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Wild Westerner! 1973 VW Bus

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Another rare version I’ve never heard of, this “Wild Westerner” VW bus has a $75.00 (at the time) package that includes this very unusual color scheme. This particular 1973 bus is largely original and is located in San Clemente, California. It’s listed for sale here on eBay, where early bidding has not yet met the reserve.

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There’s a registry for these unusually colored buses right here, which also has some further information. I’d love to know the story behind this crazy color scheme! This bus features original paint except for the area below the blue stripe on the sliding door. It’s unfortunate that they weren’t able to match the paint any better than that!

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Based on the crazing visible in this shot and some others, I thought the blue was a decal that had started to deteriorate, but by reading this forum thread apparently some think it is paint as well.. That being said, I sure wouldn’t want to replace it!

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The seller stresses several times that the bus is rust free, and this floor shot really looks great!

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The interior looks great, as it should since the seats, door panels, steering wheel, rubber mats and other interior panels are all new. The dash is original and uncracked.

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The rest of the interior is finished to just as high a standard. I guess to some extent this is a restovivor, that is most of the paint and body is original while the interior has been restored.

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The 1700 cc engine was rebuilt three years ago and needs nothing. The brakes have also just been rebuilt and this bus is ready to go. The seller states it’s been detailed as well; I’m hoping that some of these pictures were taken before detailing, because there’s certainly some dirt around the edges, so to speak. That being said, you have a rare option package here (okay, it’s paint, but hey, when have you seen another bus in these colors?) in a bus that appears to be in excellent condition. What do you think this will go for, and are you interested in some Wild Westerner cruising yourself?

Comments

  1. Avatar Red'sResto

    I wonder if the market will take off for these “single digit” (I counted 8) window buses?

    Like 0
    • Avatar Bobsmyuncle

      Most certainly.

      Like 0
  2. Avatar Jeffro

    Scooby Doo…where are you? Seriously, does anyone else see the “Mystery Machine”?

    Like 1
    • Avatar Red'sResto

      I do now Shaggy!

      Like 1
      • Avatar Jeffro

        Zoinks!

        Like 1
  3. HoA Howard A Member

    Perfect for Key West, Fla. ( if you’ve been there, you’ll know why)

    Like 0
    • Avatar Jumping g

      Fabulous……

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  4. Avatar Todd Zuercher

    I’ve seen a fair number of these with this color scheme here in the west but I never knew the name of it.

    Like 0
  5. Avatar JCW Jr.

    If you painted it then would be an ok VW. I like multi colors and bright colors, but he paint on this one else only makes me want to throw up. Maybe because my ex loved green and wanted everything green. Would get rid of this paint like I did her.

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  6. Avatar Jubjub

    Back in the late ’80s I worked at a Schwinn shop and a hippy lady customer would drop her kids’ broken bikes off in one like this. Loved it then, still do. Hers had the Hands style mag wheels.

    Like 0
  7. Avatar Bobsmyuncle

    Its in great shape, but yikes that’s loud. I sure wouldn’t pay a premium for that paint.

    Vinyl wrap might be the way to go.

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  8. Avatar That Guy

    I never knew this paint scheme had a name. I really disliked it back in the day, but it has grown on me over the years and now I think it’s really cool.

    Nearly $14K and five days to go; clearly this bus has other fans too.

    Like 0
  9. Avatar Mama Bird

    I have a 73 VW wild westerner. The colors were the colors of the worlds fair that year. It was only sold in Oregon, Washington and California. Only 300 produced and not many still around. They are very rare and considered a collector’s item

    Like 0

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