1966 VW Panel Van, Very rare Italian Coachbuilt For Sale
Now here is a Bus that you don't find every day...in fact you will probably never find another one
just like it. This mega rare 1966 Panel was converted when new to a "sales flap" vendor vehicle
by Carrozzeria Grazia in Bologna Italy, a firm well known for their commercial vehicles.
While other "sales flaps" have been produced by other firms such as Westfalia,
This one has the unique attribute of the side door extending up into the roof
which allows for a much taller opening and easier vending.
The rear hatch opens normally .
Sadly this cool rear tray has been sold off, but it looks like it would be a simple enough
thing to re-create.
The original coachbuilders emblem is still fitted to the body and the
paint on the truck is all original and has fantastic appeal with its mild patina.
The interior has been redone in salt and pepper / grey vinyl on the seats and panels
but the dash and all interior paint is still the original as well.
It is a very cool and very rare bus that has been fully gone through and updated mechanically
with top quality parts and performance bits.
The suspension is top of the line with a 3" narrowed beam, drop spindles, flipped tie rods,
clearanced shift rod, raised steering box and clearanced frame rails.
Its a ton of work but it makes for a truly exceptional ride. Most static drop suspension like this are
very harsh on the road and the ride on this rig is truly a treat in comparison.
Definitely a rare and unique vehicle...I just love it.
Brakes are Type 3 in the rear with Porsche adaptors.
Front brakes are high quality Wilwood Porsche 944 hybrids with Porsche bolt pattern.
The transmission is set up for highway driving and is geared to a level where even 80mph does not
stress the engine. The box was built by Rancho Transmissions and is a "Pro Street Plus" model
with a 3.44 ring and pinion, stock gears in first through third and a .77 fourth gear which
give it that awesome top speed cruise ability. No more hugging the slow lane in this one!
The wheels are extremely rare magnesium Torque Thrust in the Porsche bolt pattern by American Racing.
These are super valuable wheels , so much so that the seller would be willing to keep them and knock
$8000 off the selling price. The rarity of the wheels is even greater as they have the original center caps
which are incredibly hard to find, in fact this is the only full set I have ever seen on a car in modern day!
The engine out back is also a top level item.
Built by Paradise Motorsports, this 2276cc with 48ida Weber carbs, Magneto ignition,
Porsche 911 style fan and custom exhaust by A1 was run on the dyno with 108hp to the wheels!
Hauling heavy loads up hill against the wind is NOT an issue with this Bus!
It is also completely dialed in when it comes to cooling with a 96 plate external oil cooler with fan,
a JayCee Superflow filter setup with steel braided lines. It keeps its cool in all temps and situations.
The body is all original and has its bumps and bruises as well as a little rust in the rockers
but overall is still very sound and straight. The original finish has a pleasing patina to it
and the logos on the doors and hatch can be easily removed.
That big tall flap is awesome!
Especially with the lowered stance, a normal Westfalia sales flap would be right at eye level for most folks.
It sure is tough looking isnt it?
The engine compartment is clean and well sorted and the engine runs fantastic.
It has that serious performance look to it with the huge Weber carbs and velocity stacks and that big magneto.
Inside the cab is much more civil with original finish on all the painted parts and
new door panels and seat upholstery
Dash is clean and un-cut, steering wheel has tasteful minimal wear and a deluxe horn button.
Gene Berg shifter is the only hint inside that there is something more than stock out back.
Original cab divider is in place and the interior finish is all original in the cargo area as well.
This handsome hauler was featured in a full photo spread in Airmighty Magazine
and is always a crowd pleaser at the VW events.
T handle for the flap
Nice detail of the sales flap opening and hinge.
Love that coach builders badge!
Italian side markers are also a super cool touch and hint to its history.
In closing this is a very special Bus.
Not only is the rarity scale completely off the charts (this is truly the only one known at this time)
it has been transformed into a very well built and engineered street machine with
much needed increased horsepower and improved braking, a killer static drop and attitude
and rolling on some of the rarest period custom wheels out there.
Asking
$65,000
(or $60,000 on different wheels)
For More Info...CALL
951 767 1600
or email oldbug@earthlink.net