1962 Volkswagen Bus

A Dutch Volkswagen importer by the name of Ben Pon is credited with coming up with Type 2’s original concept, a sketch now protected in the Netherlands’ national ‘Rijksmuseum.’ The original prototype was horribly inefficient, creating twice as much drag as the design that went into full-scale production. Although the Bus’ name is the Type 2, generations are referred to as T1, T2 and so forth up to the T6. The example we have today is a T1.

Finished in a subtle, faded, mint green, we think the Bus has a wonderful level of patina to it. The two-tone exterior won’t be winning any competitions in the near future, but instead has an old, wise look that suggests the Bus has seen more than its fair share of adventures. The driver’s side of the van is clean aside from a dent or two down by the sideskirts, but the passenger side has more than a few dents and wrinkles in its panels. Glass around the car is in decent shape, and although they could use some Windex, there do not appear to be any major cracks. The hubcaps would benefit greatly from some polishing as they don’t appear to be sporting any curb rash. Remaining tire tread looks fair at best, and we always recommend a new set. It appears that on both side of the bus, scoops have been fitted over the air vents on each side with the likely goal of improving airflow to the engine bay. This Bus has clearly done some road-tripping over the years, but these days, what VW Bus isn’t something of a journeyman?

The inside of this Type 2 also has its own patina to share! Unfortunately, it does not appear to have held up as well as the exterior over the years. The headliner is gone, and the fabric layer that normally lies between is exposed, stained, and torn away in several areas although the sunshades appear to be hanging tightly in place. Moving down, the door panels are quite dirty, though it might be possible to improve their condition considerably with some cleaning products and a little bit of TLC. The bench front seat is dilapidated, with a single cloth resting over it as a cover. The dashboard and steering wheel both show wear in line with the exterior condition of the vehicle. The rear compartment is, sparse, but bidders should consider this free space to do what they please without having to gut the original innards. It’s best to think some of the work has already been done for you! Glass half-full and whatnot.

Lifting the rear hatch provides a small window to what can only be described as a quiet, dusty, engine bay. The motor looks to be in fine shape, showing no obvious major damage, but a hefty power washing would certainly liven up what’s otherwise an unremarkable part of the car. Down below, we see a frame sporting surface corrosion that’s expected given the age of the vehicle, suspension components that all appear to be in their proper locations, and an exhaust that shows some discoloration.

This Type 2 Bus comes to us as part of the Volkswagen Collection, curated by an avid Volkswagen enthusiast operating out of Santa Barbara, California. The collector has been the long-term owner of this vehicle for a number of years. Our team here at The Market by Bonhams were able to start the car on the day of the photoshoot, but we still highly recommend that the winning bidder have a professional inspection done on the car post-auction.

Much like the preceding Beetle, the Volkswagen Bus is arguably one of the most recognizable cars of all time. Seeing a Type 2 out in the wild invokes a wide array of emotions for anyone that sees one. Today’s example has an undeniably charming exterior, but also carries with it an interior that needs some work. We see the car as a blank slate for the winner to make the Bus the vehicle of their dreams. With an estimate between $25,000 and $35,000, we have little doubt this Bus will have troubles finding a new home.