The term “dual treasure chest” may not hold much relevance outside of industries that chase pirate booty, but in the Volkswagen world, it’s a big deal when it comes to old pickup trucks. This 1962 Volkswagen Single Cab pickup would be desirable on its own simply for being one of the harder to find air-cooled Bus variants out there, but the treasure chests – which refer to the doors that swing open on either side of the bed, affording an impressive amount of hidden storage – increase the attraction even further for VW fanatics. Find this nicely patin’d single cab pickup here on craigslist for $20,000 in Colorado.
I am not one to “cheer” for some of the insane prices old VW campers and Buses command, but I do like the variety of desirable features this old pickup has. The patina is pretty great, as you would never have to paint this pickup. The color is likely original based on the color of the dash, but there’s some primer peeking through the finish. It’s a working rig, so the roughneck finish works. The painted bumpers work as well, as chrome assemblies would be too fancy for a rig like this. The VW also sports pop-out safari windows, one of the cooler features from this era of Type 2s.
The infamous “chicken tax” was enacted as a result of VW’s clever Type 2 pickup, and the treasure chest storage is likely the straw that broke the camel’s back. You can almost imagine a product manager at GM learning about the clever below-bed storage, and instead of designing a better, American-made pickup, he simply picked up the phone to call the lobbying firm in D.C. The VW has a sharp black interior that still presents well, and actually looks significantly cleaner than the outside. The tidy interior is the perfect pairing with the authentically-weathered finish.
The seller notes that the 1600 dual port motor benefits from a new carburetor, fuel pump, distributor, plugs, and wires, and that it was just tuned up. The brakes and wheel cylinders have also been freshened up, and the exhaust is new as well. The seller notes there is “normal rust” but doesn’t go into specifics, simply noting that it’s fixable. From what we can see, nothing looks too far gone on the outside, so the asking price seems fair considering the rarity, overall condition, and recent servicing. Thanks to Barn Finds reader Mike F. for the find.
It appears to me the original finish is peeking through the primer for the authentically- weathered finish.
If you are in the market for one of these, hold out for the double cab, considerably more practical. 3 adults on that bench seat is a squeeze.
Rusted-through holes in the frame and body are now considered patina?
I own a 66 single cab, in much better shape than this one,and mine has a double door treasure chest.I believe all split screen pickups had them..I might be wrong but I have always seen two doors on pickups..smaller on double cabs..BTW you can sit three across in a single cab..if they are good friends!
The 1600 dual port engine is a great addition, brings this into the “usable” range of performance. Double-cabs have a serious up charge in the asking price right now. I would add what I put into the 1963: a shift lever extender. We did a cross-country r/t in that one and had body rust repaired while living in Tucson, then painted plum crazy. Dang hippies. The follow-up a few years later was in a 1971 Type 2 with numerous improvements over the 1963.
I think the chicken tax wuz only on the Japanese?
At any-rate, I agree. Plenty of kouwell stuff here. drop sides, fork lift pallets right in/off, ‘a/c windshield’, and I like the lill under-bed storage on ford’s ‘70s era p/u. BUT…
tiny compared to these.
If U can take the low power, hi bed, off placement of it – go fer it. No? the merican p/u has those 3, 4 areas covered and is lots more affordable (I could use one / get the shop noticed, just cant go the extra $).
“I think the chicken tax wuz only on the Japanese?”
No, it was actually specifically for the Germans. The Japanese weren’t exporting much to the US in the mid 60s. And it’s called the “chicken tax” specifically because the German government placed a huge tariff on American chicken exports to Germany. In retaliation, the American government placed a huge tariff on all imported trucks, but it was specifically aimed at VW.
That rust gives cause for concern. Salted roads are not kind to ACVWs.
My Uncle was parts manager at a vw dealership. We’d pile 6 kids in the back of the old 60’s are beetles. But dust i learned to drive was one these transporters he had shortened. I think it was 4 foot wheelbase. My dad traded for it and i drove the heck out of it as a 12 year old. He sold it before i turned 16. I was very disappointed. It was passions dark green with a little yellow and bubbles all over it