Written by Nicole Ellan James
LOT #697.1 – 1967 VOLKSWAGEN TYPE II 21-WINDOW CUSTOM MICROBUS RE-CREATION – NO RESERVE
Here’s an interesting story: There is a subreddit forum where Volkswagen enthusiasts gather to share stories of their beloved VW buses and connect over their enthusiasm for the brand. Some people share the passion they put into their build or where they found the rarest parts, while others reminisce about the first time they rode in a VW bus or the interesting locations they have driven them.
Of the 162,741 Volkswagen buses produced in 1967, it is rare to see one on the road these days, making it a unique treat to encounter one in the wild. Technology has also come a long way since original production, meaning it is more enjoyable than ever to drive these classic VW buses.
Originally selling in the 1960s for around $1,800, the nostalgic vehicles now command several times that amount on the auction block. Most remaining VW buses have been thoughtfully customized and lovingly restored, further adding to their appeal. For example, this German-made 1967 Type II 21-window custom microbus re-creation, offered with No Reserve during the 2022 Houston Auction, October 20-22 at NRG Center, has received a professional, ground-up restoration and features many performance upgrades and customizations.
According to the consignor, the bus received all-new sheet metal panels during the restoration, including on its front nose, floors and supports. It also received a custom access door to the engine compartment.
That compartment holds a new Powerhaus 2,332cc 4-cylinder turnkey engine located at the rear of the vehicle. It’s equipped with an upgraded wiring harness, which helps ensure that all the electrical components are working as they should. The engine receives fuel from dual Weber carburetors supplied with fuel from a new fuel tank. Maintaining this bus’ temperature is an external oil cooler fan kit, while the engine exhales through an A1 black ceramic-coated exhaust system. To harness all the power, a new Freeway Flyer 4-speed manual transmission is mated to the engine. Stopping power comes from a set of 4-wheel disc brakes.
Keeping the bus stable are rack & pinion steering and tubular control arms with coilovers in the front, along with a complete Red 9 Design EZ Rider twin wishbone and coilover independent rear suspension assembly out back.
The most eye-catching element of this bus is the two-tone orange and white exterior paint. It’s complemented by safari front windows, new trim, new bumpers and a canvas roll-back roof. Completing the look of this custom bus are 17-inch polished billet Colorado Custom wheels wrapped in Michelin tires.
Inside, the bus keeps passengers comfortable with a custom diamond-stitched tan leather interior, and a brushed aluminum steering column topped with a wood and billet steering wheel adds just the right touch. Other highlights include a custom stereo system with speakers mounted under the rear seat to keep spirits high on long adventures.
One of the elements that makes this particular bus so special is that it represents the end of an era for the German company. It was produced in the European country during the final year for the German-made buses before production was shifted to Brazil.
As you can, see this VW microbus has been thoughtfully restored — all that’s left to do is make new memories cruising in this beauty. Register to bid today for your chance to take this iconic vehicle home.
For up-to-date information on this car, click here.
