For VW fans, early Double Cabs are among the most sought-after Type 2 variants. Built to haul both cargo and passengers, they have a loyal following among collectors and customizers. This one’s 1961 build year is significant because it falls into the early production range, with features like high-mounted cargo door hinges and bullet-style front turn signals—details that make these trucks especially collectible compared to later bay-window models.
The seller admits this Double Cab will need serious metal work, but that’s not unusual for a Type 2 project, especially one that’s over 60 years old. These trucks often rust in predictable areas such as rockers, floors, and lower cargo bed sections, but complete reproduction panels are available from aftermarket suppliers. Many enthusiasts consider these projects worthwhile, given how few original Double Cabs remain.
Power comes from a 1600cc dual-port engine, a later upgrade over the 1200 and 1500 engines originally offered in 1961. The seller says it last ran about eight years ago but is currently missing its distributor, meaning a full mechanical refresh will be required. VW air-cooled engines are famously easy to rebuild, and with parts availability still strong, getting this truck running again shouldn’t pose much of a challenge for anyone experienced with Type 2s.
The truck includes some extra parts, and the seller has additional photos available for serious buyers. Importantly, the VIN and M-code tags are present, which helps document its originality and factory options—critical details for VW restorers.
While a Double Cab restoration can be expensive, finished examples regularly command strong prices thanks to their rarity and charm. Would you take on the rust repair and restore this early high-hinge hauler to factory specs, or would you build it into a patina’d shop truck with a modern drivetrain?
Suddenly I’m getting individual listings for each car, multiple emails instead of just one daily summary. Did I screw up somehow?
Thanks,
Frank Barrett
@Frank Barrettt
I noticed that also, Frank. Kind of annoying. It’s titled “Word Press”. I much prefer the old way, titled Barn Finds with 10 or more cars listed.
So, Barn Finds changed the format but still hasn’t come up with a chat room. SMH
We haven’t changed the format. There was just an issue with the mailing list. Things should be back to normal tomorrow. Thanks.
Yeah, I only got a few of those.
Issue must have been fixed pretty quickly – thanks admins!
Hahaha! I’m sorry but that poor thing needs an LS swap. It has potential
In middle school, I had a friend whose dad had one of these. I got to ride in the back seat numerous times, as his dad was a model train nut, so they would stop at my house and pick me up on the way to the local hobby shop. My friend and I were both into model cars, so we typically all came home happy, clutching our new treasures.
I treasure anything you have to “clutch”.
Ha!funny!
I had a friend that was an electrician and he had one of these for a work truck.
His family loved VWs there family car was a VW bug. When they showed up with other friends in the car it looked like one of those clown cars you’d see at the circus when everyone got out.
At first glance the rust issues seem negligible. The seller should include more pics that focus on the rust. Other than that this is a pretty cool truck that I’ve never seen before. The rest of it seems to be straight and not bent up or dented in. To answer Elizabeth, I might want to take on the rust repair, if I knew what it was.
GLWTS
Please, no chat room- that’s what AOL is for… 😉
This is a car related site. I understand the desire to socialize with other like-minded people, but there are plenty of alternative venues for conversation ad infinitem, just as there are plenty of options on the internet to express political or religious views or opinions on topics other than vehicles and their technical aspects, as well as our collective associated experiences and/or recollections. I would imagine that an ideal venue exists to discuss what is going on in your day to day life- just not this one. Merely my opinion, and we all know what that’s worth…
@John Eder
AOL? Yahoo? Do they still exist?
John, but we are already here. Someone will comment on a car and relay a story about when they owned one or saw one, and then another person will comment on that story with their own, etc., etc. Apparently some of you don’t like when these stories go on and on and develope a life of their own. This is where the chat room would come in handy. Since we’re already here talking about our favorite interest, automobiles, just switch over to the chat room and continue the conversation whereas going to a completely different site probably wouldn’t work. No one would know who talking about what plus I don’t think many would want to go through the trouble, me included.
Barn Finds won’t allow email addresses to be posted so we can talk off site. Ken Carneys email accidently got through and he and I talk often. That’s all I really want. To be able to talk to other members without annoying other members is all I’m looking for.
Got any other suggestions?
adharris
Besides all of the valid points that Angel makes, there is also the fact that it would be a separate area, where you can optionally choose to visit.
No one is forcing anyone to click a link to the Chat Room, so what is wrong with having options?
I ran a NASCAR fan board for a few years and the social chat room was always kicking. One of the members arranged a meet up and we had dozens of members get together – I drove 8 hours to attend. It was a blast!
Rules are: no profanity, politics, or personal attacks.
I don’t see any of these happening currently. 🤷♂️
Just be patient, Bunky.
AOL? Are you using a computer or a wayback machine?
Also, Barn Find……..
What happened to the avatars? Was that part of the mail list problem?
Should I redo mine?
I redid mine and it did not help.
I noticed that non members have avatars and that was not allowed before. BF used to use a 3rd party service for their avatars and I am guessing that it somehow reverted back to that method.
The avatars are working again!
How can I post an avatar?
Dash has been cut and the rear wheel well cutouts are butchered. Dang
Hello and big thanks to Barn Finds from Pedro in Lima-Perú, South America.
I receive your daily messages and check carefully the cars and trucks that
interest me. Keep up the good work and thanks again!!
I had one of these about fifty years ago, it was already getting rusty in the rocker panels. This one was a 1958, and similar to today’s item, but without the tilt out windshields or a more modern(?) VW engine. Mine still had the 36 hp 1200cc, but what was way cool it had the lower fan belt pulley with the ability to start the engine with a crank. The vehicle had a little hole in the back bumper, pass the crank through the bumper into the engine bay, engage the pulley, and with the key “on” with just a bump or nudge the engine would fire up. Helpful with the 6 volt electrical system which was rather weak.
Thanks Jesse! 😘
Hurray!
Why not have a chat room? That way, if I wanna tell a story, I can without ruffling anyone’s feathers. Those of you who know me know that I crammed a couple of lifetimes into the 70 years I’ve been on this earth and that ain’t bad for a fat old blind man. Maybe I’ll write ’em all down or tell them to an interview
so that they can maybe make a book out of them someday. At least that’s what my family says
anyway. But until then, I’ll share a few of them when I can and won’t
be obnoxious or overbearing about it either. As for this little
wonder here, I wouldn’t lick it off my parking space that’s for sure.
Dashboards can be repaired, quarter panels can be replaced, just get it safened up for modern roads and drive it. I could use something like this to carry bulky
stuff that won’t fit in my K-5 sedan. Nice bones though.
@Pedro
Hi Pedro! Glad you’re here! Enjoy the cars, comradery and comments.
What cars do you have in Lima-Perú?