1978 Volkswagen Bus/Vanagon

Other

4 - Cyl.

Automatic

Gasoline

Back in the late 1970's, Popular Mechanics magazine released the design plans to build the vehicle that you see listed in this auction. It is commonly referred to as a "Van", "Bus", "Phoenix", "Vanagon", and maybe several other names. These are built on a Volkswagen chassis and the body is steel framing wrapped in foam and fiberglass. Many variations were possible, limited only by the builder's artistic ability and whatever supplies were on-hand. The "Phoenix" featured here is in great condition and ready for an easy restoration. The engine turns freely by hand, and is reported to be a recent performance rebuild. Visibly, the engine looks clean and is in great condition. I have not tried to fire up the van, but I will guarantee that it is not locked up and by all appearances, this motor is excellent. Feel free to have your mechanic look it over prior to bidding. The van is in Baltimore, Maryland, near the zoo. I don't know what would be cooler - driving this on the highway, taking it camping, or going to car shows. Either way - it's an attention getter! Everything appears to be there with maybe the exception of the front passenger seat. I am not sure that the builder ever put one in - he may have left it out for ease of getting into the van, but I have seen pics of some vans like this with a passenger seat in place. Adding a seat would be a breeze, should you decide to go that way. Although not shown, the rear hood covering the engine is included. Some of the great features that make this van unique include a working sink and stove on the back counter. Raising the back window allows for an easy pass-through of the food (can you say TAILGATE PARTY???). Plenty of storage is available under the benches for food, bottled water, or whatever. The side canvases need to be replaced, but the framing that turns the van into a camper is included. Here are a couple of pictures of variations of this van - one that I found on the internet of a nice white and blue one on the side of the road out west. - and the original orange one from the magazine issue in the 70's. The orange one is a good representation of the finished product that can be achieved with a little effort. As a bonus, I am also including the original Popular Mechanics magazine from the 1970's that featured the plans for this van. Here is one framed and ready for canvas - I believe that it is the orange van before completion. I guess I don't really need to say this, but - The pictures of the orange van and the blue & white van are just to show you different possibilities and these 2 vans are not included. Feel free to ask questions - the van can be seen by appointment in Baltimore. Vehicle is sold without a title. It will come with a BILL of SALE ONLY. A $500 deposit is due within 48 hours and final payment due in cash upon pickup (within 7 days) unless Prior arrangements are made. Bidders with less than 5 feedback - please call before bidding - Four 4 three 4 nine 7 four 7 two 1. Shipping arrangements to be made by the buyer. Local rollback assistance can be referred to you, and Uship dot com is a great place to get bids on shipping by experienced professionals. Check out my other items! Powered by eBay Turbo Lister The free listing tool. List your items fast and easy and manage your active items. On Dec-10-10 at 07:23:49 PST, seller added the following information: Allow me to state for the record... I was there earlier this week and witnessed the owner easily rotating the engine by hand.On Dec-12-10 at 05:43:43 PST, seller added the following information: The POPULAR MECHANICS ISSUE DOES NOT CONTAIN THE PLANS TO BUILD THIS - IT ONLY CONTAINS A FEATURE ARTICLE ABOUT THE PHOENIX. THE PLANS THEN HAD TO BE ORDERED. THE PLANS ARE STILL AVAILABLE ON THE MANUFACTURER'S WEBSITE.On Dec-16-10 at 07:56:50 PST, seller added the following information: The van is listed as 1978 since that is the year that the plans to make it were released. The chassis is from an early VW bus.