1966 VW Transporter - Original Owner

1966 Volkswagen Bus/Vanagon

Up for auction is a 1966 VW Type II Transporter. Vehicle has had only one owner its whole life and is a California car. Purchased in April 1966 as a "VW Tourist Car" from VW in USA, delivery taken on 5/20/1966 in Copenhagen, Denmark. Driven all over Scandinavia for family vacation, then shipped from Gothenberg, Sweden to Los Angeles Terminal Island and driven home to Southern California on 10/5/1966. All original sales and shipping paperwork included along with original owner's manual (some shown in pics). Always garaged, it has spent its years as a daily driver and vacation camper traveling all over California. Last registered and insured in 2015 when owner stopped driving, it is now listed with California DMV in planned non-operating (PNO) status, with current fees of $117 and proof of insurance required to bring it back into operating registration in California. This and any other fees and taxes for transfer and registration in California or any other state are the winning bidder's responsibility. Title is clear and will only be signed over and vehicle made available after funds have been wired, directly transferred, or after 7 business days to verify certified check has cleared the bank. Buyer is responsible for insurance and transportation and compliance with all local laws. Vehicle is sold as-is, with no warranties and no returns.
Originally 6 volt, it was upgraded to a 12 volt electrical system approx 30 yrs ago including battery, lights, charging system, etc. The 6 volt flywheel/starter was retained with a large ceramic resistor in-line to limit the cranking speed during starting. New battery just installed. Original ignition switch failed and was replaced with an aftermarket switch about 5 yrs ago. Door locks all use the original VW key. Original gas gauge and float replaced by 12 volt aftermarket, but originals are included in the spare parts. An electric squirrel cage fan was added in the heating system with a switch under the dash to help bring hot air forward and distribute it on ski trips.
Engine has been rebuilt multiple times in the 259K miles. The engine block is not the original. Engine is a 1600cc dual-port head rebuild with at least 40K miles on it. Has a high volume oil pump, external oil cooler and filter, and an extended 1.5 quart oil sump on the bottom. Oil pressure, ammeter, and oil temperature guages. Oil and filter just changed, valves adjusted and new gaskets on the valve covers. Exhaust consists of headers and a standard "quiet muffler" system. Engine runs well and sounds good.
Transmission has been rebuilt but unknown exactly how long ago; shifts well up and down with no complaints. Transmission hypoid oil just changed and new swing-axle boots installed too.
Brakes work well, just adjusted all-round, and a passenger-side leaking rear wheel cylinder was just rebuilt. Brake shoes on this wheel were thoroughly cleaned to remove brake fluid, but do still grab a little occasionally. New brake shoes for all 4 wheels are included in the spare parts.
Originally delivered with the 3/4 middle bench seat, this seat was removed around 1968 and completely wrapped in plastic for storage until now. The whole seat is in excellent original condition with only a minor cigarette burn on the seat and some cracking of the armrest cushion due to age. Factory ashtrays on the middle seat and back of drivers seat are intact and excellent. Retracting seat belts from 1970's era VW were added to front passenger seats and fixed lap belts on the rear bench seat. Driver's seat belt return-spring no longer functions so the belt does not roll up. There is an AM/FM cassette player installed, but the original radio block-off plate is included in the extra parts as well as what I believe is the original rear-view mirror
After the middle seat was removed in '68, a folding bed platform was added along with two foam mattresses. Camping modifications also include an enclosed "side porch" with floor and zippered cover, plus curtains for the windows all-around. Camping modifications are easily removed to switch back to 7 passenger wagon.
Body is in overall good to very good condition. Some minor fender benders over the years repaired professionally, but a few remaining scars of note (see pics):1) In the late 70's this bus lost control on ice and ended up on its driver's side. Although the amateur bodywork is functional, close inspection shows flaws in the fit of the driver's door and some waviness in the side panel. Driver's side door handle was not replaced, but repaired with doublers and rivets.2) In approximately 2014, the passenger side front drum fractured at the bearing and the entire wheel assembly came off in a turn at around 15 mph. As the wheel left the vehicle, the tire deformed the lip of the rear of the passenger side front wheel well. The vehicle was brought to a stop using the emergency brake but the passenger side front brake backing plate sustained damage when it dragged on the pavement. Replacement brake drum installed, but the brake backing plate was not replaced.3) Minor dings in the bumpers and some damage to the aftermarket engine air scoop on the driver's side. This vehicle has had several styles of air scoops over the years; leftover mounting screw holes are now occupied by screws painted to match the body.
Tires have good tread all around and two extra wheels with good rubber are included in the spare parts.
Upholstery is in fair to good shape but is not original and does not match, except for the 3/4 middle bench seat which is completely original. Headliner is original and only has a few minor cuts and aging discoloration. Visors are original and in good shape. Interior middle side door handles are not original VW. Spare tire cover is original and in good condition. Rubber floor mats are all original and include the inserts to cover anchors for the middle seat when not being used.
A huge collection of new and used spare parts are included. This list is only partial and I couldn't provide pictures of everything (limit 24 pics).NEW: 2 pressure plate assemblies, 2 clutch disc assemblies, 1 heavy duty clutch lever and hardware (Empi) and throwout bearing, 1 set of Brazilian 87mm pistons and cylinders, 1 generator pulley assembly and nut, 1 Melling M-79-AHV hi-volume oil pump, 2 complete sets of spark plug cables, 2 sets of platinum spark plugs, 3 brake master cylinders, 4 rear wheel bearing seal/gasket kits, brake shoes for all wheels, complete front wheel bearings and seals, lots of engine rebuild gasket kits.USED: 1 re-machined line-bored engine case with case-savers and studs (ready to go), 1 clutch lever and all hardware, 1 set of stock ratio rocker arms, 3 sets of balanced piston rods, generator pulley, 3 crankshaft pulleys, crankshaft gears and keys, miscellaneous engine tin, 6 fuel pumps of various styles, 6 carburetors (various Solex), 1 Solex XE progressive carb with manifold, several 009 and vacuum advance distributors with caps and rotors, 2 front brake drums, 12 hubcaps in excellent or very good condition, 1 6 volt starter, rear taillight assemblies, lots of metric engine and body fasteners and miscellaneous engine compartment latches, 2 flywheel lock tools, 1 crankshaft endplay measuring tool, 3 VW repair manuals (2 different ones from Clymer and 1 from Kenneth Ball).
Please look over all the pictures carefully and ask all your questions before bidding. Winning bidder is solely responsible for arranging and paying for shipment and/or pick up of vehicle. Again, I do not accept returns and this vehicle is being sold "as-is".
This vehicle is a rare find and now ready for its next adventure!

• Condition: Used
• Make: Volkswagen
• Model: Bus/Vanagon
• SubModel: 7 Passenger split front
• Type: Standard Passenger Van
• Year: 1966
• Mileage: 259,579
• VIN: 286149573
• Color: Sea Blue/Cumulus White
• Engine size: 1600 dual port
• Number of cylinders: 4
• Fuel: Gasoline
• Transmission: Manual
• Drive type: RWD
• Interior color: Mesh Grey Leatherette
• Drive side: Steering wheel on left
• Vehicle Title: Clear
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