A lot of work has been done on this truck in order to bring it back to its factory configuration. Aside from the engine, all the missing bits and bobs that were special to this vehicle have been verified or painstakingly acquired. All the parts are there, from the original dual-position fog light switch to the recently-fabricated slats for the pickup bed. All bed sides fold down to make a flat bed. The truck has been refurbished so that it runs and is imminently usable as a working truck. Note the 2200 lb (1000 kg) payload rating and the flat bed measuring 5 ft wide by 9 ft long! You will not find any US pickup that comes near those specifications.
M-code plate:
52 084 059
098 171 209 547
A7A751 AD5 Z21 070 071
07 2 7707 ME 2610 51
Interpretation of M-codes:
098 radio model "Ingolstadt"
171 tubeless bias-ply tires
209 PVC tilt (canopy)
547 corrosion protection
A7A7 paint code L345: licht grau | light gray
51 interior leatherette dunkelbeige | dark beige
AD5 unknown code
Z21 package: Z01 and Z05:
Z01 bad weather package comprising:
652 intermittent windshield wiper function
659 halogen fog lamps
571 rear fog lamp
Z05 includes:
025 trip counter and clock
162 rubber on bumpers
070 tilt and bows for pick-up
071 second lid in side panel (storage compartment doors both sides)
07 manufactured on day 7 of the month
2 February
7707 temporary serial number
ME delivery to Mexico
2 Type 2 body
61 Pickup, LHD
0 unknown code
5 original engine 51 kW | 70 BHP Type 1 (AS) - 1584cc, 37 kW (50 bhp DIN) - Stiff instead of torsion suspended clutch plate
1 manual transaxle
Those M-codes are in complete agreement with the options found on the vehicle during the refurbishment and during its appraisal inspection: extra wires, odd switches, and the complete original PVC canopy! This truck came with all the extras, which few pickup drivers would have ever ordered (the Z21 spec), so that the Puebla factory could see what would be involved in manufacturing trucks in Mexico.
The options, as detailed in the M-code plate of the single cab and confirmed on the VW "Birth Certificate", include bumper rubbers, double treasure chest doors, PVC tilt, fresh air "ambulance" fans, trip odometer and clock, and a foul weather package. The Z21 package includes the Z01 foul weather package (front and rear fog lights, rear window defroster, and intermittent wipers) as well as the Z05 (trip odometer, clock, and rubber bumper strips). It originally had an upright AS engine, and an extra-stiff clutch. The collection of these options on a lowly pickup is a rare thing indeed--possibly unique.
Volkswagen de Mexico's assessment included evaluating the possibility of using Mexican-made glass, brake systems, lights, and wiring, but ultimately it was decided that the production of pickups in Puebla would not be pursued. Since this special-order German-built VW could not be legally registered in Mexico, other options for its disposition would be needed.
According to the previous owners, all of whom have been interviewed for this history, the first was Bill, the owner of the Autohaus Volkswagen and Porsche dealership in San Antonio, Texas. He had been a regular visitor to the Puebla plant, having consulted on the manufacturing lines and whatnot. The pickup was offered to him for sale, and he happily accepted delivery in Laredo, driving it back to San Antonio. Bill's son Bob was given the single cab, and said that the pickup "wanted for nothing" and was fitted with a heavily modified 2.0-L engine by Jones Autowerks in San Antonio. "It would go 100 miles an hour on the flat."
By the time I came into possession of this pickup, it had seen rougher times. It seems that none of the three intervening owners knew that they had a rare and unique vehicle. All their transgressions have been fixed; made right and proper, along with a lot of other stuff. All previous owners lived in San Antonio, Texas, and apparently none saw any value in keeping the heating system intact. Sadly, critical parts of the duct work under the vehicle had been removed. A capable workaround is currently installed. Replacement parts still need to be installed but come with the truck. The current engine, a CB type, has had a top-end rebuild with new heads worked by Adrian Audirac of Headflow Masters and assembly by Pablo Sanchez, who knew John Muir and Peter Aschwanden of "How to Keep Your Volkswagen Alive" in Santa Fe. The PVC canopy, however, has been in dry storage nearly all this time, and is in excellent condition. The original hoops and bows have been supplemented with excellent replacement parts hand made by Derek Gregg (DG Creations). Ash bed slats are by Ken Hippensteel. I reproduced the wood stringers myself, from 1x2 red oak.
All instruments and lights work except for the original clock which suffers from a cracked gear. Replacement Hella parts are installed for the front and rear fog lights (fronts now wired as supplemental driving lights) and a Blaupunkt Ingolstadt radio, completing the collection of special items listed on the factory M-code plate. I have also reupholstered the seats (using a replacement 1975 driver's seat) with Sewfine seat covers and have installed upgraded 3-point retractable seat belts for safety and comfort. Many more restoration parts come with the vehicle, including complete door kits and wing windows, as well as all the parts needed to restore the heating system.
Why am I selling? Because my specialty has been to refurbish Volkswagen Type 2s (15 so far), not to restore them to original quality. I attend to the mechanicals to make the vehicle roadworthy, but do not get into bodywork and paint, as that work is highly specialized. Body work would be minor, however, as the vehicle is free of serious rust (only a bit of surface rust where the paint has thinned).
And the big question: What remains to be done to bring this to completion? Aside from body and paint, there is a bit of welding to restore the heating system (parts supplied) and some of the captive nuts on the bed. The engine also has a persistent oil leak that requires attention. But the truck is roadworthy, and I use it often as a pickup, given its huge flat bed and large payload rating.
DISCLAIMER: As seller I have represented this vehicle truthfully and to the best of my knowledge. I have sold 13 personally refurbished VW Type 2 buses and have never received a complaint or a request to reverse a sale. Prospective buyers are encouraged to inspect the vehicle prior to bidding. Please email seller with any questions prior to bidding. Vehicle is sold "as-is, where-is", free of any liens or encumbrances, and without any warranties either expressed or implied. Bidders with negative feedback must provide written intent to honor bid or may be cancelled.