This 1972 Volkswagen “Bay Window” Bus is described as a barn find that’s just begging to be restored, and from what we can see in the pictures, that doesn’t seem far off. The bay windows are typically less desirable than their split-screen siblings, which usually translates into them being cheaper to buy. That’s certainly the case here, as $5,500 will buy you a Bus that last ran in 2008 and looks reasonably solid despite its hiatus from the road. And how many are these are left with the original VW emblem still attached to the nose? Find the Bus here on craigslist near Springfield, MO.

The Bus looks quite original, still wearing its original hubcaps and possibly two-tone paint scheme, as this was the factory look when the Bus was new. Check out the antique stickers in the back rear side glass – I wonder what bands or places they represent. The Bus still has curtains hung in the window, so it seems likely this one was used for camping despite not being a desirable pop-top model. The tin top Buses are actually more appealing in some ways given the lack of complexity and better chance of water not sneaking in past the giant hole in the ceiling. Plus, you can port over all of the Campmobile pieces to the inside to get 90 percent of the experience at a much lower price point.

The seller shows a few different angles of the lower sills and floors, and it all looks reasonably solid . I don’t know if this picture of the front floor underneath the floormat should reveal anything particularly telling, but there’s no gaping holes to stick your fist through. There’s some rust along the lower edges of the body, but again, nothing catastrophic, and the completeness of the interior suggests this Bus never went down the slippery slope of becoming someone’s permanent home on wheels. The front passenger cabin looks very straight in pictures and the seller notes the dash isn’t cracked, which does seem to confirm long-term indoor storage.

The 1700 engine last ran in 2008 with no confirmation by the seller as to whether it still turns over freely. The engine bay looks slightly tired, but as long as the rodents haven’t moved in during its hiatus from the road, it shouldn’t be too difficult to get it to fire once again. The Bus also features its original windows, and appears to have the optional roof-mounted HVAC controls. The headliner is also in good shape, as is the rear seat and door panels. Bay windows are a great value compared to the earlier models, especially without the Westfalia tax. This one looks like it is, indeed, worthy of restoring – do you agree?