1971 Volkswagen Bus/Vanagon

Minivan/Van

4 - Cyl.

Manual

Clear

Gasoline

.. *****NOTE: IF YOU HAVE AN EBAY RATING OF LESS THAN 20: please do not bid on this item without contacting me first.***** Here’s a true “hippie” van in terrific condition. It is not fully restored like some of the VWs here on ebay, but it has been brought up to snuff mechanically, the inside is clean and without issues, and the outside speaks for itself. Painted 3 years ago by a professional animator who took a week to give it just the “look” that any flower child — or deadhead — would love. Most engine and suspension components have been replaced within the past 5 years. Replacement engine has only 2500 miles on it! 1971 is widely considered to be the year where, although the much-beloved design of the 60s-era Volkswagen Bus remained, the vehicle was engineered to be fully reliable, properly powered, and safe — for example, disc brakes were introduced in this model year. This vehicle drives smoothly, corners and brakes well, and is very comfortable at highway speed. Mechanically, the vehicle is very sound: components have always been updated when needed (see listing below). Underneath, rust is minimal for a 40-year-old VW...she has been garaged inside for at least the last 10 years. Only non-surface rust I have been able to identify is one seam in one wheelwell which may need attention within the next 5 years -- perhaps a fiberglass patch, which is what the other wheel well has. Inside, the panels and headliner are original; but the vehicle has been outfitted with fresh replacement curtains and covers for rear seat and bed. (The rear seat folds back to make a bed). Extra reinforcement (plywood) under the rear seat. No middle seat. Front seats are from a 1976 VW bus. This van attracts thumbs-ups and cell phone pictures everywhere it goes. Parked in front of a business, it instantly attracts a crowd. It’s nice to see people smile! Specs: New within past 6 months: High-performance battery New within past 2 years (under 1000 miles): Complete brake replacement including brake lines Points New within past 5 years (2500 miles): Replaced engine: German-made stock replacement engine. A NEW engine, not a rebuild, with a lifetime ahead of it. Fuel pump: stock 1600 with alternator Oil pump: heavy-duty OEM Carb: stock for 1967 Distributor: stock for 1974 Starter: from Porsche 914 Alternator: stock 1975-79 internal regulator Front axle assembly: from 1973 bus Transmission: 1977 with bell housing from a 1971 transmission Clutch and cable Included is an “emergency kit” of hard-to-find replacement parts to have handy for same-day repairs: full set of all cables, filter, belt, even a spare starter motor. Also a grab bag of replacement parts that may be useful in the future. And the original dealer’s sticker from the showroom floor, owner’s manual, maintenance log, posters, and several books on VW vans. We are selling due to a move...there just isn’t the garage space anymore. I would strongly suggest taking the time to visit, inspect and test drive this vehicle. Only then will you appreciate its condition. I may list the vehicle outside of ebay during the auction period and reserve the right to end the auction at any time. *****NOTE: IF YOU HAVE AN EBAY RATING OF LESS THAN 20: please do not bid on this item without contacting me first. If you do not contact me, I will block the bid. Sorry, it's not you...it's some other folks who make the ebay experience difficult for the rest of us.***** .. On Apr-17-11 at 09:09:07 PDT, seller added the following information: ADDITIONAL INFO 4/17/11: A few ebayers who can't inspect the vehicle asked us to go in (and under) the van with a flashlight and check everything out as best as we can. The entire floor of the vehicle is covered with a glued-in rubber matting so rust is not easy to spot.In addition to the seam in a front wheelwell which I wrote about in the item description, I found a similar seam with an small emerging hole behind the rear set where the floor ends and the bulkhead to the engine compartment begins. I also spotted two small holes in the main passenger compartment about mid-vehicle, one a few inches away from the right side, the other over on the left. These spots cannot be seen without prying back the rubber matting or the reinforced wooden platform for the rear seat. I don't view them as structurally significant or hazardous in any way but I'm not an expert. There exists a vendor for fiberglass floor trays to replace the metal floor, if you wanted to continue the restoration of this vehicle to a higher level.