Vehicle Description
1970 Volkswagen Type 2 Bus
"You've got a problem. Your life is filled with places to go and
things to do. But how can you carry all the things you need in a
car that's shaped like...a car? What you need is a car that's
shaped like a box. A box big enough to take you, your family, your
friends and your things wherever you want to go." From a 70's VW
bus, (called "station wagon" at the time), sales brochure.
For consignment, a 1970 Volkswagen bus with a title verified
100,791 actual miles, an ultra cool vibe in blue and white with
plenty of external accessories that make this thing as much an
overland candidate as a cultural classic! Unique touches and a tidy
interior make this a worthy consideration if "VW Bus" is on your
wishlist.
Exterior
Striking in both shape and stature, our VW is made even more head
turning by the Light Blue paint complemented by sections painted in
white including a front fascia panel, the roof, wheels, back hatch,
ladder, and bumpers. There's also a white stripe that accompanies
the silver trim piece that runs from stem to stern running parallel
to the rain gutter trim. The 14-inch wheels also mix blue with the
white and wear domed hubcaps and wrapped in 205/75R14 tires with a
late 2022 date code. This 11 window bus has been cosmetically
modified to present with fewer, larger windows, while on the
inside, fake panes make it look like more windows! Much like the
Fisher Price cars of our youth, accessories are where the fun is
and this van has the aforementioned ladder to the roof where we
find an aluminum rack with wooden slats, a front window visor,
chrome rain guards on the front windows, and a roll away awning. To
top things off, there's some custom paint around the license plate
and along with the paint and metalwork on the van, conditions
prevail as very nice. We note one chip in the paint as the only
exterior imperfection.
Interior
In wonderful contrast to the light blue paint, black vinyl door
panels cover the inner doors and include the unique vent system
that also supports an armrest on the door. Weave textured vinyl
bucket seats occupy the front in good condition with blue seat
belts adding a nice touch to the interior palette. Row two is a
short bench that allows pass through from the side door to the full
length third row, all in great shape with varying patterned black
vinyl and spared direct sun via tinted windows and sliding
curtains. The cockpit is adorned in typical VW black plastic and a
simple, 2 spoke steering wheel that frames the basic gauge cluster.
In the center, an AM/FM/CD unit just left of a flip up glove box
door topped by an embedded handle on the dash pad. The shifter
rises from the floor which is covered in gray carpet and the white
headliner, though loose in places, is fully intact under the
arching braces. The cargo area is lined with wood planks between
body colored braces and is as clean as a new dance floor.
Drivetrain
Out back we have a 1600cc flat four cylinder powerplant, rated at
47 horsepower and mated to a 4-speed manual transmission keeping
power at the back axle with 4.857 gears. The engine compartment is
clean and drum brakes are found front and rear.
Undercarriage
Driver quality underneath with plenty of surface rust and usage
patina throughout. There are some holes in the belly pan but our
consignor states the floors have been welded. Rust on the frame was
cut back to solid metal and new sections were welded in. Boots and
bushings look good and we note a drop of oil on the pan, while the
exhaust remains in stock configuration as dual enters a muffler and
exits as one tailpipe. Suspension is independent on front and
back.
Drive-Ability
Cab forward is the name of the game here as you essentially sit on
the front axle and pier over a flat front end. That makes
visibility for driving second to none, even as you yearn for more
horsepower. Still, the four banger started right up and propelled
us around the test loop in fine fashion. Point us to the beach,
we're landlocked in Morgantown! The motor performed well, handling
is quite good on this box with 14-inch wheels, and braking operates
as it should. The heater blower is not working but all other items
function as they should on this groovy ride from 1970! 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.
The retro effect should soon be in place with VW buses. Just as the
new Bronco injected some energy into the already fervent classic
Bronco market, the Volkswagen ID Buzz will make vintage buses
hotter than the simmering market already is. And here's a fine
example with some custom touches and functional accessories that
make it desirable. Perhaps Cat Stevens said it best, "Now I've been
smiling lately, thinkin' about the good things to come, and I
believe it could be, something good has begun". Surely he was
talking about 2025 and this classic VW bus. Get on the peace train,
man!
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!
