Vehicle Description
1974 Volkswagen Type 2 Kombi Bus
"Unlike most station wagons. Ours isn't long and low and sleek and
beautiful. It's short and boxy and generally homely. It's that
shape that helps it carry so much. Eight people with 35 cubic feet
for luggage. Just sitting behind the wheel you'll notice that our
Microbus is different. You're on top of everything that's going on
around you. When you drive it, it works like a bus but handles and
parks like a car." From the 1974 sales brochure.
For consignment, a 1974 Volkswagen Type 2 Kombi bus with a title
verified 13,706 actual miles in a bright hue with characteristic
white top. Boxy, indeed. But homely? C'mon VW, we can't agree with
that one. This thing is cool and if it was homely, we're not sure
it would be this collectible!
Exterior
The roof and nearly top third of the van is white with a straight
line of delineation that encircles the entire vehicle and is picked
up by the front white grille, bumpers, and 14-inch wheels which
also wear polished VW dog dish style hubcaps. Engine intakes live
on the upper rear corners of the van creating the only non flat
feature in profile as there are no body creases, no side trim, and
only the door hardware and gas cap to interrupt the flow of smooth
orange panels. All of the metalwork is in very good condition and
the rear vertical tail lights look especially good on an orange
background. The paint is excellent, and imperfections include
multiple areas of bubbling down low.
Interior
Patterns of white, tan, and orange prevail through the interior
beginning on the front door panels where the distinct vent is
covered in orange vinyl surrounded by tan and white panels. This
orange band that starts on the vent continues to the back where it
appears in arched designs on the sidewalls and panels of the
sliding door. The front bucket seats have pleated orange inserts
surrounded by white vinyl on a tan base and that pattern is
consistent for the two bench seats in back as well in well
coordinated presentation that adds pizazz to this family cruiser.
There's the occasional discoloration on the lighter colors but
everything is intact and clean and orange seatbelts kick things up
a notch. A standard steering wheel and dash greet the driver,
dominated by black plastic surfaces, a very basic gauge cluster,
airplane like vent controls, and an AM/FM radio in the center. This
part of the van shows some patina as does the shifter which rises
from the floor. Here we find orange loop carpet with tan edge trim.
The white headliner, though marked in some spots, is otherwise
clean and intact while the cargo is clean and finished with more
orange and white vinyl and loop carpet.
Drivetrain
Behind the rear hatch is a clean 1600cc engine rated at 66
horsepower, fed by a 1-barrel carburetor and moved into action via
a 4-speed manual transmission that keeps power at the rear wheels
and 4.857 gears. Power brakes are supplied with discs in front and
drums in the rear.
Undercarriage
Driver quality underneath with oil present on the bottom of engine
and transmission, some minor surface rust, and a pan in the back
that replaces a rusted out panel underneath. The boots look good as
does the vent tube that runs underneath the van and the knuckles
are very clean. Transverse torsion bars provide suspension up front
and semi-trailing arms with transverse torsion bars are in back.
The exhaust exits from each side of the engine, encounters a pair
of stock style mufflers, and then exits via twin chrome tips under
the rear bumper.
Drive-Ability
Feeling groovy, we hop up into the cab of this van which puts you
right up front, a unique and unusual position which takes about 30
seconds to get used to because it's actually pretty cool. You will
not be doing any orange burnouts with this box, but it scoots along
and picks up speed with each consecutive shift and before you know
it, you're up to speed. It runs fine and tracks straight and we
check out notes to find just three things not working, the heater
blower, the reverse lights, and the high beams. All other functions
operate as they should. While Classic Auto Mall represents that
these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we
cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of
your purchase.
Like the ubiquitous presence of pumpkin spice at this time of the
year, this orange dream shows up to grace our Hallowed Halls and
presents itself to the market. And the VW bus market remains very
strong and people are drawn to them like moths to a flame at car
shows, for good reason. They're unique, useful, versatile, and
forever cool. It doesn't get much cooler than this creamsicle
colored van with its stylish interior. Make the call before this
one melts away.
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
