With those upgrades, the VW bus’s Buy-It-Now price of $58,700 is consistent with going values.
The cabin was fully reupholstered.
That’s not a ‘60s Becker or Blaupunkt, but it will sound better.
The 1,600-cc engine boasts dual carburetors.
This bus is fully restored as a mild restomod.
That price might be reasonable for a beautifully restored 23-window VW bus. But the lofty figure would have been unimaginable in the 1960s. That’s when these microbuses served as cheap and easy-to-fix transportation.
Now, they’re blue-chip collectibles.
A Classic 23-Window VW Bus Loaded with Options
The roof rack, with a ladder, is an excellent option.
The extra power is not the only upgrade. A 12-volt conversion means the lights won’t dim at stoplights. The ’63 beauty is loaded with other options, including:
- A sunroof
- Bumper guards and a German-made roof rack with stepladder
- The split-window model has twin panes that open for ventilation (safari-style)
The billet chrome wheels were certainly not factory-supplied on a 23-window VW bus. Neither is the aftermarket stereo. But many buyers will appreciate those additions, even if not period-correct.
Rising Values Especially for 23-Window Microbus
The 23-window VW bus is light and airy, but it also looks cool from the outside.
In 2017, a 1960 23-window VW bus, similarly attractive, fetched a whopping $207,200 at an RM Sotheby’s auction in New York. That same year, a 1965 example, heavily updated, went for more than $300,000 at Barrett-Jackson.
Bus values really are tied to the number of windows. And 23 is the rare maximum.
According to Hagerty:
- A 23-window VW bus (a Type 2) is worth 16 percent more than a 21-window.
- For the 15-window, take 42 percent off the price of a 21-window.
More windows make the cabin light and airy. But there’s a simpler reason that people covet all those windows: They look cool.
Values for split-window buses began to take off right after the millennium. A clean 23-window VW bus was worth only about $10,000 before Y2K.
However, restorable examples have by now been snapped up. Many have been restored to high standards.
This one has a sparkling clear-coated two-tone paint job (with a red accent stripe). There’s new chrome and a full two-tone interior reupholstery. The curtains on all the windows are a nice touch.
The rebuilt motor, running through a four-speed manual, is complemented with new ignition components, fuel pump, and even a chromed alternator.
The owner says:
The body is very sane and has the original spot welds from the factory.
Classic VWs Are Easy to Fix
Back in the day, “How to Keep Your Volkswagen Alive” by John Muir was commonplace on a hippie’s coffee table. Times have changed, but the mechanicals for buses (shared with the Beetle) are still plentiful. Microbus and Transporter parts (and the book) are available on eBay.
By today’s standards, the VW Microbus (or van) was underpowered and rough riding. But it was also tough as nails and forgiving of deferred maintenance.
With this vehicle, you can keep on truckin’ for quite a long time. Besides, values aren’t likely to recede anytime soon.
Or you can keep shopping for other Microbuses and Vanagons for sale on eBay. There are currently more than 60 to peruse, although only one other 23-window VW bus. Vintage VW bus accessories will dress up the ride.
