Frame Off Restored 23 Window Kombi Bus 1500 cc Benco 4 Speed Safari Rear Window

SUMMARY

There's nothing quite like a Volkswagen Microbus. In the '60s, these psychedelic 'hippie vans' provided a means of escapism. In the '90s, reborn as stanced 'splitties', they brought refreshing change to the crowded hot rod community. And now, thanks to low production numbers and perpetually high demand, well-done Type 2s are providing investors with a rock-solid place to park some serious money. The beneficiary of a professional rotisserie restoration, this 23-window Kombi is a highly desirable rarity that affords one lucky VW enthusiast the ultimate opportunity to own an appreciating classic. If you're looking for some of the coolest, most unique and most valuable metal your money can buy, welcome to the 'people's car'!

HISTORY/APPEARANCE

Produced from 1949 to 1967, the first generation of the Volkswagen bus was originally intended as a basic cargo hauler. After much success and growing demand, Wolfsburg realized the full potential of their comfortable people mover and, in 1951, began producing a model called the Deluxe. Considered the ultimate transporter by many Volkswagen enthusiasts, the Deluxe would soldier on for almost 20 years, creating an automotive icon that, in terms of collectability, is matched by few other classics.

The beneficiary of a detailed, concours-level restoration that included many authentic German components, this awesome Deluxe is about as close to "ultimate" as a classic can get. That rebuild, conducted by KAO Auto Styling of Las Vegas, Nevada, began with a solid body that was completely stripped, mounted to a rotisserie and worked for countless hours. Once those panels were super tight and exceptionally straight, smooth Pearl White and Mouse Gray 2-stage was rubbed to a mirror-like shine. And the end result is one extremely nostalgic collectable that exhibits classy, era-correct aesthetics.

Known for its aerodynamic shape, the Type 2 incorporates a split windscreen and large, cast aluminum "VW" emblem above a sweeping V-line fascia that forms the basis for its entire design. At the front of the bus, cool Safari windows shade chrome-trimmed headlights, opposing wipers, bullet-style parking lamps and a correctly guarded bumper. Behind that bumper, polished Deluxe trim perfectly complements simple door handles and old school mirrors. Those mirrors reflect a plethora of German greenhouse glass that's capped by an ornate luggage rack and NOS German cloth. And behind that cloth, a rare Safari backlite shades a lockable hatch, clean tail lamps and a second guarded bumper.

ENGINE

Like its Beetle brethren, the Transporter is powered by an air-cooled, rear-mounted 4-cylinder that makes noise and fumes nearly non-existent for front passengers. Raise the hatch and you'll find a balanced and rebuilt boxer motor that clocks in at exactly 1,500 cubic centimeters. While modest, that upgraded powerplant is perfectly capable of maintaining safe highway speeds as it frequently achieves almost 30 MPG on stoplight-free, cross-country treks. At the top of the pint-size block, a vintage air filter pipes wind into a 1-barrel Solex carburetor. Below that carb, a fresh Bosch coil sparks a traditional points distributor that's equipped with authentic German plug wires. And in front of that distributor, a pliable German belt spins a fully rebuilt generator. Aesthetically, the engine bay is clean, road ready and virtually flawless. The uniquely gated motor fires instantly and idles well thanks to upgraded 12-volt electronics. And, based on sound and appearance, it'll likely putter along forever!

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

Since Type 1 Beetle pans proved too weak for the Type 2 Transporter, Volkswagen engineered a new ladder chassis with unit-body construction. That said; because the Type 2's wheelbase was the same as the Type 1's, engineers reused the Type 1 reduction gear, enabling this relatively large vehicle to get good performance out of a relatively efficient engine. At the front of the bus, rebuilt drum brakes sit at the edges of a completely rebuilt independent suspension. At the back of the bus, a professionally rebuilt Benco 4-speed hangs between new exhaust manifolds and two more rebuilt drums. Power meets the pavement through 15-inch painted steel wheels, which spin 165R15 Coker Classic whitewalls around "VW" stamped hubcaps. And every part of this Volkswagen's undercarriage is detailed to show-ready condition, including the car's factory-correct, body-matched belly pans.

Open this rare people mover's curved doors and you'll find acres of tasteful Basalt Gray and Silver Beige plaid upholstery. All three rows of seats, including one original unit, have been completely finished to a pristine state. Above those seats, a tight headliner frames chrome hardware, a simple mirror and a small, Pearl White console. At the sides of that headliner, 2-tone door panels mix bright chrome handles with straight stainless trim. Below those panels, German square-weave carpet complements original-style floor mats. At the front of the van, a Pearl White dash hangs a new church key below simple VDO telemetry, slick RetroSound audio and a Deluxe-exclusive VDO Kienzle clock. In front of the driver, a restored steering wheel spins a monochromatic horn button above an original-style shifter. And behind the passengers, a carpeted cargo area features polished jail bars.

This stunning, 23-window Microbus is a fully restored, fully sorted classic that's poised for many years of fun and appreciation. As some of the most desirable metal on the market, it oozes the kind of personality that's only found in '60s-era specialty cars. If you're looking for a blue chip collectable that's as unique as it is exclusive, you've found your next cruiser!