VW to stop making buses...

[herr_oberst]

No Way, Man! Last VW Bus To Soon Roll Off Assembly Line : The Two-Way : NPR

It seems the van that became known as the transportation of choice for counter-culture folks in the '60s can't be made with the air bags and other safety equipment that "the man" wants it to have.

So Volkswagen is ending production in the last place where the van's still made; a factory near Sao Paulo.

"Germany shuttered its production of the minibus back in 1979, and Mexico followed suit in 1994. Since, Brazil has been the sole producer of the VW camper van. ... The discontinuation of the VW minibus, the longest-produced model in automotive history, is sure to disappoint camper van enthusiasts around the globe, many of whom organize festivals and gatherings to commemorate its creation."
VW produced more than 10 million Volkswagen Transporter vans globally since the model was introduced 63 years ago in Germany, though not all resemble the classic hippie machine. More than 1.5 million have been produced in Brazil since 1957."

[RWebb]

we need a new version

[Racerbvd]

I read that in the paper today

[Jim Richards]

Originally Posted by RWebb

we need a new version

Yep

[ckissick]

The article made it sound like they're discontinuing the original version, but I think they must have been making the second generation bay window bus.

[RWebb]

yes Bays with a big fugly black radiator grafted onto the front

pics on der net...

[porwolf]

Yeah, fugly:



I did not know that VW still made them.

[aigel]

Good riddance. VW was at a standstill for 3-4 decades selling these things. Only practical for a hippie that can stay in the warm climate and avoid mountain passes.

G

[Racerbvd]

My 1st VW...

[aigel]

Haha Byron - exactly what I said!

I had to work construction out of those things in the wintertime. No thanks. Would have much preferred a MB van.

G

[aigel]

Here - has heat!

[RWebb]

Originally Posted by aigel

Good riddance... Only practical for a hippie that can stay in the warm climate and avoid mountain passes.

G

ummmm....

[Don Ro]

Had a '67 dual cab Kombi...loved it...used it as my 1st work truck for my business.
Sold it for $2k more than I paid - big mistake, it was cherry.

[sc_rufctr]

My uncle who lives in Europe (about 6 years ago). He's had this from new.
3rd engine and 2nd gearbox and he still drives it everyday. Note the wooden boards on the floor.

Anybody know what year it is? I don't have a better picture.

[Don Ro]

Originally Posted by sc_rufctr

Anybody know what year it is? I don't have a better picture.

.
.
Hubcaps...hmmm...'68 - '70?

[sc_rufctr]

Originally Posted by Don Ro

.
.
Hubcaps...hmmm...'68 - '70?

He's certainly got his monies worth.

[ossiblue]

Originally Posted by Don Ro

.
.
Hubcaps...hmmm...'68 - '70?

Actually, the early bay window buses--68-70--had hub caps like earlier buses and wide five wheels. That bus has flat caps and later rims--71+--that came with front disc brakes. Given the front bumper shape, type of wheels, I'd place that van as a 71 or a 72. However, being it was in Europe, the dating may be off because the bumpers may not have changed in 73 as they did in U.S. models.

By the way, some of you may wish to check the prices being asked for early (pre-68) buses in decent condition, not just the Barrett-Jackson anomalies. Right up there with 911's.

And Byron, that looks to be a 66 or 67 deluxe, Titian Red/beige grey. Correct? I currently have the same bus (a 67) in my driveway as my daily driver. Love it to death.

[Don Ro]

Originally Posted by ossiblue

By the way, some of you may wish to check the prices being asked for early (pre-68) buses in decent condition, not just the Barrett-Jackson anomalies. Right up there with 911's.

Wouldn't be the first time that I regretted selling/buying a goodie.
.
Ha! Test drove and almost bought a totally restored 24k mile Dino for $36k back in the '70s...just started my bus. & didn't have the guts to buy.

[ZAMIRZ]

Where's Thom? He's built some pretty sweet ones.

[fastfredracing]

I banded barrels to the sides of mine, and sent it down the river for the anything that floats contest at the Pittsburgh Regatta. I think this was 92/93 maybe? It floated, and made the whole trip. I wish I would have kept it

This pic was after we pulled it back out of the water.