This 1964 Volkswagen Bus is a desirable 21-window example that was apparently laid up until storage until not too long ago. The seller acquired the Bus and put it back together, adding some modifications like the blacked-out Fuchs wheels you see here. While it may have been a runner for a short while, it seems like it’s mostly been parked given the engine is out (but included in the sale). The seller is quick to point out this is a real-deal German-built Bus that has all the cool period features, like the pop-out front windows and sliding canvas sunroof. These aren’t cheap, even without an engine in the back, and it’s listed here on craigslist for $56,900 or trade for a Porsche 356.
In general, there are some unfinished details on this Bus, from missing trim to a mostly bare interior. But at the end of the day, those are solvable issues. The more challenging aspects of these multi-window Buses involve rust and years of bad bodywork, and this one seems pretty straight. As the seller notes, the metalwork was completed before it was laid up in ’89, and he basically acquired it as an unfinished project. The good news is the next owner likely has the shortest path to success in terms of finishing this project and have it become the stunner it will be when done; as much as I can’t understand the prices these Buses command, the 21-window examples do look incredibly cool when complete. The seller makes a point of explaining that this Bus was actually built in Germany, as opposed to some of the “new” 21-window Buses that have shown up stateside after being discovered in South America.
The seller calls it a complete Bus with the exception of the second and third-row seats. If that’s accurate, you’ll hopefully be getting the door panels that typically line the interior. While Bus interiors of this vintage are generally spartan, you still don’t want to stare at the innards of the door if you don’t have to. The missing seats are actually a bigger deal than it might seem; they are incredibly hard to come by, and always in demand. The glass is a huge win, as replicating those tiny roof windows is a major pain and huge expense, so door panels are a minor inconvenience if they’re not included compared to the pain of sourcing replacement glass. I’d love to know what sort of condition the Bus was in before it was taken apart for bodywork.
Presumably, the Bus has never run while in the seller’s care. It seems likely that he purchased it with the drivetrain removed and focused on re-assembly to the point that it could be listed for ale in presentable condition. All new rubber seals are included along with fresh rubber on the wheels, and the seller confirms it comes with a 1600 cc single-port engine. The market for 21-window Buses has stayed strong while others have cooled off, but I still don’t know if the seller will get his wish for close to $60,000 for an unfinished example. If you had a Porsche 356, would you part ways with it for a chance to own this project Bus?
Do agree too much money for an unfinished project but my guess is the demand for these is because they are unique, funky vehicles that a whole bunch of us owned at one time or another, including me.
Having owned one panel van and several 356s I would not trade my 356 for the bus. Have worked on some vans and they are like restoring a box car.
No protection for the driver of this bus if you collide head on…
The front seat passenger is no better off.
Hey Guys.!!
No matter where you’re sitting in this Tin Box, during a hard crash
You are gonna die.
The owner manual actually says to raise your feet. Like to meet the guy who wrote that. LOL
I have a safe Bricklin SV-1 you can buy to drive
If you want safety wear knee pads – that’s the first body part that hits the dash in a crash in these.
Judging by the stance of this vehicle, would it be reasonable to surmise that the reduction gear boxes at the rear axle outboard ends are missing, possibly due to a later passenger car transaxle being swapped in? In that case, it might be a complete vehicle, but not original in that particular aspect. The whole bus seems lower to the ground than I would have expected, at least to my eyes.
Don’t see the reduction gears either but the standard transaxle does give good highway gears. The lowered front is done by rotating the torsion bars one square position. Easy fix if you don’t want it the way it is.
Blacked-out Fuchs wheels
And seller wants the buyer to pay for that mistake…
Probably painted as a short cut rather than properly restoring corroded wheels.
It’s a bit pricey but I’m sure someone will ante up. The market for these is super hot.
Per the data tag provided, this VW bus was two tone painted : beige grey (L 472) in the upper part and sealing wax red (L 53) in the lower, just like this one > https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/album_page.php?pic_id=7436
Nein danke.
Wonderful vehicle. Pure German funkiness. Pipe dream price. And yes, a death trap. As a teen I came upon one just after a head on collision. Something one never forgets.
Unfinished projects like this are a dime a dozen. See them all the time with outrageous prices like this one. There is an outfit in SoCal that makes the seat frames but they are very pricey and requires the van be in their possession to assure correct fit. I’d give $20 – $25K for it but not a dime more.
I own a 66 single cab VW split screen pickup and a 1956 356A “Outlaw”..this is a decent project but he’d have to trade the bus and about $60,000 to get a decent 356….dreamer..
Will do. Thanks. I appreciate it.
You guys obviously know German sheet metal. I have a 5 cyl 1986 Audi Avant Estate Wagon in my barn. Having just retired I’d like to sell it. 90K original miles in excellent condition. Starts and runs great. Where can I get an honest appraisal of it value? Any suggestions would be most appreciated.
Sorry to hijack this comment threat!
Re your Audi..I would check the Hagerty website and see if they have values for them #1..perfect/showroom…#5 Barn Find /project. Good luck..sounds like a great wagon
Located in Ranch Santa Margarita, CA
While a #1 can get crazy money at an auction, you’ve got miles to go to get it there. In the meantime, I want a Westfalia.
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=2528267
‘Luke Fuchs, this man does not lie’. Did I say that right ?
Regarding a front end collision, just make sure you mount the spare up front. That’s your airbag.
I had a ’67 21 window in the eighties…. perfect condition. Put a complete Westphalia interior in it and cruised the California coast. Sold it for six grand and I thought the buyer was nuts. Turns out I was nuts. Now everyone is nuts. Ahead of my time again.