Custom Built 1973 Stretched Volkswagen Camper Bus!
As it sits right now, this VW bus isn’t looking quite the same as I’m sure it did nearly 50 years ago when a Boeing engineer from Seattle custom-built it in 1973, but as I strive to look beyond its current state I’m envisioning a really period cool and useful vehicle that I’m hoping someone will think is worth returning to its former glory days. It’s going to take a considerable amount of work to make that happen, but if you’re up for a winter project and have the skills, this would be one unique and unusual Volkswagen once it’s completed. The VW is located in Sultan, Washington, and can be spotted here on Craigslist, with the owner hoping to pocket a firm $5,900 from the sale.
We’d like to thank Barn Finds reader Yargbull for sending us the tip on this one! Two words I’m always leery to see in a vehicle listing are mice and rust, and while the only specific mention of the latter is the wheels, it looks like there’s some in the body as well, with quite a bit of corrosion visible in the lower door jamb area on the passenger side. Prior to his acquisition, the seller says the VW sat for over two decades, although it was only just recently that some mischievous kids threw rocks at it and broke some of the windows.
Things inside must have been a pretty groovy sight in the mid-seventies, with the gas stove, custom-built kitchen, bed, and pop-up roof. The seller says he tried to clean everything up in there as best he could but realizes it needs an interior overhaul, plus there’s staining on the headliner so some sort of moisture has gotten in as well. Down below, the carpeting was left in place due to how cool it looks, but I’d kind of preferred for it to have been removed and see what the floors are like under it.
Mice are thought to have gotten inside the engine compartment and chewed on some things, and hopefully, the rodents didn’t make their way past this area and just enjoyed feasting on a couple of motor components without advancing to the interior. The motor is said to have been new and running very well before it was parked, and apparently only had 600 miles on it, but with the amount of time idle and from the looks of things it’s probably going to need quite a bit of attention, at least externally. Though it’s going to be a substantial project, I’ve seen considerably worse VW buses and I’d like to see this one end up in the hands of someone who will give it the time and love it deserves to make a comeback, how about you?
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Comments
Awful lot of work for a foot and a half. The ’77 camper we had seemed like it had all the room we needed. Went coast to coast with it a few times and stayed pretty comfortable in it.
I was thinking the same thing.
“Custom Built” obviously has many different interpretations.
Well it could be made nice but going to take money and love.It is different.
It looks like the pop up was modified for solid sides instead of canvas.
Not that anyone would do it in these days of original accuracy, but my ’70 bus had ’68 style Mustang front seats that fit the perch perfectly, and were very comfy.
These VW buses were obviously no drag racing or top speed candidate. Hey, I got an idea…let’s add a foot and a half to this rig. Just a few more pounds of weight can’t hurt, right? This guy was an engineer for Boeing? LOL.
You are quite wrong on the speed. You can lay rubber in reverse, and keep up to speed up hills and mountain passes (in reverse mind you). That is why you need excellent rear view mirrors.
I rented a camper VW in Europe for my honeymoon in 74. Going over the Alps I was passed by bicycles.
adding 1.5 ft = another 3 seconds at the top end.
looks like the mice should be charged with arson….
This was the reason VW of Mexico put a 1.8L water cooled Golf engine in the VW Transporters starting in 1989. They have plenty of power to do whatever you want.
The fact that Mice have had at this one makes me a little concerned some of their decedents may still be around. When you look at the engine damage you may also run into some wiring problems as well. Before handing over any cash this one definitely needs a PERSONAL inspection.
all do.
This is what a customized VW Van looks like today. It is a food truck.