1958 Volkswagen 11-Window Microbus

Description

When someone walks in to our RK Motors Charlotte showroom and asks “What's some of the coolest metal I can get for my money?” we usually take them to the Volkswagen section. That's because there are few cars with a better combination of timeless style and cool engineering than a vintage VeeDub. From a collector's standpoint, they're fun, easy to live with classics that enjoy a cult-like following and a positively gigantic support system. And from an enthusiast's standpoint, cars like this awesome '58 Microbus are such great buys that they're almost riot-inducing! If you're looking for one of the coolest and most unique classics your money can buy, welcome to the 'people's car'!

HISTORY/APPEARANCE

Produced from 1949 to 1967, the first generation of the Volkswagen bus was originally intended as a basic cargo hauler. After much success and growing demand, Wolfsburg realized the full potential of their classy workhorse and, eventually, created a wide variety of body styles. Today, considered a pioneer in the often thankless business of cargo and people moving, the Transporter has become an automotive icon that's universally appealing and highly collectable.

The beneficiary of a fresh, ground-up restoration that was completed in late 2016, this awesome bus is about as close to “ultimate” as a classic can get. That rebuild, conducted by Iconic Motor Wrx of Orange, California, began with a solid body that was completely stripped, mounted to a rotisserie and worked for countless hours. Once those panels were super tight and exceptionally straight, a smooth combination Palm Green and Sand Green 2-stage was rubbed to a mirror-like shine. And the end result is one extremely nostalgic collectable that exhibits classy, era-correct aesthetics.

Known for its aerodynamic shape, the Type 2 incorporates a split windscreen and large, cast aluminum “VW” emblem above a sweeping V-line fascia that forms the basis for its entire design. At the front of the bus, cool Safari windows shade chrome-trimmed headlights, bullet-style parking lamps and amber fog lights that ride a 2-tone bumper. Behind that bumper, simple door handles perfectly complement old school mirrors. Those mirrors reflect German greenhouse glass, which is caged between classy pinstripes and an ornate luggage rack. And behind that rack, a second 2-tone bumper props a vintage tag beneath a lockable hatch and NOS tail lamps.

ENGINE

Like its Beetle brethren, the Transporter is powered by an air-cooled, rear-mounted 4-cylinder that makes noise and fumes nearly non-existent for front passengers. Raise the hatch and you'll find a 1,200cc boxer motor that was professionally rebuilt by Proformance Motoring of Orange, California. While modest, that stalwart powerplant is perfectly capable of maintaining safe highway speeds as it frequently achieves almost 30 MPG on stoplight-free, cross-country treks. At the top of the pint-size block, an oiled air filter pipes wind in to a 1-barrel Solex carburetor. Below that carb, a fresh Bosch coil sparks a traditional Bosch distributor that's equipped with pliable plug wires. And in front of that distributor, a fresh belt spins a fully rebuilt generator. Aesthetically, the engine bay is clean, road ready and virtually flawless. The uniquely gated motor fires instantly and idles well thanks to rebuilt 6-volt electronics. And, based on sound and appearance, the 36 horsepower mill will likely putter along forever!

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

Since Type 1 Beetle pans proved too weak for the Type 2 Transporter, Volkswagen engineered a new ladder chassis with unit-body construction. That said; because the Type 2's wheelbase was the same as the Type 1's, engineers reused the Type 1 reduction gear, enabling this relatively large vehicle to get good performance out of a relatively efficient engine. At the front of this bus, rebuilt drum brakes sit at the edges of a completely rebuilt independent suspension. At the back of the bus, a rebuilt 4-speed hangs between a peashooter exhaust system and two more rebuilt drums. Power meets the pavement through intricately detailed steelies, which spin 6.40-15 Firestone Deluxe Champions around polished hubcaps. And every part of this Volkswagen's undercarriage is in great condition!

INTERIOR

Open this rare people mover's curved doors and you'll find acres of tasteful 2-tone upholstery. All three rows of green-piped seats, including the car's front walk-thru buckets, have been fully re-wrapped in pliable vinyl upholstery. Above those seats, a tight headliner frames chrome hardware, a Triple A-branded mirror and a small, Sand Green console. At the sides of that headliner, 2-tone door panels mix bright chrome handles with straight stainless trim. At the front of the van, a Sand Green dash hangs a new church key below an NOS fog light switch and simple VDO telemetry. And in front of the driver, a restored steering wheel spins a rare Wolfsburg Edition horn ring above an original-style shifter.

OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION AND ACCESSORIES

• The car's Stiftung AutoMuseum Volkswagen Birth Certificate
• A stack of restoration receipts
• Two 1956 California plates
• Vintage luggage

No matter the car, completing a reliable, fully sorted restoration is very expensive. Fortunately, you can walk right in to our RK Motors Charlotte showroom and make another person's loss your big gain! If you're looking for something that's fun, unique and stuffed with charming character, this super cool bus is your next classic.

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SUMMARY

• The beneficiary of a detailed rotisserie restoration
• 1200cc Volkswagen 4-cylinder
• Peashooter exhaust system
• 4-speed manual transmission
• Era-correct Sand Green and Palm Green paint
• Sale includes: A Stiftung AutoMuseum Volkswagen Birth Certificate / Restoration receipts / Vintage luggage
• Green and tan vinyl interior
• 6-volt electrical system
• 15-inch painted steel wheels