and rear of the bus and at the rear we
see louvered inlets up high on either side to help the air cooled
flat 4 cylinder breath and stay at optimal temperature. Surface
rusted white painted steel wheels are on all 4 corners with the
fronts being dressed with lightly tarnished VW poverty caps.
Interior
With a swing of the front door we are met with a full unrestored
interior. Black vinyl door panels grace both front doors and
sliding side right side door with all presenting in original but
worn condition and in need of a good cleaning. This vinyl covering
is also installed on all interior side panels in matching
condition. Front bucket seats, in more black vinyl, appear to have
been on the losing end of an encounter with a Bengal tiger and will
need recovering. The factory steering wheel sits in front of the
black padded dash, complete with black textured finish, inset round
gauges, heater slides and the factory AM/FM radio. Moving rearward
we see a center bench seat in white vinyl with seating for 2 and a
rear bench in black vinyl to accommodate 3. Thes seats, while not
torn, are in need of a good cleaning. Hanging above is a soiled but
complete white vinyl headliner and down below we see bare flooring
with some areas of invasive rust. As a final note, under the dash
we see a spaghetti nest of wiring hanging and some groovy deep pile
blue shag carpeting.
Drivetrain
Opening the rear engine bay, we see a like new 1600cc powerhouse
engine that appears to have been recently rebuilt. This is topped
with a 1-barrel carburetor and has a 4-speed manual transmission. A
4.857 rear axle is on and transfers power seamlessly to the rear
wheels.
Undercarriage
Plenty of surface rust seen on the frame and rockers, and some
spotting of rust on the ribbed floor pans. A few areas of invasive
rust are noted, and we see that the driver's front bumper mount has
rusted away from the sub-structure. We see independent suspension
front and rear and for stopping power we have front disc brakes and
rear drums. A single exhaust system with dual tips handles the
exhale.
Drive-Ability
With the new power plant, this van fired right up, and accelerated
and handled the test track with flying colors. While this bus drove
well, speeds were kept low due to severe dry rot of the tires.
Despite its aged exterior appearance, this bus has potential to
become anything you want, be it an advertising marquis for your
business or a retro throwback hauler for you and your buddies to
tour the country following your favorite band and enjoying the
devil's lettuce. With a seemingly rebuilt engine, the only limit is
your imagination. Dude! Pass the dutchie to the left hand side
man!...and pick up that chick we just passed by with her thumb out,
it's off to Haight Ashbury man.
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 650 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display.
This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia
on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is
www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914.
Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the
vehicle in person.
