The market for air-cooled VW wagons has been pretty hot for some time. We’ve all seen the absolutely crazy prices paid for a clean survivor or restored example; the more windows it has, the more the price tag increases. Recently, we’ve also seen an influx of South American-made Buses coming into the U.S. marketplace, looking all the world like the ones you see at Barrett-Jackson trading in the low six figures. Some enthusiasts scoff at these examples, indicating there’s a split between the Brazil-built unit and a German-made Samba. What do you think – is this one a better deal at $39,500 and listed here on eBay?
I haven’t gone through all the ways a real-deal Bus built in Europe is superior to one from South America, but I’m sure there are numerous air-cooled enthusiasts out there who know the differences down to every last detail. Frankly, most passers-by likely won’t know the difference, and will just smile at the two-tone Bus with curtains in the window, slightly envious of the owner who’s headed to a bonfire on the beach or to go surfing with some pals. Or maybe the grocery store. It doesn’t matter; the point is, you could get 90 percent of the experience for a better than 50 percent discount.
Quality concerns? Let’s not kid ourselves; you’re not exactly comparing a Rolls-Royce to a Yugo. An air-cooled anything is going to be pretty similar in terms of the driving experience, which is to say it will be slow and steady no matter its country of origin. This example looks quite nice inside, with clean upholstery and seemingly corrosion-free doors and sills. Now, to me, the biggest question is what are you actually buying? What was the history of this Bus before it arrived stateside? There’s a bit of risk there as it’s not like this classic VW will come with a CarFax report, and you can’t exactly track down the previous owner. The seller claims it was repainted many years ago and that stress cracks are evident.
The engine is said to run well and the seller has tackled some proactive maintenance, including replacement of the fuel lines, rear wheel cylinders and brake shoes, and had the carburetor rebuilt. Issues include a horn that isn’t currently “…hooked up” and a non-functioning oil pressure light. The Bus will come with a clean California title, which hopefully means it’s easy to register in a new state. The listing notes some original documents from the previous owner in Brazil will be included, so hopefully, you can piece together some of the VW’s past should you give it a new home. What say you: a cheaper Brazil-built Bus or more cash for the “real” thing?
Nice. The price of fun is too high on these but they are undeniably unique.
I am lucky enough to own a 66 German built split single cab..and would be very happy with a Brazil made VW. There is a lot of stupid snobbery in the car hobby IMHO and these South American built VW’s are the latest target. I went through it with my 914 Porsche ..” It’s just a VW” amd friends went through it with “Ferrari” Dinos..”It’s really a FIAT!” ( who who is laughing now as they sell for nearly half a million!) I bet these are just as good as their German counterparts ( I also have Mexican Built VW Thing..just as good as it German cousin)..Time for everyone to get off their high horse and anjoy,NICE BUS!!!!!
Beautiful looking VW Bus. I don’t get why some vehicles made in South America are sold here in the USA, while others aren’t.
There are a lot of vehicles being sold elsewhere that won’t meet federal standards for emissions or safety. Or they don’t think it will appeal to enough people or cut into their high profit sales. My pet peeve in this category is the lack of a true small pickup truck in the states. Toyota still makes and sells a lot of there older style, truely small pickups (think the1989 body style) in lots of countries. It’s a sad state of affairs when my 91 Toyota pickup gets better gas mileage then any truck they sell in this country.
Look up Chicken Tax.
You are 400% right on about the need for a small pickup. The last small Tacoma was 2004, and I’m lucky enough to have one. Absolutely love it (previously owned a similar 83 Toyota, a similar Isuzu, and a similar Mitsubishi). I don’t think a day goes by that someone doesn’t roll down their automatic window and ask me if I want to sell my “little” truck.
These trucks suit my needs perfectly. I’m not transporting 4-5-6 people. I do actually put “stuff” in the bed, and get it dirty, and I DO park in normal sized spots, without hogging two or more spaces. I have never ever needed 4WD. I guess that is necessary when you get your monster truck stuck in the flower bed at the mall.
Hello to all fans of vw air cooled! I’m from Brazil and I make myself available to find vehicles and parts for these admirable cars.
beto_jundiai@uol.com.br
For the highest quality Brasilian buses check out http://www.overlandimports.com. We do not flip as-is Brasilian buses. Only nut and bolt restorations and custom jobs to our spec and standards. We sell the 6 figure buses at Barrett Jackson and we are the only company that adds Belly pans to Brasilian buses.