Thankfully, some of the insanity around air-cooled VW Buses has seemingly calmed down. Like so many other vehicles that get white-hot for a moment, there’s a period when even terrible examples still fetch crazy money, and you have to feel bad for those buyers that end up with a mess for not insignificant cash. The best examples of the Microbus will still continue to get good money, especially the 21-window models, but basketcase examples like this 15-window model are definitely selling for more down-to-earth prices. Find it listed here on eBay with lots of rust, no engine or transmission, and half of the glass missing, with bidding up to $1,675 and no reserve.
Still, there’s certainly value in the parts alone given it’s unlikely that enthusiasts will cease restoring decent examples any time soon. When I sold three split-window Buses out of the large Georgia collection I’m helping to liquidate, the buyer fully intended to part out all of the rare trim and interior pieces for more than the cost of the Buses, which were also quite rough like this one. Whereas a few years ago a potential buyer may have thought there was value in restoring and flipping it, nowadays one as rusty as this is unlikely to return to road-going use. It’s a shame about the dented nose panel – it could’ve been a good front clip for a Bus enthusiast.
The interior is destroyed, with rust in the floors and virtually no upholstery or any trim of meaningful use left. The seller calls this an “….original German Bus” which makes me wonder if this is a gray-market example, which may increase the desirability factor slightly (very slightly) if there are some items specific to the Euro-spec versions that U.S. models didn’t receive. Who knows, but I also can’t be sure it would make a difference given there’s not much left to pull off of this hulk that I could see having any value. The first Bus I thought of when seeing this one is in Oklahoma is the buried Bus that was a former tornado shelter we featured here a few years back.
Incredibly, the tornado shelter Bus that was literally buried in the mud had far, far less rust than this example, and all of its windows. I’m not sure where this Bus lived before or what happened to it, but it seems straight-up abused considering the amount of rust, dents, and completely trashed cabin that this example has. For many years, these were not at all desirable specimens and always one step away from becoming a homeless encampment, so it’s not surprising to see the occasional example that looks past the point of saving. Still, there’s more than one bidder in the room, which begs the question as to whether this 15-window Bus can be saved.
I just can’t imagine someone restoring this van. You would definitely be upside down on the cost of the restoration, even doing most of the work yourself. The current bid is $1725.00, and I’m not even sure if there are enough parts there to cover that. I am a VW fan, but I just don’t see it here.
best thing if you live close to a river take this pile of junk and bury it on the bank to stop erosion were gutless when new and thats a fact
I do not understand the desire that some people have with vdubs. They don’t do anything for me at all. I would never ever pay large money for any vdub. Now this rusted out piece of crap should be thrown into a large hole and buried.
The bidding is at 5100.00 dollars with 23 hours to go.
Rough!!!! If you soda blast it there may not be anything left to weld to!!!
Hope whoever the buyer is that their tetanus shots are up to date.
I’m holding out for a even rustier 23 window.
Just add a VIN
https://classicsteelbody.com/products/complete-steel-body
exactly that is what the vin is for (legally). AN yes it is a bid philosophically if it still is “originally ” if you fix the old body or replace the body with after market or original factory.
Also consider -With “original” – were do you go with hand made classics, if you have the capability to make a panel by hand yourself?
What do you say is it original or is it not? just because it was not handmade in a particular location. I wonder
misterlou has the best idea. After you’ve spent more than $17,000 you could have been miles ahead with a new body. Unfortunately it’s a kit car (van) after that. Question: after you have replaced 75% of the original panels is it STILL original ?
I laugh when I see the prices paid for these multi-window rust buckets. For those paying said prices you had better saddle up because this fad will eventually pass and go the way of the “pet rock”.
If you can’t beat them, join them, I’m in for TEN GRAND!!!,,,,( awed hush as bottle hits floor), had this been an actual bid, someone please call 911,,,In this crazy world, that curved back glass is probably worth it alone. Fun to sit back and see just how out of whack this will go. I know, Joe, it’s their money, but it cuts out the people that might enjoy these things, that are struggling to pay for their mortgage/rent/health care these days.
SOLD! Darn. I bet one of those fancy pants flippers bought it.
Steering wheel seems nice…
Needs a monster truck to drive over it and put it out of it’s misery. Maybe just a bicycle could crush it.
Graft the (apparently less rusty) roof and windows, to a more promising but less interesting and valuable standard split-window VW. But only if you could get it for under $1000 – which you can’t. I have owned and enjoyed VW buses. They are charming and fun. No bus is worth more than $50K in my opinion – my buddy spent over $100K for his. At the end of the day, it can’t keep up on Southern CA freeways, and heaven help you if the wind is blowing or a semi passes you or you get in a front end wreck or you don;t check the fuel lines for leaks every 60 days (ask me how I know about that). Great cars – would own one for fun. Would never pay the market prices today. They were fun when they were under $10K
The front end of it is perfect for a mancave
Cut it off , make the apropriate mounting tabs , wire the lights to a movement detector and sit and enjoy , i did it with a 67 firebird front end and a 68 camaro rear , its been a conversation piece ever since , a few friends have already mentioned that they will gladly store them for me when the time comes …
Sold for $7200.00 ???? WHY???
You ask why it sold for sooo much money
Easy answer , for more money
A good vin and title to help a stolen or salvage unit is often done
I have seen it at many big auctions where totalled cars are bought only for vins