Sold 1966 Volkswagen Type 2 Westfalia 2146353090 Tweet

Volkswagen followed the smashing success of the Type 1 Beetle with a basic and practical commercial vehicle that cleverly utilized much of the Beetles mechanical make up. Pragmatically named Type 2 Transporter enthusiasts have christened it with myriad nicknames through the years Samba Kombi Microbus Bus and one of our personal favorites Rugbrd Danish for Rye Bread - have all been used to describe VWs ubiquitous Type 2. Like the Beetle before it the Transporter was brilliant in its simplicity and versatility. Offered in a wide array of configurations it could be had as a simple panel van a multi-passenger bus a single cab utility pickup a double-cab pickup and a recreational camper. The earliest versions were powered by a 24 horsepower 1131 cc air-cooled flat four shared with the Beetle. Unsurprisingly the anemic 1131 cc engine was enlarged multiple times over the course of production to keep up with customer demand for more power. By 1966 when our featured example was built the engine had grown to 1493 cc and power had more than doubled to 54 bhp. Your license is safe behind the wheel of a Transporter but the plucky little engine produced just enough grunt to keep moving at highway speeds and make for a delightfully entertaining drive.As early as 1951 VW contracted with Westfalia-Werke of Germany to convert Transporters into recreational camper vans. The signature pop-top was a clever design that increased interior space and allowed users to stand up inside the van. The pop-top became the hallmark of Westfalia for decades to come particularly on the hugely popular T2 vans of the 1970s. Westfalia offered numerous fittings to outfit a camper van for everyone from the casual weekender to the serious cross-country traveler. Hippie culture in the 1960s and 1970s popularized these quirky little vehicles and todays enthusiasts covet the VW Westy for its incredible practicality period charm and its status as a cultural icon.We are very pleased to offer this truly delightful and amazingly original 1966 Volkswagen Type 2 T1 with the Westfalia SO 42 camper package. From the final year of split window T1 production before the bay window T2 was introduced it benefits from all of VWs continuous refinements over the course of production. This fabulous Westy comes to us from a long-term owner who purchased it from the original owner over 20 years ago. Originally sold via Fred Howe Motors Inc of Brookfield Wisconsin this bus lived a charmed life from day one. The first owners Mr. and Mrs. Gutowsky of Glendale WI used the camper regularly but took incredibly fastidious care of it. It was reportedly stored on planks in a dirt-floor garage when not in use and was never used in the harsh Wisconsin winters. As a result it has survived in staggeringly original condition having never been rotted or rusty. When the most recent owner acquired it 20 years ago he continued to enjoy it carefully. The only modification made was the addition of Velvet Green paintwork below the feature line a correct VW color in a factory correct pattern that highlights the delightful lines of the T1. The paintwork is beautifully executed and the original body panels are remarkably straight. Chrome is limited to the hubcaps and some bits of trim which all appears in very good condition. Doors and panels fit to factory specs which are consistent and return that solid feel of a properly aligned and unmolested shell.This bus was very well equipped from new with a great number of Westfalia options. The SO 42 Camper Car package included screened venetian blind windows the aforementioned pop-top central section to the roof curtains sink refrigerator and fold out tables and configurable seating for dining or sleeping. The layout and design are very clever making use of virtually every square inch of space and when the van gets too tight and when space gets tight an original canvas tent can be attached outside. All interior fittings on this example are in remarkably original condition even the curtains pop up and tent canvases and front seat upholstery remain in fantastic beautifully preserved order. Other options and accessories include a period original compass original Westfalia roof rack transistor radio EMPI step plates rear mud flaps a windscreen washer Eberspasher heater (reported by the previous owner to work well!) and original seat belts.Mechanically this VW remains in very fine condition having been exceptionally well maintained from day one. Original service inspection stickers can still be found under the engine cover the original service book includes dealer stamps and the most recent owner had the original engine (# H00792993) rebuilt using it sparingly since.This is surely one of the most authentic and cherished split window Westalias available with the highly desirable SO 42 Camper Car package. The sale includes original documentation owners books and instruction manuals all within the selling dealers pouch. This is a delightful collectors piece in fabulous condition that can be enjoyed by the whole family.