Richard Copping - Volkswagen Bus

Dating from the autumn of 1972, this Bay has a twin-port 1600 engine, and is finished in Pastel White over Niagara Blue.

While Volkswagen in Europe tended to refer to the Bus by its various model names, such as the Micro Bus De Luxe for the top-of-the-range passenger-carrying option, the USA devised its own names, most notably the Campmobile for the Campervan and the Vanagon for the third-generation models. The enthusiast scene has bestowed terms of endearment on the first two Buses, the original one (1950-1967) being widely known as the Splittie, thanks to its two-pane windscreen and the second as the Bay (1968-1979), owing to its seemingly panoramic front screen. Subsequent generations are simply referred to by their type number.

Splitties and Bays have few if any detractors, but the same cannot be said with confidence of the T3 (also known as the T25 on occasion in the UK). Possibly the least coveted of any generation, well nevertheless guide you towards finding an example that you can be proud of and one that is genuinely worth the money you are likely to pay for it. With pre-1979 Bus prices still ever-increasing after what is now a lengthy period, we would say that if you buy at a price under our guidelines youve done really well (as long as it really meets our criteria of soundness). If youre over, all it might prove is that somebodys investment is already paying the handsome dividend you too can expect over the next few years.

Ken Cservenka & Richard Copping

This classic 2-litre T3 can be identified as an air-cooled model by the single grille on the front.

Contents

- the purpose of this book

- marriage guidance

- affordable, or a money pit?

- will you get along together?

- which model for you?

- be well informed

- these items will really help

- walk away or stay?

- where to look for problems

- 60 minutes for years ofenjoyment

- sold! Another way to buy your dream

- correct documentation is essential!

- be realistic, head over heart!

- itll take longer and cost more than you think ...

- a bad complexion, including dimples, pimples and bubbles ...

- just like their owners, Buses need exercise!

- key people, organisations and companies in the world of the Bus

- essential data at your fingertips

Essential Buyers GuideTM currency

At the time of publication a BG unit of currency l equals approximately 1.00/US$1.48/Euro 1.39. Please adjust to suit current exchange rates.

Is it the vehicle for you?

marriage guidance

Tall and short drivers

As long as you remember that the Bus is essentially a glorified commercial vehicle, even in Deluxe mode, and youre not vertically challenged, youll be OK.

Weight of controls

We have heard people complain that a Bus is heavy and difficult to drive; but after all, this was never intended to be a small family runabout!

Will it fit in the garage?

Rather unlikely, unless youve had the garage purpose-built. Length might be OK. Height, at around 1925mm for the Splittie and 1950mm plus for the T3, could be a problem.

Interior space

How was it described originally? Ah yes, a box on wheels. Loads of room, although a holiday in a Pickup could be interesting!

Luggage capacity

Will 750kg for the earliest basic Panelvan do?

Running costs

Lets be honest, youre not going to get far on a tank of fuel. Fortunately for the resto buffs, though, parts are comparatively cheap for most ages of Bus, with some panels being re-manufactured to meet demand.

Usability

Pedestrian performance is a certainty with a Splittie that doesnt have a 1500cc engine. Even 1600 Bays have been criticised, while 1600 heavyweight T3 models struggle. Realistically, few would opt to use any of the first three generations of Bus as a daily driver However, all but the pre-1961 model Splitties are ideal for relaxing holidays and weekends out and about.

Parts availability

Most items are readily available, thanks in part to shared Beetle ancestry. Also, due to popularity, a good market has grown in reproduction parts, some of which are (almost) as good as new old-stock items.

Parts cost

Reasonable, with plenty of aftermarket options. Certain early items will inevitably command premium prices.

Insurance group

Enthusiasts would recommend an agreed value classic policy with a realistic mileage limitation. Insurance shouldnt cost a fortune.

Investment potential

Anyone buying a Splittie 10 years ago and selling it today could expect a very handsome profit indeed. Bays are becoming pricey, too; you might find a bargain still, but there are some dogs about that could cost a lot to bring up to scratch. The T3s press remains mixed and market prices reflect this. There did seem a time when the trend was upward, but the ever-increasing popularity of subsequent generations appears to have resulted in little or no movement for some years.