1966 VW Panel Van
The VW Bus was designed originally as a workhorse,
the "Box on Wheels" for use in commerce by any business that needed an
economical way to move merchandise. The passenger vans of course were soon to
follow and over history have taken the spotlight in the eyes of collectors,
but for me the "working class" models have always had a special appeal.
This 1966 model is a wonderful time capsule example of
what the delivery van was all about,
This one remained in use for nearly 60 years by its original owners
only recently being retired in exchange for something newer.
Still in its factory Velvet green color and with its original business logos on the side.
A long life of work but obviously a long life of care as well looking at its condition.
This is obviously a European model, and one with the quite uncommon sliding side door,
which was an option on the split screen models, but did not become standard equipment
until the "Bay Window" models were introduced for the 1968 model year.
The European model busses came standard with the simple blade bumper and
a two tone amber and red taillight. This one also has a single reverse light
above the left rear taillight.
The wide rear hatch was introduced in 1964 which was a vast improvement for loading as well
as visibility wit the much larger glass. Other details that changed through the mid 60's
were a switch from 15" wheels to 14", wider brake drums and shoes, and inward facing side vents.
This one with the sliding side door is really cool, but even cooler are the original logos!
Hans Borgelt Walermeister ( which translates to "Master Painter" )
Anstrich (Painting) / Glas (Glass) / Farben (Colors) / Tapeten (Wallpaper)
and from their workshop in Hasbergen Germany, which is still in operation today.
The colors of the logos too are just so perfect together with that velvet green paintwork.
Some great local decals in the back window as well.
The grey one in the center translates to:
"Imagine everything is gray and there were no painters"
What a dull world that would be!
The body of the Bus has had some repairs and paint work over time as needed
but the goal was always to maintain it in a very clean and professional way
showing the quality of the business and their attention to detail when approaching a project for a client.
The seller states that the exterior has been clear coated at some point to keep the shine bright.
So the finish you see here is not 100% the factory paint, but the look is great and it still retains much originality.
The paint still shines nicely and these photos were taken basically as found, it was not
polished and detailed to prepare it for sale...just a quick bath.
The largest paint touch up I see in the pics is this area down low on the side
just forward of the rear wheel. This photo shows it pretty well.
Some repair and touch up behind the drivers rear wheel as well
The rocker panel shows some paint loss along the bottom edge
and there may have been some body repair along the lower edge as well.
It also looks like there may have been a side rack of some sort (perhaps for glass?)
as you can see angle iron sticking out behind the jacking points on this side.
Stand back a bit and the overall vision is awesome though, what a great survivor Bus!
Interesting also to see the aluminum bumper trim normally seen on the Deluxe models.
Just so darn cool!
German license plates and paperwork (and the Bus is still located in Germany)
Shipping worldwide however is available and the seller can help arrange.
The interior is great as well. Nice clean dash,
beautiful wood paneling and just a lovely mild patina to it all.
Drivers seat was redone in black at some point during its life.
A few paint smudges as well which honestly
I think adds something considering the life that the vehicle has seen.
Steering wheel and controls all look very good.
Fun sticker "Safer than luck" "First belt, then start!"
Interior paneling was done in wood by the company at some point years ago and it looks awesome.
Even the cab divider and roof panels were done in wood.
There are a few pings and dings here and there...these from cargo inside the Bus while others
are from outside forces. Nothing major but all adding to the story of a life of service.
M code tag shows the options and production date
Original paper paint code stick remains in place as well.
Do I spy a tool roll in the under seat storage cubby?
Floors are solid and clean
Radio fitted
Drivers side floor
Sliding door handle
Push button door handles
Passenger side rocker panel looks sound
Cargo area is all basic and simple.
Still factory grey in color with a couple added fittments for use.
The padded black panel along the side and a well crafted rear deck platform.
Love it with that slider open!
Ready for work!
Floor looks very solid with minimal patching.
Roof looks very straight and smooth
Love it!
Underneath is simple and unrestored.
Engine was replaced at one point and an auxiliary oil filter addapted.
Front beam looks quite clean
Still stock brakes, transmission and suspension.
1600cc with a Mexican case, 12 volt electrics, factory cooling tins and air cleaner.
The vehicle runs and drives well.
Detailing of the engine and compartment is planned and photos will be updated.
Final few walk around photos, it really is a special find.
You just dont see the working class VWs like this every day
and with its history and originality it is a stand out to me.
60 years of service and it still looks this impressive.
The colors, the logos, the sliding side door option and simple European bumpers.
Its just the way things truly were. No faux history here, it is the real deal.
Again this Bus is currently located in Germany but shipping worldwide is available
and the seller is well versed in how to handle it and has the right contacts to get it wherever
you might desire it to go. If I had the funds and space at the moment, this baby would be coming to me
but sadly that's not in the cards. Until it sells though I can stare at the photos
and dream about it...and maybe, just maybe, someone I know will end up buying it and I can
drool over it in person at a show someday!
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Asking
$48,500 US
(or reasonable offer)
For More Info...CALL
951-795-1175
Or Email oldbug@earthlink.net