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.
Always wanted one of these but not at that price, too steep for me.GLWTS
Would that motor keep up the speed on the freeways or ?
Um, no.
Yes. but only during rush hour in major cities where the crawl speed is 5 to 10 mph
I’ve always liked these. But at that price, it would have to have the other ” P” word, Pristine!!!
Back in the day I brought many a faded Volkswagen paint job back to life. Assuming this is original paint, scrub the heck out of it with Comet cleanser and wash mitts. After that just hit it with a wheel and polish. They come out amazing.
The driver’s the first at the scene of any front end collision.
Okay, amazes me how we can all gasp at such a price, and the Cal. tag is a sure clue, it won’t be cheap, whatever THAT is today, but I’m not going to buy it anyway, so let’s talk, why not? I remember, it was strange enough to see a bus in Beer City in the 60s, and never a pickup. On a trip to Israel in the 60s, we had a stop in Zurich, and as we landed, there were dozens of these lined up for airport duty. Me and my brother laughed, “where’s the rest of it?” Not globally, aside from US, the type 26 ( or 268 for double cab) were actually big sellers.
Don’t be flustered, they will find out, in the rest of the world, the “zing” on old VWs has past, and people in the future will have better things to do with that money, than some antique that just sits. You’ll see.
As an energetic 18 year old, many years ago now, I had saved up $600 to buy a car. I was looking for VW Karmin Ghia, but I settled for a 74′ Super Beetle. I don’t remember seeing any of these little pickups for sale, back in the day.
These trucks were so nice to load and unload with the fold down sides. Guess it was hard to keep rust at bay with the hinges. Loved these trucks and still do.
John
Hmm, the patina looks manufactured, yet the vehicle is undeniably old.
Always loved these VW trucks with the fold down sides. Easy loading but I guess rust would be hard to keep at bay with the hinges. No right side mirror might make life interesting when backing up.
John
A nice coat of “Poppy’s Patina” clear coat would make this “Patina” VW look amazing all the while pissing off the VW faithful at the same time!
A 2 for 1 win!
cool vw but 35k is a stiff # for sure. you really have to like this to pay that price.
Up until 1970 they were sold at dealers all over the USA. After that date they became pretty rare and you couldn’t buy a new one. I had three of these at the same time for my local delivery business and they were great. Got good mileage and didn’t break down like my Chevy and Ford trucks. I really miss them and VW missed the boat by not selling them to the public in America.
VW Dealers in the USA?
Hi Timothy, oh, you bet. In Milwaukee there were 2 distinct VW dealers in the 60s, Concours Motors and Walter Laev. While Concours sold other high end German cars, Laev was more just a VW dealer. Combined, Milwaukee being a college town, they sold a lot of VWs. Many of the Type 2 vans became parts runners and service duty. Not many window vans however, and never one of these.
Hate to trash it by running it without an air cleaner. I’ve seen these going for a lot more with serious rust issues. This looks sweet!
I currently have a 1958 Single Cab with original paint, in roughly the same condition. It’s currently getting fitted with a custom-made factory correct canvas top and wood slats for the bed. At $35k, he’s right in the ballpark for an SC with bullet turn signals and blade bumpers. The 1.8L is more than enough to get it scootin down the road, even with portal-axles. Check out the classifieds on thesamba.com for price references – he’s got it listed there too. GLWTS.
I found one of these 45 years ago in a field not far from home, looked just like this one, same faded paint, no safari windshield. All original, 36 hp engine, I could even start it with a crank. It was my daily driver for a few years, same as any old VW, easy to keep running, slow, but reasonably reliable. Cost $300.
They are rare, I have a 1961. Previously had a 1965. They are enormously fun to drive & have all of the bus expierence without the passengers. Safari windows make it more much enjoyable and tolerable in the Florida heat. The price is the price. That is what these go for wether you like it or not. GLWTA, Joe in Hudson
That “patina” on the body doesn’t match the repainted interior bits. But, when people are paying big money for fake Brazilian 23 Windows? You do watcha’ gotta do.
$35,000 is a lot of money to pay for a truck that you might decide to repaint.