Chassis No. 1083711

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

Volkswagen introduced the Type 2 model in 1950 to answer the need for a spacious and versatile vehicle. Who knew it would become a lifestyle?

Derived from the Type 1 Beetle, the Type 2 Transporter or "Kombi" was built in a myriad of body styles: van, pickup truck, and passenger "Microbus". By the sixties, the air-cooled VWs had become part of the Southern California lifestyle, where VW-powered dune buggies and customized Beetles and Kombis were now commonplace, and Motor Trend magazine called the Microbus, "more of a way of life than just another car..." Type 2s were now as much a part of the So-Cal surfing culture as they were the hippie counterculture. But where Flower Power faded, the cult of the air-cooled VW spread throughout the continental US and Hawaii, and it's as strong as ever.

This 1963 Microbus is the desirable Deluxe 15-window model, which includes two additional rear side windows. Built 14 March 1963, for the US market, as verified by its Volkswagen Zertifikat, it was sold new at Import Motors of Albuquerque, New Mexico, and the original dealer shift pattern sticker is still adhered to the dash. The previous owner of 22 years is a true VW enthusiast in Texas, well known in the air-cooled VW and early Porsche community.

This Microbus is beautifully restored, keeping its original character. It's loaded with period options and accessories, including opening Safari windshield and side windows, and stainless steel Westfalia roof rack with ladder. Inside the driver's compartment hardly shows its age, while the rear passenger area is filled with period Devon Camper oak cabinetry, seating, and fold-down table. But the Microbus was slow by American standards even in 1963, and performance on this one is greatly enhanced with a 2007 cc engine with 78mm crank, 48IDF Weber carbs, and an Engle 120 cam. There is a full flow oil filter and remote oil cooler, too. The suspension has been equally upgraded with a four inch narrowed beam, drop spindles, raised steering box, and German CSP vented disk brakes up front, while a Gene Berg shifter complements the four-speed manual transaxle. The electrical system is converted to 12 volt, and all wiring is new. EMPI-style Flat4 Sprint Star wheels, made popular in the sixties, are the crowning touch. Charming classic style, modern performance, spacious versatility, and exacting attention to detail – this VW Microbus is more than another van, it's a way of life.