Fascinating: like the classic Volkswagen Beetle, the Bay Window design of the classic VW Bus continued to be manufactured in Brazil years after its retirement in the U.S. We have noticed an uptick in vehicles from these later years of production making their way to the U.S. from South America, but this is one of the first diesel-powered VWs I can recall coming up for sale. Easily recognized thanks to its prominent front radiator, installed by VW to accommodate the rear-mounted 1600cc water-cooled diesel engine, they were fairly short-lived in Brazil and sought-after today for their durable drivetrains. Find this imported example here on Facebook Marketplace for $18,900.
The diesel-powered Buses were a mixed bag in terms of the driving experience. Yes, the engines were robust in terms of construction, but the cooling system design introduced numerous issues that could lead to an untimely end. Running coolant lines the length of the Bus from that prominent radiator to the rear-mounted engine simply introduces the possibility of leaks developing that the driver doesn’t notice until it’s too late. Of course, knowing this is a potential fault, air-cooled fanatics can simply be vigilant in monitoring changes in engine temperature and never ignore a leak of they see coolant on the ground.
As you can see in the photos, this Bus sports a variety of modifications. The phone dial wheels are Porsche inspired, but I’m not sure if they are OEM Porsche alloys off of a car like the 928. The two-piece style construction with the exposed rivets was never a feature of the OEM wheels, so these are likely reproductions. The seats are standard-issue bucket seats from another vehicle; which one specifically, we don’t know. Still, they are likely significantly more comfortable and adjustable than the original buckets. The interior itself looks to be in good order, with a more modern dash than we’re used to seeing in older Buses. This is a cargo-style setup, so no seats in the back.
Here’s the issue with this diesel-powered Bus (and really, anything else like it:) you have to let it live within its limits. A 52 horsepower diesel with no turbocharger is going to feel agricultural at best. If you reside somewhere that doesn’t require reaching highway speeds, this Bus will be a treat to putz around in; however, if any part of your journey requires regular visits to a busy road with speeds above 45 miles per hour, I suspect your ownership experience will be short-lived! Still, it’s a seriously cool piece of air-cooled history, and I doubt many others are in the U.S. at this time.
Es hat einen Dieselmotor, you know, growing up, I was brainwashed into thinking the Germans were such monsters, a fallacy that took generations to erase. Truth be known, Germany only reached the heights they did because they were hard working, punctual and loyal. We could learn a lesson from them.
This is just so wrong on so many fronts. A liquid ( not water) cooled motor in the BACK? And that barnacle hanging off the front,,and a diesel? I’d have to think a step backwards, as by ’81, the gas job was refined enough, it did a good job. I think this is reverting back to the 40hp days. AND,,,typically, diesel fuel is more expensive today, so this particular VW bus is not for me.
Nice bus. One note… The bolt pattern on the VW busses is the same as many European cars. We put many Mercedes wheels on VW busses and they really upgrade them.
I’m sorry…… But…… I personally think that this is a cool unique looking bus. Yes the front add on is a bit weird, but you have to hand it to VW for keeping an existing, well paid off platform and pulling off this Diesel version. Love the rims and stance too. I don’t know how this runs, what the motors specs are ( at what rpm its torque peaks), or the gearing ( is top gear an overdrive?) But if its empty or 2 people on board I’d wager it has enough torque to at least get you to 55. I’m sure as Jeff pointed out 45 is probably a very comfortable cruising speed for it. But if you live somewhere that you can avoid interstates this would be fun to hop into and take for a spin. Cool write up Jeff I like it, great find!!!
That would be an outstanding fishing van…throw the rods in the back and drive the 7 miles to the fishing hole.