1958 Volkswagen Bus

This 1958 Volkswagen Type 2 Kombi is said to have been used as a parts delivery van by its previous owner, Volkswagen and Porsche dealer Universal Motor Cars in Los Angeles. The bus was acquired approximately 10 years ago by its current owner, who has since displayed it at his Volkswagen dealership in Cerritos, California. Work under current ownership has included the installation of a 1,100cc flat-four, replacement of the wheels, bumpers, hubcaps, and black vinyl seat covers, and application of clear coat over the pale blue exterior finish. Additional features include a four-speed manual transaxle, right-side cargo doors, a heating system, a fresh-air distribution system, and two removable bench seats. This split-screen Type 2 is now offered by the owner’s dealership at no reserve with a clean California title in the dealership’s name listing it as a 1959 model. The exterior is finished in pale blue, and areas of the paint have faded, worn, or given way to corrosion. White-painted lettering was added by the seller and includes advertising for Universal Motor Cars as well as “parts delivery” designation on the front doors and VW, Porsche, and “bubblehead” logos at the rear of the bus. According to the selling dealer, a flat clear coat was sprayed over the exterior under current ownership to help preserve the finish. Closeups of the finish are included in the photo gallery below, including areas on the lower doors, rocker panels, and other lower surfaces where rust has penetrated through the metal. White-painted 15” steel wheels were installed under current ownership along with pale blue VW-branded hubcaps and Firestone Deluxe Champion tires. The front and rear bumpers were also replaced, along with the VW nose emblem. A California black license plate is mounted out back and surrounded by a Universal Motor Cars frame. The four-wheel drum brake system was overhauled following the selling dealer’s acquisition. The front seats and removable rear bench seats have been fitted with new black seat covers, and black rubber mats line the floors. Features include sliding front windows, quarter vent windows, and vent windows toward the rear of the passenger compartment, as well as a heating system and a fresh-air ventilation unit above the windshield. The black two-spoke steering wheel exhibits cracking and sits ahead of a pale blue dash that houses a VDO 70-mph speedometer. The five-digit odometer shows 41k miles, approximately 1,500 of which were added under current ownership. True mileage is unknown. The air-cooled 1,100cc flat-four is said to have been sourced from a third-party supplier and installed under current ownership. Induction is through a single Solex carburetor, and power is sent to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transaxle. An oil change was performed in preparation for the sale. Corrosion can be seen on the underside of the floorboards and various undercarriage surfaces. The bus is titled as a 1959 model, although its serial number indicates that it was built in July 1958. Filed under: vw