Chopping some mass from an automobile isn’t a new phenomenon in the world of custom vehicles, and we’ve featured several over the years here at Barn Finds that owners have removed a few feet from, with results ranging from not-so-good to pure eye candy. I’d have to say this 1972 VW Bus here on Facebook Marketplace leans toward the latter category, as the cut was well thought out and smoothly executed, plus it’s also got an upgraded powertrain. If you’re ready to get behind the wheel and turn a few heads, this one’s in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and can be yours today for $25,000. Hans H., thank you for finding this abridged Volkswagen T2 and sending us the tip!
The seller provides a pretty good background, noting that the conversion was originally performed in the eighties, when the VW bus was more plentiful in the marketplace. It’s also received a lot of attention recently, with more custom bodywork, fresh two-tone paint, and a few fine details that make it stand out even more on the outside. LED lights can be found outback, with the front halogen headlights featuring integrated turn signals. The handle has been shaved off the passenger-side door, and those custom wheels work pretty well for this particular application.
One good thing about choosing this VW to shorten is that there’s no driveshaft cutting involved, so that’s one less detail to worry about. I was expecting to find a stock engine in the rear compartment, but that area has been customized as well, with that component removed and replaced with a 145 cubic-inch flat-six sourced from a 1962 Chevrolet Corvair. Commonly known as the pancake, this one’s also air-cooled and seems right at home here. It’s connected to a 2-speed Powerglide automatic, which is said to have just had the fluid changed. Other recent mechanical services reported include a carburetor rebuild, a fresh tune-up, and a remanufactured starter installed.
Most of the interior is more subdued, but it looks very clean, so it’s probably adequate as is unless you’re envisioning additional custom touches. One thing I noticed is that the roof sheet metal is exposed, and a black headliner might be a welcome touch here. However, that can be done anytime, and fortunately, this one seems road-ready for the next owner with little else required. I’m liking how this one turned out, and would consider this 1972 VW a success story in the chop field. How about you?
I’m waiting for a shortened limo to be featured here.
Don’t take any turns too fast..or by God hit a curb on a corner 😲
Didn’t see any working brake lights on the
facebook video. That could get you an even shorter VW.
Brings all new meaning to the term “short bus”.
Unsafe at Any Speed
$25,000 for this?
Maybe for an uncut model. To me, they not only cut a few feet off, but $10,000 or more in value.
Cute, but I think I’d be afraid to drive it. The wheelbase is so short it looks unstable. I expect it would be unmanageable and darty at speed – a rollover waiting to happen.
Great fun as long as getting attention is more important to you than other stuff… like living. I’d think the driving experience would be very un-fun…nerve-racking in fact. I guess a super short pitman arm would help, but it would still be only marginally better than standing on the top step of a 6 ft. step ladder in the back of a moving pickup.
Buy this,and as they say “You’ll be first on scene in a head on collision”.
You will get there about 10 minutes before the ambulance.
Hit the brakes too hard and you’ll be examining the pavement up close and personal.
Overly aggressive asking price, it may be unique, but that has little to do with desirability. Shortening cars went out of style a couple of decades ago, it was a bit of a fad in the 1970’s, but was still fringe. This car might appeal to someone looking for a car that will draw attention at a coffee and cars, but those buyers tend to be bargain shoppers, the $25,000 asking price will go along ways towards killing any interest.
Steve R.
An LS swap would satisfy all of the remaining unsafety checks.
Instead of Scooby-Doos Mystery Machine this could be dubbed as the Death Machine!
I’ve never understood the attraction to the roller skate look. Maybe they need to shorten the asking price too🤔
Reminds me of the old microbus that you put on a LP and it went around playing the album. The tall front wheel opening and the short rear looks odd to me, I would of raised the rears to match the front.
ill bet the ride isn’t comparable to the 74 SM I owned back when they were nascent to the market.
No.
I think that the owner is trying to make the best out of a monstrosity that he ended up with. In that case it looks ok. But I think that it was a bad idea to start with.
I’ve owned and driven a lot of VWs over the years including a couple of Buses. I once drove a shortened Bus that belonged to a guy I met at a car show. I just drove it around the show area and the block. I wouldn’t want to own one but it was fun to drive.
So having less costs more? Must be the new math again.
Ask Porsche.
It is really cute and the work is high quality! I’m not so sure of its handling ability. Its a great vehicle for Sunday coffee meets where it would bring many smiles!!
Didn’t they build one of these on Gas Monkey Garage? I remember that they said it was pretty much undrivable and more for show .
The Corvair engine was a popular swap back in the 70’s. A friend put one in an uncut bus and that thing would lift the front wheels off the ground in 1st & 2nd. That, however led to the early demise of the stock transmission. I don’t recall what he did with it after that, teenagers….
Can you say ” dangerous”?
A friend of mine built 2 of these . the first one was red , he built it just cause he wanted to , and to show off at local car shows. The second one was for his son , painted purple. Yes they were fun to drive , And if did not get to crazy with it they were safe . He also would build custom trikes as well. The most unique one was made from a VW station wagon cut down and narrowed , with a trailer behind it made from a coffin. Him and his wife were in few parades with it .
i’m thinkin it came like this’n he did the cosmetics over, light on the mechanicals & is (almost) flippin something been a ‘BF’?
Nice workmanship but this thing looks like it could roll backing out of a parking spot.