1976 Volkswagen (VW) Panel Bus - Dual sliding doors, right hand drive, very rare

1976 Volkswagen Bus/Vanagon

I'm selling my 1976 VW bus. This a right hand drive panel bus with dual sliding cargo doors. It was built in Johannesburg, South Africa. I've been into VW's for a long time and I've never seen another one quiet like it. I bought it July 6, 2009 from the original owner’s son and I've done a lot of work to it since then. Being anAfricanbuilt VW, it has several unusual features not found onGermanbuilt models. In addition to being right hand drive, it has a kilometers per hour speedometer,Europeanstyle non sealed beam headlights, a non padded dashboard, Armour brand glass (instead of the usual Sekurit brand), and a type 1 engine with no access door in the package tray.It doesn’t have the usual rectangular marker lights on the front doors and rear quarter panels but it does have a pair of round white reflectors below each headlight that are unique to the South African market.

The previous owner told me that his father was a wildlife photographer in Africa and at one point there was a seat mounted to a swiveling base in the middle of the bus so that he could take photos with the side doors latched open while someone drove the bus. When the family emigrated to the U.S. in the early 80's, the bus was put on a boat to South America anddrivenfrom there to Texas. In the 90's the original owner passed away and his son brought it to Colorado. At some point, it developed shiftingproblemsand was put into a garage where it sat for several years until I bought it.

When I bought it, the transmission was stuck in 2nd gear so I had it repaired and while I was in there I replaced the shift rod bushings, CV boots and the clutch. I also added an EMPI Hurst style shifter. For the suspension, I installed KYB shocks all around and new ball joints. It is lowered in the front with Wagenswest 2.5 inch drop spindles. It has CIP1 Porsche "gasburner" replica wheels. I also replaced all the brake hoses, rear wheel cylinders and brake shoes and the front brake calipers and pads.

The engine that came in it was alright for a while but I eventually had it rebuilt. Iwanted a little more power so I had it bored out to 1914cc's. The entire rotating assembly was balanced and we added a high volume oil pump as well as a 3.5 quart oil sump. For the sake of reliability, I set the compression at a conservative 7.5 to 1 and used a stock 34 PICT carburetor, a Bosch009 distributor, and a header exhaust with a single quiet pack muffler. It's no race car but it cruises well on the highway and pulls the hills great for a bus. I've taken it to a few car shows in the mountains with no problems. Ihaven’t kept track of how many miles it has but I have put less than 2000 kilometers on the bus since buying it. It also passes the emission test in Denver with flying colors.It runs and drives really well and I wouldn’t be afraid to jump in it and drive anywhere.

As far as the body and paint goes, I have not really done anything to it. There are some dents and dings here and there and four small holes in the nose from a spare tire carrier. I have never liked the look of the spare tire on the nose, so I took it off. The back right corner has been dented in a bit but I bought an NOS corner that will come with the bus. I had theexteriordone up with avinylwrap in the style of the EMPI Inch Pincher race car but it could be removed if you like. I also put yellow film on the headlights to protect them and because it looks cool. I have included some older pictures that show it before the wrap went on so you can see what it looks like. The battery tray has the typical rust holes under it and there is a small rust spot on the right rear wheel arch (pictured). Other than that, this thing is rust free as it has spent it's life in dry climates.

Interior wise, I had the front seats reupholstered in the correct canyon brown leatherette. I put the rear set out of a '77 bus in it so I couldhaulmy friendsaroundto car shows. Last winter, I had set of door panels and interior panels made to match and a tan headliner installed as well. I also replaced the rubber mats on the front seat pedestals. The original rubber floor mats are still there and look good for their age. Like the rest of the bus it’s not show quality but it is good for a driver.

I've enjoyed owning this bus but I only take it out a few times a year mostly to car shows and cruises. I'm sure I'll regret selling it but it spends most of it’s time in my garage getting dusty. There are a few other cars I'd like to own in my lifetime, so it's got to go. I will include the stock wheels and tires with it as well as a spare gas burner wheel, a South African license plate and the birth certificate that I obtained from the VW museum in Wolfsberg. I am happy to sell to overseas buyers. If you have any questions please feel free to email or call 303-332-5014. Thanks for looking.

• Condition: Used
• Make: Volkswagen
• Model: Bus/Vanagon
• Year: 1976
• Mileage: 88,913
• VIN: 2162011348
• Fuel: Gasoline
• Drive side: Right-hand drive
• Vehicle Title: Clear
Want to buy? Contact seller!