We just featured one of these panel vans the other day, but I liked the look of this one much more! It has an interesting story behind it too. Apparently, it was purchased from the estate of a very interesting man. Tom Danaher was a well known pilot who did stunts for a few movies. He also supposedly shot down the last Japanese bomber at the end of WWII! After that he owned the Volkswagen dealership that sold this van when new. Eventually, it made its way back to the same dealership as a trade-in and apparently Tom purchased it as his own vehicle. I’m not sure when it acquired the dry cleaning company lettering and clothing rack, but I’m guessing it was before Tom bought it. Either way, if you are going to go the rat rod route that Jeff suggested, I would recommend with this one! Find it here on eBay out of Springtown, Texas. Thanks goes to Jim S. for the tip!
It may not have much to do with the panel van, but I couldn’t resist including the scan of this bus ad. You can read more about Volkswagen’s unique advertising techniques here on BuzzFeed.
That Bus ad is pretty cool, while I think a VW fan would appreciate this one as it looks pretty solid I’ll pass only because I’m more of a Econoline van guy since I’ve owned 2. Good luck to whoever buys it.
This one will trade at a far higher price than the one previously posted. It has great bones and this level of… have to say it… patina, on a panel van is the hot ticket in the VW community right now, for some the logo is the cherry on top.
’63 and earlier are also just that little bit more desirable as the rear gates are the same width which is more pleasing to the eye, as are the pull style handles and protruding fresh air vents that were gone by ’64.
That said the other has higher collectibility being a double door.