1952 Barndoor Panel Van
The VW Transporter was introduced in 1950
and eventually made a truly noted mark on the pages of automotive history
and culture worldwide. It is an iconic shape known the world over
and has an emotion attached to it like no other small van ever.
It was a hit.
Celebrated for its simplicity in design and rugged reliability , the "box on wheels"
could carry nearly anything. The most simple and basic of this design is the panel van as you see it here.
This one, being a 1952 model, is a very rare find indeed.
The restoration was very complete and accurate according to the owner and as you can see here...it looks stellar.
These early Busses, basically 1954 and earlier, and referred to as "Barndoor" Busses.
The term refers to the massive door at the back for access to the engine, but there are many other details that
make a Barndoor Bus stand out from the others.
The front bodywork above the windshield is straight up and back with a slight peak to the roof at the front.
In 1955 this changed so that a slight overhang was resent with vents above the windshield.
The engine in this Bus is all stock and fully rebuilt.
The "barndoor"
Note the lack of a rear bumper...this is correct for 1952
Bumpers came later.
The small taillights, reflectors and brake light are also proper.
So simple...so clean.
Note the semaphore turn signal mounted just behind the door opening.
The Barndoor ear dashboard is as spartan and simple as they come.
Check this out!
16" wheels are also correct for the model.
Interior is beautiful and done proper.
The front nose emblems for the early Barndoor Busses are a bit different as well
with a physical gap between the V and the W.
Later model emblems are connected.
The Dove Blue color is correct for the Bus and the paint and bodywork is very nice indeed.
The interior in back has all been painted in grey.
The high mirrors and pressed steel front bumper are also era correct.
Detail of the early mirror and the "piano hinge" style vent wings.
The spare wheel sits above the engine and the fuel tank off to the left.
These photos were taken for a high end auction catalog and for security that did not want the vin number visible
so the tag was removed just for the photos. It is present and is now back on the Bus in the proper location.
The restoration is very fresh and it has only been driven a few test miles.
Interior is spotless.
In the end...what we have here is one very rare and desirable early Bus.
I am working with the owner to get more detailed information and photos of the Bus
but wanted to share these great shots with everyone right away.
This is the earliest VW Bus that we have ever had posted on Oldbug.
A very rare opportunity.
Asking
$100,000
For More Info...CALL
951 767 1600
or email oldbug@earthlink.net