Make: | Volkswagen |
Model: | Bus/Vanagon |
SubModel: | Camper |
Type: | Van Camper |
Trim: | Westfalia |
Year: | 1969 |
Mileage: | 39,999 |
VIN: | 239031258 |
Color: | Red |
Cylinders: | 4 |
Transmission: | Manual |
Drive type: | RWD |
Vehicle Title: | Clear |
Item location: | Worcester, Massachusetts, United States |
Up until now I used to always wonder who the heck would sell their bus, and now unfortunately due to some other priorities I am now one of those people :( Long story short I am trying to pursue a new venture and therefore I need to sell the last of my toys. With that said, you now have an opportunity to own an AMAZING bus. I have an enormous amount of pictures and a handful of videos in the link below, so you can be confident in what you’re getting. I bought the bus after only seeing 12 pictures and based on some stories people have told me I got very lucky… AKA if you’re buying online make sure to get plenty of pics and videos of her running! Overseas buyers are welcome, it has a title so shipping overseas will not be an issue.
See here for all the additional pics, videos, etc:https://drive.google.com/open?id=0BzHfMgq6fhkAM1NMVXFjd29od3M
This is an extremely solid, and very early production Bay Window bus. I spent a long time looking for a pre 1970 bus, these early ones are getting near impossible to find especially in solid, original, unmolested condition. Restored busses can be found anywhere and will always be available. Original Westfalia campers are getting more and more rare. This has a story and character which can never be duplicated with a restoration. In my opinion this is the best year bus to own for a Bay Window. It is their second year of production, which means kinks were worked out, it’s still a 60’s bus, it has the pop top roof, and it has the simple bullet proof upright engine.
This is not a New England subjected to the abuse of winter, it’s a dry desert bus from Oklahoma which means it’s very very solid and rust free. Body is very straight. The common areas where these get rust issues are for the most part perfect. Inside the wheel wells are perfect and clean, rust and rot free. Around the windshield is fantastic. The back corners are fantastic. The nose is great, as well as the lower nose. The dog legs and lower front doors are perfect. This particular bus also came equipped with a factory belly pan on it… anybody that knows VW’s knows that these are almost always rotted out; this one is still there and it’s perfect. The heater tube is also hooked up which you do not often see. Floors in the cargo area and engine area are all perfect as well. Engine compartment is beautiful clean and shiny. The only areas that I can see any rust are the battery tray and front floors. Both very common and simple fixes, but not something that needs to be addressed to use, and nothing that shows on the body. See pictures. Both the sliding door and the rocker for the sliding door are perfect, and the door slides as smooth as a brand new mini van door would; this is pretty important to look for as it’s a common problem spot and very difficult to repair. Front doors close tight, line up great, and hinges are solid. The drip rail AKA rain gutter is also in great shape. The bus still has all of the original German factory stickers, stamps, tag plates, and logos throughout.
As you will also see the interior is also in excellent condition. Has the original upholstery on both the fold down z bed and the jump seat which is in great condition. The cabinetry is in great shape. Plenty of storage. Carpet is clean and looks great. Curtains are in good shape. Still has the original mosquito net for the back hatch, and doesn’t even have a tear in it! It also still has the child cot which goes across the front seats, and in great shape. The pop top itself is in great shape with no cracks, etc, but I guess you could call it as project phase; the hardware for the top is there but the canvas was torn up pretty good so it was removed, but new canvas can be replaced with ease for +/- $250 bucks depending on the style you want. This year camper also came equipped with an adult sized overhead cot that would be used when the top is popped up, and yes it is still there. This bus also has the fold out table which is in great shape. One of my favorite things about these busses are the jalousie windows that crank out, which come in very handy when you’re camping and want to leave windows open during the rain. Up front in the cockpit of the bus is also in great shape. Dash board is mint all around. All the buttons and knobs are there. Glove box is in mint shape. Seats are in great shape. Door panels are great. Original rubber floor mat is great. Has a modern CD player installed but not currently functional, believe a fuse was blown while cranking some Pink Floyd – but who needs tunes when you have a beautiful engine purring behind you! Ash tray is in great shape and hopefully used plenty over the years, after all it is a bus!
Engine, transmission, brakes, tires, electrical? Yes, all work fantastic! The engine runs great and looks great, and the oil is clean and where it should be. Starts right up and idles fantastic, no smoking, odd noises, etc. Transmission and clutch are great, no slipping, grinding, or popping out of gear. Headlights, high beams, blinkers, hazards, tail lights, brake lights, parking lights… ALL WORK. Wipers work. Horn works. Interior lights work. Speedometer had issues the last time I used it, needle bouncing back and forth up to 90 MPH, yes I was sober, and no a bus will not do 90, which leads me to believe it’s not working. Also it being a bus I would never rely on the gas gauge, FYI. Windows go up and down, pop out windows open and close as they should. E-Brake works great, and tires are in great shape. I purchased from a church group that used it for weekend retreat type getaways, so it’s not something that was sitting unused for years. It’s been used regularly over the years which speaks to its reliability. A frequently used classic vehicle is the kind you want, not something that’s been sitting with no maintenance being done. I have some receipts for misc maintenance- tune up, brakes lines, etc that I will send with the bus. Yes, it has the original VW seatbelts and is child friendly!
My hopes are that whoever buys this will appreciate its originality and keep it exactly as is. It is a great conversation starter and everyone will surely be amazed when they see it. The only flaw is that your hand is going to be sore because of all the high fives!
Please look at all the pictures and videos. As you’d expect it probably does have a couple tiny dings, scratches, etc, its close to 50 years old. If you want any additional or specific pictures please let me know, but I’m confident that you’ll see everything you would possibly want if you follow the link as it has a ton of pics of everything. For those of you that have never owned a classic car please do your research, this bus is fantastic but I don’t want somebody to buy this and expect it to drive like a 2017 VW Jetta. It is a classic antique vehicle that is a ton of fun to drive and like any classic on the road it will have its quirks. That said, this bus is a great way to get into your first classic car- its reliable, iconic, priced well, very collectable, and arguably one of the most simple cars to work on in history. Everybody you meet will have a story they want to share with you, and the VW community is very large and friendly should you ever need a hand. Just to be clear, the camping accessories and whatnot that are shown in the pictures with the bus are not included, and obviously it is sold in as is condition. I have also promised the small stool to a friend for letting me use his garage, so that stays with the accessories. Current mileage on the bus shows 30 something thousand miles, Local inspections are welcomed and encouraged, but please do so prior to bidding. $1,000 deposit via Paypal is due within 24 hours and is non refundable. The remainder of the balance must be made via wire transfer, cash in person, check (upon clearing)... wire is easiest and therefore preferred. Full payment due within 7 days. Paypal just charges too much in fees for me to accept full payment on. Shipping cost is buyer's responsibility. Willing to work with shipping company to help coordinate pickup. I am an honest guy and will answer any questions you have. I truly want the buyer to enjoy this bus and be very happy with what they get. Buy it now is priced very fair, nothing else comparable for the $18K range. I know the buy it now option disappears early for some reason so if it’s not there and you would like to buy it now rather than take a chance bidding please just send me a message. Bus is for sale locally as well and has been generating a lot of interest, therefore I reserve the right to end the auction early for a local buyer.