For Sale: 1979 Volkswagen Type 2 in Morgantown, Pennsylvania

1979 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 an early VW bus, (called station wagon at the time), sales brochure.

For consignment, a 1979 Volkswagen Type 2 bus showing 44,644 miles, but the true miles are unknown. This one presents in an iconic two tone exterior and Volkswagen's infamous simple and efficient interior.

Exterior
Mistaken for no other vehicle, the distinctive Type 2 is an upright and narrow ride with a dramatic two color paint scheme, in this case Mars Red under Alpine White, augmented by white painted 14-inch wheels with chrome hubcaps and red VW logos, a nice touch. Up top is a roof rack, adding to the chrome tonnage that include front and rear bumpers, light rings, and polished twin exhaust tips underneath. Long windows create an open greenhouse and the ribbed intake ducts behind them add character to this slab sided wagon, while wheel openings that vary in size create more visual interest. It's all in very nice shape and imperfections noted include some chips that have caused exposure and surface rust, rough paint in seams, blistering over a rear wheel and various other places, evident filler patchwork near front bumper, a dent in a hubcap, and bubbling of the black detail on the bumper.

Interior
The integrated vent is a cool detail on the two front doors, but the gray vinyl door cards and white paint look like they were in a fight and lost. Things are better inside where low back bucket seats with texture weave vinyl present in good shape while the middle short bench shows some wear and we find the rear bench in decent condition. Back up front, a simple steering wheel fronts the simple dashboard with two gauges including the speedometer, faded plastic levers, and a Kenwood AM/FM/CD radio embedded in the textured black plastic. The shifter rises from the floor which is covered with a rubber mat and in back, the barren, corrugated floor is painted red and shows use. The cargo shelf in back is painted white and is dappled with surface rust that persists in the spare tire bump out.

Drivetrain
A relatively clean engine compartment holds a 2.0 liter flat four cylinder rated at 70 horsepower, fuel injected and mated to a 4-speed manual transmission keeping power in back through 4.02 gears.

Undercarriage
Surface rust prevails throughout the underside and we also note a torn axle boot and some oil under the engine. While up on the lift, we note some rust on the underside of the front doors. Meanwhile, power brakes are on board as front disc and rear drum. The dual exhaust travels a short distance through a stock style muffler and exits through tips spread wide in the back. Suspension is independent front and rear with torsion arms in front and semi trailing arms and torsion bars in back.

Drive-Ability
The experience is unique to VW buses as you're right up against the front, viewing the road through a large windshield with a commanding view of the road. The van rolls through the test loop without a hiccup, and although our consignor warned of an oil pressure light, we didn't experience it, and the VW did everything well. We note the brake lights and right wiper are not working, but 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 Santa Claus at this time of the year, this red and white dream shows up to grace our Hallowed Halls and presents itself to the market. The VW bus market remains 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.

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!