1966 Volkswagen Microbus Deluxe 13-Window

Description

Like the Beetle, the Volkswagen Type 2 Transporter is a true “World Car.” It’s as likely to be found in far-flung places like Katmandu, as it is in Malibu, thanks to their robust practicality in various forms, from a commercial panel van, single or double cab pickup truck, and passenger “Microbus” in both standard and deluxe trim levels. The Type 2 was continually improved, and by 1966 sported a larger 1.5-liter engine. 

By the 1960s, these air-cooled Volkswagens had become ingrained in Southern California’s laid-back lifestyle and were used as practical and dependable transportation for a variety of reasons. Motor Trend magazine described the Microbus as “more of a way of life than just another car...” Type 2s became a significant part of the So-Cal surfing culture, as well as the hippie counterculture of Haight-Ashbury and the Summer of Love. While Flower Power eventually faded, the popularity of air-cooled VWs spread throughout the continental US and Hawaii and continues with a devout worldwide fanbase to this day — like this California cool Deluxe 13-window Microbus. 

Highlights 

• Classic Deluxe Microbus 13-window finished in yellow and white 

• Interior reupholstered in grey and white vinyl 

• 1.5-liter air-cooled horizontally opposed four-cylinder 

• Four-speed manual transmission 

Features 

• Dynamat floor insulation added 

• Dual chrome side-view mirrors   

• Ivory twin-spoke steering wheel   

• Dual sun visors  

• Under-dash storage tray   

• Roll up front side windows  

Known Imperfections 

• Paint drips are noticeable in a few areas 

• A few scratches on the bumper 

• Operation of the radio is unknown since there is no speaker 

• The doors aren’t flush with the body  

• The bottom of the passenger-side door rubs against the interior 

• Slight ding on the front near the logo 

• Driver's door does not lock

• Two scuff marks on passenger front window

• Horn cover has cracks

• The front bumper on the passenger side has surface rust and the paint is slightly peeling 

Included 

• Keys 

• Spare tire and wheel 

 Ownership History 

The consignor of this 1966 Volkswagen Microbus Deluxe 13-Window states, “I bought the bus in 2001 from a restoration shop in Louisiana and shipped it to California. It was always in the garage, and I drove it around town on the weekends. I stopped driving it in 2014, and it is currently in storage. The interior panels and seats were reupholstered in grey and white, and the headliner replaced. The interior was repainted in white while the back had sound dampening mats installed.”