Ranch Truck: 1959 Volkswagen Single Cab

The thing about patina is it can’t be faked – it has to be earned. And while some car flippers may claim otherwise, rust does not equal patina; it simply means the car has been in the elements, unprotected, for a longer period of time than the ones that experienced some level of preservation while actually being used. This 1959 Volkswagen Single Cab pickup listed here on Facebook Marketplace is quite a find, apparently belonging to a ranch in Arizona before the seller snagged it and posted it for sale with an asking price of $35,000.

While some parts of the vintage air-cooled Bus market are slowing down, slightly, it’s not an indication these are no longer incredibly cool rigs to own. The 23-window crowd will be loyal to the window-laden cruisers ’till their dying day, never once admitting it’s not all that much fun to drive something with 50 horsepower and a six-figure price tag. The Type 2 Transporter, while still just as slow, offers some added utility that greatly increases the cool factor. Old pickups, no matter the marque, seemingly always get a stamp of approval from the general public, and this one is even more appealing with its supposedly authentic faded graphics from the so-called Settler Valley Ranch.

You may notice I used some words in there that raise some doubts about just how old the patina actually is. When looking up Settlers Valley Ranch, it’s described as a “…contemporary, custom-built homestead” with its first notable building constructed in 2003. It is not believed to be a centuries-old livestock or farming institution, and it is unincorporated property in Yavapai County. While it’s certainly not against the rules to buy a vehicle for the purpose of calling it your ranch truck and decorating it accordingly, it doesn’t have quite the same vibe as buying a patina’d pickup off a multi-generational rancher whose father purchased it new in the 1960s.

All of that is secondary, of course, to how well the VW runs. The seller notes it is also equipped with the desirable safari windows. Recent work includes new spindles, tie rods, center pin, and steering damper, and he also notes it features a dual circuit master cylinder. The engine is a 1776cc “full flow” setup with a deep sump. This is incredibly helpful for increasing oil capacity and avoiding starvation issues when the Bus is cornering or otherwise under heavy load (it’s also just nice to have for added peace of mind.) This looks like a fun-to-own pickup regardless of the history of the logos on the doors, and the price seems fair for a survivor Type 2. Thanks to Barn Finds reader T.J. for the tip.