The forward-control Volkswagen Transporter is one of the original global workhorse vehicles. It was launched at the 1949 Geneva Auto Show, and nine million were built in 64 years. The bus shared the Beetle’s air-cooled engine, had excellent ground clearance, and could run on low-grade fuel.

The split-window Transporter was made from 1950 to 1967 and was available as a bus, ambulance, police car, fire truck, camper, and even a railroad speeder. Pickups were sold in the US from 1952. Single-cab pickups came first, but public demand led to 550 double-cab models being coachbuilt by Binz from 1955 to 1959. Binz shortened the bed to five feet and installed a three-person seat with a curbside door. In 1959, Volkswagen started making its own double-cab model.

Only 29 Binz double (or crew) cabs are believed to survive, and the pickup offered today is Binz body no. 148, completed in March 1958. Discovered in 2001 in need of complete refurbishment, it received a high-quality rotisserie restoration by experienced VW craftsmen.

The restoration includes many correct Binz-specific details, with numerous NOS parts used, and the VW is finished in Dove Blue with gray and white slotted wheels and a black interior. Driven less than 400 miles since completion, this is a fine example of a rare Binz Double Cab.