1967 Volkswagen Microbus |

Sold

1967 Volkswagen Microbus

Sold Price

£29,892

Mileage~44,200
TransmissionManual
Engine1.5L
LocationBlackpool

SOLD

1967 Volkswagen Microbus

I WANT ONE

Introduction

Glyn Parry

Professional Consigner

This is the original multi-purpose vehicle - an original 221 VW Microbus.

There are not many vehicles out there that are so instantly recognisable. However the sum of its parts go beyond the image as just a leisure vehicle, its roots are deeply encased as a practical vehicle created to transport goods or people. Based on the Beetle, the first incarnation of the van left the factory in 1949. Known officially as the Type 2, Volkswagen seized on its potential for export markets. Its qualities of reliability, practicality and a low price made it a very appealing commodity across the world.

By the time the sixties arrived, the van had become something of a symbol for the counter-culture, further etching its place into history. With this epitome of cool and having established a durable reputation, the desirability of the original Type 2 Split screen vans particularly in passenger form soon gained momentum. Prices for decent passenger models started to climb as early as the '70s and by the '90s the 'Splitty' was firmly priced in the classic car category.

This rust-free 1967 Californian Volkswagen Microbus has been recently imported and then restored to a very high standard in the UK, with a stack of paperwork to go with it. Finished in near original spec, it has a handful of details that could still surprise the most ardent of VW fans. Quite simply a stunning example, which will melt your heart.

This auction listing was written from information supplied by Glyn after meeting Gerard the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

Part of the attraction of the VW was the hunt of finding a potential project to keep me occupied - I love it.

Gerald took the bus on as a project to restore, as like many other classic car people, tends to get a kick out of the 'doing' rather than the 'owning'. He has used well known VW specialists and well as trusted suppliers and restorers to bring it up to scratch. It simply means that the next owner has peace of mind knowing that this bus has been restored to a high standard.

Gerald

Vehicle Owner

Gerald saved £5,220* when they
sold their VW with us.

SELLING MADE EASY

We'll take the photos & create the listing.
We'll market it to our 62K buyers & online.
You'll keep your car until it's paid for.

PEACE OF MIND FOR BUYERS

They can fully review our cars online.
They can buy on our trusted platform.
They're able to buy without leaving home.

LEARN MORE

EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

Restored to a high standard - Gerald's attention to detail is exceptional.

Wheels and Tyres

The wheels and tyres are very nicely presented, the white-wall Mojave SR tyres show well above legal limit, and have no signs of cracking or significant abuse. The steel wheels are literally like new and are finished off with some suitably painted hubs.

Bodywork

For a vehicle that has been shipped over from California, and then stripped and restored to a high standard, you can expect no nasty surprises within.

The panel work looks straight throughout, with care taken on the repositioning of the doors.

Here at Trade Classics we like to go through the vehicles with a fine-tooth comb, and as a result, our consigner could only find a minor small ding on the near-side rear of the roof, which clearly was on the van prior to its extensive restoration.

The floor pan is unbelievably clean and all the doors open and close well, with just a little resistance from the front passenger door.

Paint

The paint has been applied with good coverage throughout and of a high standard. There is no evidence of overspray or runs on the body and has clearly been undertaken by professionals taking a lot of care.

Glass and Trim

Overall the glass in good condition, it looks original and as result, there are a few minor marks here and there, most noticeably on the rear boot hatch.

The trim has been beautifully prepared, the attention to detail carried out on this bus makes the difference.

VIEW ALL

INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

The interior is near perfect, yet it has a couple of its original features that will make you smile.

Seats and Carpets

The seats have been completely renewed, and are described as new. They have been renovated to a high standard and set the interior off nicely.

The back boot carpet is a fairly thin piece of fabric, which could potentially be replaced by something a little thicker and luxurious, but has the benefit of insulation underneath it.

The floor is covered by a hardwearing sheet, which also has insulation underneath it. The front seat tip forward to reveal an unused spare tyre.

Dashboard

The dashboard is simplicity itself, so there's not much to remark on, other than its decent condition with no wear or damage.

One lovely touch is that the speedometer which has been left as original, and therefore not been subject to renovation. All other items, including the washer fluid bottle, are functional although the radio is not working.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

There's not much to say about the steering wheel and gear stick, simplicity is key! Both are in good condition and we noticed that he steering wheel has been painted white at some point.

Interior trim

The headlining is new and unmarked. It is also worth pointing out that the interior fixings, including the door cards have been replaced, renewed and restored to an excellent level.

Being picky, there are a couple of minor issues, one of the side door trims appears to be missing a piece of trim, and it needs a sill plate into the rear cabin.

The rear is fitted with two fire extinguishers and some lovely period window slider locks. Another item that shows the attention to detail is the inclusion of the original California issue registration plate above the front passengers fresh air duct tunnel - a neat touch.

VIEW ALL

'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

The mechanical aspects of this VW cannot be faulted - great work Gerald.

Engine and Gearbox

The engine presentation is close to faultless. It started up with no issues, the distinctive flat-four firing up with glory, obviously with no signs of overheating and the oil pressure light going off when it should.

We saw no signs of leaks.

Along with the rest of the bus, the engine has received the attention of restoration specialists, so there shouldn't be any immediate issue with its running or reliability. It also has had a new battery.

Suspension and Brakes

All of the running gear has seen a complete overhaul, with the brakes and suspension components being part of the restoration.

The Drive

The whole thing about the Microbus isn't the speed or the finesse of the journey, but all about the arrival and the impression one would make once you get there.

Realistically the 1.5-litre single port engine is not known for its gutsy pace, but the sound of the distinctive wuffle on a country road, as you pass waving cyclists, really make up for its lack of mechanical aggression.

Electrics and Other

The electrical system would have been renewed during the restoration but just one issue to have been noted, namely the non-functioning radio. It should make for a straight forward investigation project for someone looking to tinker prior to the summer. All external electrics are said to be in working order.

VIEW ALL

History and Paperwork

The Microbus has lived its life swanning around in the Californian sun.

Imported into the UK in 2019, and then subjected to a complete top to bottom restoration, there isn't much in terms of evidence of its former life in California, but it does come with plenty of paperwork which shows much of the work carried out on the bus. T

The chassis plate number confirms that this is a German-made Microbus - 1967 LHD US Spec Microbus.

M Plate Reading
18 0
125 026 114 139
MA 2212 381383 7043962

Decoding
18 0 (manufactured 18th Oct)
125 (Michelin X steel radial tires) / 026 (Activated charcoal. vapor canister) 114 (6 popout side windows) /139 Sealed beam headlamps, red tail light lenses
MA (USA, Los Angeles) / 221 Microbus, cargo doors right, left hand drive, full middle seat / 2 (Nitro-Lacquer finish) 38 (Velvet Green (lower)) /
13 (Pearl white (upper)) / 83 (Grey (door trim))
7 (VIN number start is 1967)

It should be pointed out the vehicle is exempt from an MOT.