Vehicle Description
1976 Volkswagen Type 2 Kombi Bus
Type 2 have a long and storied history in the United States going
back to 1949 up until this very day with the introduction of the
ID.Buzz electric van that was due to arrive in dealer's showrooms
sometime in 2024. Type 2's were also part of the U.S. Chicken Tax
in the early 60's when West Germany and France put tariffs on U.S.
chicken and in return, President Johnson enacted a 25% tariff on
imports that included light trucks. This curtailed the import of
light trucks but did not include passenger vans so that
configuration of the Type 2 was spared.
For consignment, a 1976 Volkswagen Type 2 Kombi bus showing 90,383
miles, but the true miles are unknown. This storied van served a
mural artist for 30 years, travelling to 32 states, (behind an RV),
to work his craft, and having seen three engines and two
transmissions. There's so much you can do with this Kombi bus, but
if you happen to be a mobile artist, your ship has just come
in!
Exterior
In the words of our consignor, "the artwork evolved over the years
from signs to mural work to pinstriping" and it has retained all of
it to this day. While the top half of the van presents in white,
the lower section contains a continuous mural including mountains,
waterways, and trees. Above that, lettering abounds, a Pegasus
spreads its wings on each side while pirates, birds and other
wildlife along with pinstripe flourishes color additional panels,
all on a yellowish cream base. A front tow bar leads the way stowed
over a spare tire while the pop up is bordered in yellow and intact
when extended. Imperfections include metal work that shows age,
numerous cracks in the paint, flaking paint over surface rust on
the drip rails, and numerous spots of bubbling.
Interior
Saddle vinyl door panels contrast with the typical VW black
hardware, including the vent that doubles as an armrest and other
than some looseness at the bottom, the panels are in decent shape.
Camel and tan vinyl bucket seats are supplied up front in decent
shape with a tear in the base of the passenger seat. The black dash
and two spoke steering wheel all show some age but it's all there,
plus an AM/FM/Cassette radio in the middle under a dash mounted fan
looking remarkably period correct. And speaking of period, there's
a Cobra CB radio on board and the microphone is connected to the
floor mounted shifter. A ribbed rubber mat covers the floor. In
back, a canvas for creativity with an artist's drafting table like
surface accompanied by a chair that was in every school in 1976. A
cord is strung on one side equipped with clothespins with which to
hang your fresh finger paint or pastel. The headliner and pop up
are in good shape with some staining and the way back wears some
well worn carpet. Windows are covered with film that doubles as
signage.
Drivetrain
In back we have a 1600cc flat four cylinder engine producing 47
horsepower with a 1-barrel carburetor and 4-speed manual
transmission. Gearing in back is 4.875 and power brakes are
provided as front power disc and rear power drum.
Undercarriage
Plenty of surface rust exists on this driver quality underside,
along with a coating of oil on the transmission. The dual exhaust
and stock style muffler are tinged by surface rust but intact while
we note some flaking rust on a frame rails and where the battery
box once was. There are a few spots where grease has accumulated,
but the knuckles are in decent condition. Suspension includes a
front torsion arms and a transverse torsion bar in back.
Drive-Ability
We grab our #4 precision brush, some gouache, and a beret and head
out into the vast unknown, or as we like to call it, our test loop.
Despite sub 100 horsepower numbers, these vans can feel not quick
per se, but spry and with the forward cab quite fun to navigate. On
our artistic adventure, we note the horn, turn signals, brake
lights, tail lights, and heater blower not working. Sacre' bleu
also, the brakes feel a bit soft too. Beyond these things, the
remaining functions worked 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.
If Bob Ross drove a VW van, it might look exactly like this. But
exterior aside, this is still a 1976 Kombi, providing somewhat of a
blank canvas for the next owner to return it to stock
configuration, create a mini camper, or whatever artistic avenues
you decide to follow! Van life is waiting and it just showed up in
a kaleidoscope covered VW!
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
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