Absolutely rust-free, completely restored with Porsche-power!

1968 VW Single Cab Pick up truck

In late 1967, the second generation of the Volkswagen Type 2 (T2) was introduced. This new Bus lost its distinctive split front windshield, and was slightly larger than its predecessor. At 1.6 L and 47 bhp, the engine was also slightly larger. The new model also did away with the swing axle rear suspension and transfer boxes previously used to raise the ride height. Instead, half-shaft axles fitted with constant velocity joints raised ride height without the wild changes in camber of the Beetle-based swing axle suspension.

Models before 1971 are often called the T2a or “Early Bay”. The first models featured rounded bumpers incorporating a step for use when the door was open (replaced by indented bumpers without steps on later models), front doors that opened to 90° from the body, and no lip on the front guards. They also had unique engine hatches, and up until 1971 front indicators set low on the nose rather than high on either side of the fresh air grille – giving rise to their nickname as "Low Lights".

This Early Bay, of 1968 vintage, a far more desirable Bus than later, reconfigured front, T2b’s, is a completely rust-free example. Subject to a ground-up restoration, it has covered only a few hundred miles since. In long-term ownership, this pick-up has arrow-straight panels with no evidence of rust of crash repair. Panel fit is excellent. Paint is excellent in an old English White over Pastel Green colour-scheme, perfect for that California beach look. Glass is perfect, and all chrome was replated. Original wheels are shod with good tires, and sport new chrome-dome hubcaps.

The cream and green interior is also in excellent condition with new seat covers panels, perfect floors under the new floor mats, and a restored dash, which includes a CD/radio.

And so to the heart of the pick up: power for this Cal-look truck comes from a fully rebuilt 1976 Porsche 912 engine mated to a Freeway Flyer transmission for thoroughly modern performance. The truck drives fantastically well. Two pumps on the accelerator and it fires up immediately, every time. The engine feels exceptionally taut and responsive with good power. The gearbox shifts perfectly though an excellent clutch. Brakes are fantastic. Steering is tight, and suspension is also excellent – a smooth ride with no usual excessive bounce. All electrical works perfectly.

I would honestly drive it anywhere.

U.S. sales of Volkswagen vans in pickup and commercial configurations were curtailed by the “Chicken tax” imposed by Pres. Johnson, making them quite a rare vehicle. And this is rare still as a rust-free, completely restored example, with Porsche-power and in superb driving condition.

Auto blog

Volkswagen Group names Paefgen head of classics program

Tue, 04 Oct 2011

You may remember the name Franz-Josef Paefgen. Until recently, the German engineer and executive was head of both Bentley and Bugatti. Before that he was chief executive of Audi, after working for several years at Ford. He technically "retired" earlier this year, but like the cars he helped create, an executive like Paefgen could never really retire. So it should come as little surprise that the Volkswagen Group has named Dr. Paefgen head of its Classic program.
In his new capacity, Paefgen will oversee the historic automobile activities of the entire VW Group, including those of Volkswagen, Seat, Skoda, Audi, Lamborghini, and of course Bentley and Bugatti. It strikes us as a suitable semi-retirement for the man responsible in no small part for the Bugatti Veyron and Bentley Mulsanne, to name just two, and who was decorated in 2006 by the ACO as the "Spirit of Le Mans" for his contribution to endurance racing. Read the official announcement after the break.

Wagons make a bit of a comeback, with new models, sales on the rise

Thu, Jan 10 2019

Consider this an official invitation to hop on the wagon bandwagon. There's still tons of room because, well, it's a wagon (and market share is still extremely small). But according to new data, the segment is growing. According to a report from Bloomberg, using data from Edmunds.com, roughly 211,600 Americans purchased wagons in 2018. That is technically down from the 237,600 sold in 2017, but wagon sales in the U.S. are up 29 percent from where they were five years ago. It's also the third year in a row that wagon sales broke the 200,000 mark. The sales trends have been somewhat representative of the availability of wagons. New models have debuted during the past 5 years and therefore offer more opportunity at more brands to buy wagons. In addition to more modest cars such as the Volkswagen Golf Sportwagen, several luxury and performance brands are offering wagons today, such as Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Porsche, Jaguar, Volvo and Buick. (Bloomberg's headlines make the point that "crossovers are for the Kardashians," and wagons are just, well, classier.) This uptick in brand-name availability, as well as extremely well-executed design on most of the wagons currently available, has helped increase the segment's desirability. That, and its ability to better accomplish the same tasks at hand while standing out from the crossover and SUV crowd. Still, the posted numbers represent a small fraction of the total vehicles sold. According to the data, wagons only held a 1.4 percent market share in 2017, the segment's best recent year. Wagons hold a steadfast place in America's past, and they're writing an interesting new story. With the downturn in traditional cars, they may continue to create an unexpected narrative. Related Video: News Source: Bloomberg, Edmunds Audi BMW Buick Volkswagen Volvo Wagon station wagon

VW teams up with legendary electronic musicians Kraftwerk for 3D Autobahn concert

Fri, Jan 9 2015

Electronic music fans know Kraftwerk. To paraphrase a famous TV anchor, they're kind of a big deal. The band is in the midst of an eight-concert show at Berlin's Neue Nationalgalerie, which includes a full 3D accompaniment. Why, you ask, is this on Autoblog, then? Well, Volkswagen is sponsoring it, highlighting the role that its iconic Beetle played on the band's equally iconic fourth album, Autobahn. And besides, it's Friday afternoon, and who doesn't want to listen to the soothing synth notes of early EDM pioneers? Check out the featurette on the connection between VW and Kraftwerk, and then for giggles, scroll down and give the first track of Autobahn a listen. This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings. News Source: Volkswagen Group via YouTube Volkswagen Coupe Classics Videos

1968 Vw Transporter, Porsche 912 Motor, Freeway Transmission, Ground-up Restored on 2040-cars

Volkswagen Bus/Vanagon for Sale

Auto blog

Volkswagen Group names Paefgen head of classics program

Wagons make a bit of a comeback, with new models, sales on the rise

VW teams up with legendary electronic musicians Kraftwerk for 3D Autobahn concert