1967 Deluxe Bus with modern electric power for sale!
The classic Microbus is a cultural icon without a doubt.
Recognizable across the world and a vehicle that immediately brings up the
whole vibe of freedom that the 60's represent.
It is fun, it is happy and it is undeniably cool.
This particular example is a very special machine. It is not only a rolling icon of the past,
it represents the future as well. This bus is electric!
The classic look has remained intact and pure, but lift the engine lid and you are welcomed to the future.
This is a professionally done conversion by the fine folks at Zelectric in Southern California.
They have been doing conversions on classic cars for about 6 years now and have completed nearly 25 of them so far.
This particular example has been driven abut 1500 miles since conversion and has been featured in many
publications and shown at automotive events all over the place.
The basics of this conversion is that the electric motor simply replaces the factory engine.
The factory drive line and suspension remains stock and untouched and the modifications done
are minimal. If one ever desired to go back to the factory engine, it could easily be accomplished.
Originality is not what it is all about though, it is about blending the style of the past with the latest electric car technology
and creating a quiet, reliable, endlessly fun cruiser that costs pennies to run.
Here are the technical specs.
Battery pack
22 kWh (36-180Ah Lithium cells by CALB)
60 mile range
Battery life: 160,000+ miles - 15+ years
Custom 6061-Aluminium Battery Box / Middle seat
Motor
Maintenance-free 100% electric 3-phase
65KW 85HP AC-50 motor from HPEVS
650 amp Controller with custom cooling system
124 foot-pounds of instant torque
Estimated top speed 100 MPH (I’ve had it up to 80 no problem)
Charging Components
Orion BMS (battery management system)
Custom dash-mounted CAN-fuel gauge from Speedhut
2500 watt on-board charging system
Built-in J1772 charge port for Level 1 & 2 home or public charging
DC/DC converter (charges stock 12-volt system - lights radio etc.)
Drivetrain Improvements
Drive-by-wire throttle system (no throttle cable to break)
Dash-mounted electric reverse switch (go backwards in any gear)
Heavy Duty Clutch & Custom Lightened Flywheel
Regen assist in-line braking sensor
Rebuilt 4-speed IRS transaxle from Wright gearbox
Suspension Improvements & Safety Upgrades
Diamond back white wall radial tires
KYB gas shocks
HD front sway bar
Wagenswest Wilwood Front Disc Brakes with dual master cylinder
12-volt battery in-line battery fuse
Additional Upgrades
TruckLight LED head, brake, and running lights
Safari windows (supplied)
Rebuilt steering box with new arms & tie rods
New turn-signal switch
Radio delete plate
New canvas roof and hardware from Grumpy's
Rebuilt speedometer from Wolfsberg West
New door panels from West Coast VW Restoration
The rear suspension on this Bus has been upgraded to independent rear suspension
which is a great handling upgrade from the original swing axle system.
The motor puts out about 85hp and with the torque being what it is it is a very interesting driving experience.
You can pretty much drive the bus anywhere in 3rd gear! And when you come to a stop there’s no need to downshift.
Really easy to drive. 4th is only needed on the highway over 55mph
Charging time depends on what you plug into. At a 50% charge it will take 5-6 hours to recharge on a standard 120-volt outlet,
half that on 240v or public charge stations. Cost about $3 to drive 100 miles. Current range is about 60 miles
so it is best set for local drives, but there are upgrades available to extend the range.
Simply plug it in to charge through the factory gas door.
The battery packs are all hidden super cleanly inside under the seat.
At a glance inside you would never expect that there was anything different than stock.
Even the kick panel on the side has the original style trim on it to blend right in.
The speedometer was rebuilt at the time of the conversion and shows 1775 miles at the time of these photos.
The "fuel" gauge is in the factory spot and shows level of charge.
The rest of the dash looks totally stock and proper.
Interior is done in correct period VW materials and looks fantastic.
Cleanly done all the way around.
The throttle is now a "drive by wire" affair so there are no more cables to break.
Floors are solid under the mats
Nicely installed headliner, factory fresh air system works great and the addition
of safari windows means there is no shortage of ventilation.
Room for all your friends out back!
Everything is nicely done on the Bus inside and out.
While it is not a perfect "show car" with flawless finishes, it is still a very clean
and presentable build that is ready to enjoy and be proud of.
Load up the surfboards and gear and the whole family ...its the perfect playhouse on wheels.
The sunroof and skylight windows on this Bus have been added on.
It is not a factory original 21 window, but it has always been a Deluxe model with
the full line of side windows and the belt line trim.
The conversion of the roof is beautifully done and the sunroof operates smoothly and the look is factory.
Three pop out windows on each side with the final window stationary just as originally delivered.
Very nice fit and finish
You would never know unless someone told you.
There are a couple chips and scratches in the paintwork here and there, but they do not detract much from the overall look.
The safari windows are a classic addition and the wipers have the correct "one eye duck" holder in the center
and spring loaded bases that allow them to pivot back in position when needed.
The headlights, as well as all lighting have been converted to LED which give added brightness
as well as less of a draw on the electric system.
Factory trim and lenses , all very clean.
Original "elephant ear" mirrors
Nice straight body and paint.
Wonderful radial wide whites on the factory 14" wheels.
VW logo mudflaps add a little style.
This Bus was originally built for a client in Massachusetts but a change of plans
have it remaining here in Southern California. It has a clean and clear title and is ready for transfer to a new owner.
The underneath of the Bus remains unrestored but appears very solid.
Looks really nice along the frame rails and rockers, everything looks solid.
Perhaps an fresh undercoat would dress things up a bit, but it is nice to see the real vision
and to know that this was not put together out of a rusty pile.
Front brakes have been upgraded to Wilwood disc units.
The electric motor has an internal regenerative braking system that provides a little recharge
during deceleration and it also takes some pressure off the brakes as well.
As a result the bus stops very well even with the added weight of batteries and such.
All new tie rod ends and brake parts including the duel stage master cylinder.
Very solid underbelly here!
And up top it is beautiful!
Here is a handful of the magazines it has been featured in.
AmEx Centurion, Hagerty, VW Scene (Germany), Daytona (Japan), & Cal Classix (Japan).
This bus was also on display at the 2017 San Diego International Auto Show.
Reviews of the work of Zelectric have gone global
Check out the link HERE
It has also brought home the gold at car shows such as Monterey Car Week's "Little Car Show"
in Pacific Grove where it received the "Most Interesting Electric Car" award.
Its a neat ride indeed and I have a feeling that it is something we will see more
often as the classic car scene moves into the future and embraces the newest technology.
It is definitely a very fun Bus and will be the talk of the town wherever you go.
Local inspection and test drives are available.
Asking
$125,000 obo
For More Info...CALL
951 767 1600
or email oldbug@earthlink.net