In the late 1950's and long before the advent of the local 24 hour "chicken and gas" Quick Stop, chicken was considered by Europeans to be something of a delicacy that was reserved for Sunday afternoon dinners.

However, begining in the early 1960's American farms began to pump out vast quantites of chicken (mainly through chemical means involving arsenoid compounds - better living through chemistry, man!!), and flooded the European market with low cost, readily available chicken.

The European reaction to this was not appreciative.

Rather, the French passed an outright ban on the importation of American chicken products and, eventually, the European Common Market passed a heavy tarrif on American chicken imports.

In response to the "chicken tax", on December 4, 1963, President Lyndon B. Johnson passed Executive Proclamation 3564 which placed a 25% import tax on potato starch, dextrin, brandy and, oddly, light pick up trucks.

The first three products were food related and appeared to be in direct response to the "chicken tax."

However, the fourth item - light pick up trucks - seemingly had no connection to chickens or any other food item.

Years later it was discovered that President Johnson included light pick up trucks as part of a political bargain with the then president of the United Auto Workers Union (UAW), Walter Reuther.

This bargain was a quid pro quo wherein President Johnson agreed to combat the import of VW vehicles (through a protectionist tarrif) in exchange for Mr. Reuther's agreement to prevent a UAW strike during the 1964 presidential election and to lend support to President Johnson's civil rights initiative, i.e., the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Thus, through a curious combination of chicken, taxes and President Johnson's political manuevers, the "light pick up trucks" then offered by VW - the Single and Double Cabs - were effectively priced out of the reach of most Americans (they were at least 25% more expensive than the competition).

This led to these vehicles being relatively rare in the US even in the mid-1960's.

In today's market (and given the corrosive combination of non-galvanized metal and water vapor), rust free Single or Double Cabs are almost non-existent on American shores.

Fortuately, I was able to acquire this rust free example from a restoration specialist in North East Texas.

Being graced with two endearing qualities: quirky goods looks and legendary reliability, this Single Cab is capable of carrying a one ton payload and is supported by a stock Type 1 engine (with points no less!). 

Over the course of the last several years, this vehicle has been given a solid mechanical and cosmetic restoration and there are receipts totaling over $8,000 in our file which show the following:

Fresh paint in original color;

New window and door rubber;

New safari windows;

New headlights and seals from Wolfsburg West;

New front turn signals and seals from Wolfsburg West;

New side view mirrors;

New "bent" antenna (allows the passenger safari window to open without hitting the antenna);

New vinyl seat covers in original colors and pattern;

New brake and clutch pedal rubber;

New sheet metal on the truck bed;

New rubber bump stops on the gates;

New bedliner covering the interior of the truck bed and interior sides of the gates;

Rebuilt engine (rebuilt in 2007 by Oak Hill Automotive and has less than 3,000 miles on it - no leaks!);

Rebuilt transaxle (rebuilt in 2007 by Oak Hill Automotive and has less than 3,000 miles on it - no leaks!);

New gas tank;

New retro radio with Ipod/Pandora/MP3 input and amplifier (Pandora rocks!);

New speakers;

Rebuillt fresh air box;

New door panels;

New interior panels;

New headliner panels;

New floor mat;

New front drop spindles; and

New BRM rims (4 original rims and hubcaps accompany the truck)

As shown, the gates are slightly dented but intact and remain completely functional. 

Obviously, the miles shown on the odometer cannot be verified and thus the truck will be sold as exempt.

The only known issue with this truck is the heating system which has been intentionally disconnected.

Outside of this, this vehicle is in "buy it, drive it, enjoy it" condition and it starts easily, stops quickly and is reliable enough to use as a daily driver.  In fact, it is so reliable that I would not hesitate to drive it anywhere in the World (excluding Italy because Italian drivers are simply insane).

If you are the trepidatious sort (most true V Dubbers aren't!) and would like to discuss a "buy back guarantee" on this vehicle then please feel free to ask.

Given the rarity of rust free Single Cabs and the excellent condition of this particular one, potential buyers should rest assured that their investment can be immediately enjoyed and appreciate dramatically over the years to come.

Thus, if you are loooking to buy a very good example of a vary rare automobile then please contact Mark Counts at 713-320-3059.

We are a licensed lender in the State of Texas and can assist you in obtaining financing for your automobile purchase.

If you need assistance with financing then please contract Mark counts at 713-320-3059.

Please ensure that you have obtained financing prior to bidding on one of our cars.

Unless expressly stated otherwise, our cars are sold "As Is" and without warranty.

However, some of our cars are eligible for extended warranties.

Please discuss the potential purchase of an extended warranty with your sales representative.

Unless stated otherwise in the vehicle's listing, shipping is the sole responsibility of the buyer.

There are many reputable transporters across the country and the Buyer is required to contract directly with one of them.

If required, we can locate a shipper for the Buyer but will not assume responsibility for the vehicle once it is consigned to a shipper.

Terms and Conditions

All vehicles we sell have clean and clear titles. 

We do NOT sell salvage vehicles or vehicles with reconditioned titles.

All vehicles are sold "AS IS" and there are no representations or warranties except those contained in the written sales contract or bill of sale.

The winning bidder must contact us within 24 hours by phone to start the transaction.

The winning bidder must respond within 2 days after the auction with a $500 deposit required via wire transfer, Visa/MC, or certified funds(cashier's check) to start the transaction.

It is understood that the vehicle is sold on an "As Is" basis. 

Buyer are free to purchase with or without an inspection.  

We strongly encourage pre-purchase inspections.  These inspections are relatively cheap and help ensure  that the Buyer is completely satisfied with their purchase.

All sales are subject to a state inspection fee of $40.75 and a Vehicle Inventory Tax based at .2271% of the purchase price. Ex. $10,000.00 X .2271% = 22.71.

Texas residents must pay applicable sales tax and a registration fee.

Out-of-state customers may pay tax and register the vehicle in their own applicable state. Upon request, we may be able to complete the buyer's home state registration.

The buyer is responsible for all shipping costs. We will arrange for shipping, if requested. Also, transportation to and from the airport and our location is buyer's responsibility.

We make every attempt to deliver our vehicles to our clients with two keys, key fobs, manuals, booklets, NAV CDs, wheel locks, tool kits, etc..., however, from time-to-time, a vehicle may be missing one or more of these items and we cannot guarantee that they will be included in the vehicle at the time of sale. Please call for the exact accessories included for the vehicle.

Our vehicles are pre-owned vehicles and they are sold in "As Is" condition. At time, some of our vehicles may still be in factory warranty or an extended warranty may be purchased. Ask for details.

For Canadian car buyers: If the title is to be released at the time of delivery (which is much mandatory to move the vehicle through customs), a wire transfer is the fastest  way to complete the sale.  If the payment is not by bank wire transfer, i.e., certified bank check or approved loan check, the title will only be released when all funds have cleared. Please keep in mind that the funds verification process can take up to 15 days. We will assist you with the documentation needed to clear Canadian customs, but knowing exactly which documents are required by your home province are the buyers responsibility. Requirements for Canada can be found at www.riv.ca under "Registration of import vehicles, Canada".

Notice to All Bidders

Please remember your eBay obligations. When you bid, you are entering into a legal and binding contract. Do not bid if you do not intend to buy this vehicle!

All bidders must have pre-approved loans or other financing.

The winning bidder must contact us within 24 hours by phone to complete the sale and to receive a purchase order via fax.

Major Credit Cards are accepted.

Please call for limits and details (credit card charges may incur a service fee).

Payments are accepted through paypal.com (Deposit only-$1,000 max.). Please call for limits.

We do not accept Escrow or E-Loan. Please call for exceptions prior to bidding.

Please remember that you have the option to call for the reserve price direct at 713-320-3059.

We appreciate your interest in this auction and look forward to seeing your bid. Good Luck and Happy Bidding!