As some of you likely know, I am helping to clear out a large collection of salvage and project vehicles from a private owner. You can read more about the collection here. As we move ahead with the process, I’ll be listing some of the more interesting cars individually, which will also help readers see more info about specific vehicles they may be interested in. Here’s the next vehicle we’ll feature, which is a surprisingly solid 1973 VW Bus, also known as a Bay Window.
What Makes it Special? This is a solid Bus that will not take much work to get running. The body is nearly rust-free, and the interior features a rare period-correct DPD overhead A/C unit. The frame rails and pan are also in very nice condition. It hasn’t been modified or hacked up to become a camper or lived in for extended periods; this is just straight bay window that’s very close to being road-ready.
Body Condition: There is some evidence of prior rust repair where the driver’s door meets the body but any other rust is limited to just spotty surface rust. Paint is obviously a bit tired but acceptable for a driver and/or rolling restoration. No word on whether the paint is original, but the underside of the engine lid is also orange in color.
Mechanical Condition: The Bus was running when it entered the property. It rolls and steers, and the engine turns over. The seller notes that the brakes and clutch also work. The engine is not confirmed as matching numbers, so it may be a later-model replacement unit. Also worth noting on the interior is that the original floor mats remained well-preserved under aftermarket carpets.
The Bus had a surprisingly nice interior, with a headliner in impressive condition and a rear bench seat. While the bay windows haven’t caught up value-wise to the splits, this example provides a solid basis for an easy amateur restoration or camper conversion, or simply drive as-is as a classic that can haul. This Bus will be sold with a bill of sale only.
- Price: $3,500
- Location: Northwest Georgia
- Mileage: Unknown
- Title Status: Bill of sale only
Do you have a low mileage survivor parked in your garage, shed or barn? Does it need a new home? Please consider listing it here on Barn Finds!
Looks better than some I have seen, to me get it running clean it up and flip it. There are a lot of VW Bus owners and seekers out there.
I agree. I think for someone who’s savvy with these buses, there’s an easy $1500-$2K profit in it at this price.
Love these buses – pretty well-made and fun to drive. But I’d have to get it for a lot less than $3,500 to replace my 2001 Town & Country.
The Chrysler makes heat in the winter and cool in the summer and goes up hills without downshifting. The VW is the spiritual forebear of the minivan, but we have made progress in thirty years.
Just my opinion, but I don’t think anyone who is looking at minivans is seriously cross-shopping a 2001 Town & Country with a 1973 VW Bus. I mean, more power to you if you are but….
I’d have to see pictures of the overhead AC. I have only seen original fresh air ventilation units overhead in VW buses.
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=1793380
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=630832
There are two pictures of it in the photo gallery…
These were built to be More off road capable, better able to handle secondary and two track roads than just about Any of today’s vans. Yes, it’s not as powerful as the others, but no coolant to worry about,much better ground clearance. I worked on these at the local VW dealer from ’76 to ’81. Look out for the carburetor base shafts waring and causing a vacuum leak. Good luck to the new owner.
same color and type of type 2 my uncle Harry drove.
Happy to report this Bus has found a new owner as of today. Thanks Barn Finds!