1971 Volkswagen Microbus with Camper Bed

Description

Volkswagen introduced the Type 2 model in 1950 to answer the need for a spacious and versatile vehicle. Who knew it would become a lifestyle? Derived from the Type 1 Beetle, the Type 2 Transporter (or “Kombi”) was built in a myriad of body styles: van, pickup truck, and passenger “Microbus.” By the ’60s, the air-cooled VWs had become part of the Southern California lifestyle, where VW-powered dune buggies and customized Beetles and Kombis were now commonplace, and Motor Trend magazine called the Microbus, “more of a way of life than just another car ...” Before long, the cult of the air-cooled VW had spread throughout the continental U.S. and Hawaii.   

The VW Type 2 received a major upgrade in 1968, and by ’71 these seven- and nine-passenger Microbus people movers were still unique vehicles in the United States — the first Chrysler minivans were still 13 years in the future.  

This 1971 Volkswagen Microbus was restored and repainted by a previous owner. It features a foldout rear bed, rear-facing seat, and louvered side windows, likely installed by Westfalia after leaving the factory. 

Highlights 

• 1971 Volkswagen Microbus with optional upgrades, likely installed by Westfalia:  

  • Foldout rear bed 

  • Rear-facing seat with storage 

  • Screened louvered side windows 

• Foldout rear bed 

• Rear-facing seat with storage 

• Screened louvered side windows 

• Finished in red paint over black dash and tan cloth and vinyl upholstery 

• Original 1600 cc engine has been professionally rebuilt to a 1915 cc with dual carbs and electronic fuel pump 

• Four-speed manual transmission 

• New sound system with Sony digital AM/FM radio and speakers 

• The chassis number (2312104338) decodes as: 

  • 2 – Type 2 

  • 3 – Kombi (sliding door right side, LHD) 

  • 1 – 1971 model year 

  • 2 – Production after August 1969 

  • 104338 – Sequential production number 

Features 

• Rear-wheel-drive, three-door van/bus with rear hatch  

• Receives regular oil changes with Penn Grade 20W50 high performance oil  

• Transfer case was recently serviced and received Penn Grade 80W90 gear oil  

• LED headlights  

• Retrofitted with modern brake light switch  

• Metal and wood roof rack 

• Pullout awning 

• Running board for passenger sliding door 

• Two-spoke steering wheel with center horn button 

• Dash instrumentation: 

  • 90 mph speedometer and odometer  

  • Fuel level  

  • Indicator lights for generator, oil pressure, and headlights (bright/dim) 

• Cup holders 

• Manual windows 

• Vent windows 

• Wood headliner and door liners 

• Glove box 

• Front-mounted radio antenna 

• 14-inch painted steel wheels with chrome hubcaps 

• Nika Avatar 185/70R14 tires  

• Wheelbase: 94.5 inches 

• Length: 174 inches 

• Height: 69.5 inches 

• Weight: 2,535 pounds 

Known Imperfections 

• Some minor paint flaws, mostly on the roof (mechanic scratched the roof when removing the roof rack; it was touched up)  

• Transmission sometimes hesitates while shifting into first gear (consignor says shift tube may need bushings) 

Included 

• Spare tire 

• Picnic basket 

• Scotch coolers 

• Surfboard 

Ownership History 

The owner of this 1971 Volkswagen Microbus purchased it from Ventura, California, in May 2020. The Station Wagon has been used mostly for shows and parades around Cincinnati, Ohio, and has been driven about 2,000 miles since its original 1600 cc engine was professionally rebuilt to a 1915 cc.