1976 Volkswagen panel bus - Double sliding doors - right hand drive - rare!

1976 Volkswagen Bus/Vanagon Description

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 in July, 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.

When I bought it, the transmission was bad so I had it rebuilt and while I was in there I replaced the shift rod bushings, CV boots and the clutch. I also added a Gene Berg 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 and the tires only have a few thousand miles on them. I also replaced all the brake hoses, rear wheel cylinders and brake shoes and the front brake pads.

The engine that came in it was alright for a while but I eventually rebuilt it. Ifeltit was lacking in power, so I had it bored out to 1914cc's. I also had the entire rotating assembly balanced and added a high volume oil pump and a 3.5 quart oil sump. For the sake of reliability, I set the compression at a conservative 7.5 to 1. It has a stockcarburetor,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'tkept track of the miles on it but it can't have more than a thousand. 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 a couple 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 a pretty sweetvinylwrap to promote my business but it could be easily removed if you like. I also put yellow film on the headlights to protect them and because it looks cool. I've 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. The previous owner told me that it has spent it's entire life in dry climates starting in Africa, the on to Texas and eventually Colorado.

Interior wise, there isn't much as it is a panel bus, intended for hauling cargo. I had the front seats reupholstered in the correct canyon brown leatherette. Theoriginal brown painted door panels are still there but aren't in great shape. I put the rear set out of a '77 bus in it so I couldhaulmy friendsaroundto car shows. I though about putting a camper interior in it or just paneling the whole thing with some wood but could never decide what to do with it. There was someinsulationglued to the inside of the roof when I got it which I took out but there is still some leftover glue and fuzz that I never got around to removing. I will include the original wheels and spindles with it if you like as well the birth certificate that I got from Wolfsburg.

I've had a lot of fun with this bus but I only take it out a few times a year; mostly to car shows and cruises. Most of the time it sits in thegaragegetting dusty. It's a very unique vehicle that draws a crowd wherever I go. I'm sure I'll regret selling it but there are a few other cars I'd like to own in my lifetime, so it's got to go. I'll be happy to help with local transport. If you have any questions, please email me or call 303-332-5014. Thanks for looking.