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Description
In the summer of 2018, a Swedish VW enthusiast purchased the bus through a contact in California. The vehicle was shipped to Gothenburg and disassembled for restoration. The body was nearly rust-free but was media blasted and treated with epoxy primer. The bus was then taken to the owner’s summer home in northern Croatia and delivered to a well-known VW-Porsche workshop in Rijeka for a full restoration.
By the fall of 2020, the restoration was complete and the bus was registered in Croatia (EU registration). Since then, it has been used for holiday trips and car shows. In January 2025, the bus was exhibited at the Bremen Classic Motorshow, and during the Easter weekend, it was displayed at the Custom Motor Show at Elmia in Jönköping, Sweden.
The seller guarantees that the vehicle has never suffered accident damage or structural rust. The paint color is original — Dove Blue. The mileage cannot be verified. The speedometer has been replaced with a European unit, refurbished during the restoration. The steering wheel is original, and based on the wear, we estimate approximately 150,000 to 200,000 km (around 90,000 to 125,000 miles). More then 2000 workhours spent on the restoration plus material.
Swedish registration: All documents necessary for registration in Sweden are included in the sale. For Swedish buyers, we are happy to assist with the application to the Swedish Transport Agency and registration inspection at cost price. For international buyers, the original documents required for registration in your country of choice are included.
Technical data
Condition
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Mechanical condition
Three-inch narrowed front beam from Transporterhaus to accommodate Air Monroe shock absorbers with air suspension. Steering box restored and raised. Rear axle fitted with adjustable dropped spring plates. New drum brakes and brakedetails all around. New tires mounted on wheels with original hubcaps.
Gearbox is a refurbished unit from a 1303S. Engine is a new 1600cc industrial motor (same type as in the 1303S), mildly tuned to approximately 65–70 hp. New electrical system. Stereo and Webasto heater installed. Interior lighting included.
All side windows are original and feature pop-out functionality. Front and rear safari windows from Creative Engineering. -
Interior condition
Original front bench seat with period-correct wool fabric upholstery. Rear bench folds out into a bed, with a large storage compartment, electrical control panel, and heater underneath. Speakers and radio installed under the front seat, with additional speakers under the bed.
New vinyl flooring from Madmatz. New side and door panels, as well as headliner and cabinetry, all crafted in period-style wood veneer matching the original interior used in factory camper buses. -
Exterior condition
Body and paintwork are in show condition. Panel gaps and surface alignment are likely even better than when the vehicle was new. Doors and windows open and close flawlessly. The underside and areas beneath the floor mats are just as pristine as the exterior.
The only minor imperfections are some faint scratches on the side windows — understandable, as they are original. All rubber seals and exterior trim pieces are new. -
General condition
This bus is truly a pleasure to drive. Thanks to the subtle lowering, upgraded shock absorbers, restored steering, and upgraded drum brakes, it handles remarkably well — even at higher speeds. Starts instantly, accelerates smoothly, shifts easily, and brakes with confidence.
It performs exactly as you’d hope for relaxed holiday cruising and camping adventures. Every detail reflects the care and precision of a meticulous restoration.
Facts about the model
The first two generations were exclusively equipped with air-cooled flat-four engines. This particular bus originally came with a 1200cc engine producing 30 hp. It now features a more modern 1600cc engine from a 1303, delivering 65 hp — paired with a matching gearbox, it keeps up well with modern traffic and is enjoyable to drive even on country roads.
Interestingly, 1959 was the last year for certain early features such as the ribbed, two-tone bumpers and the small taillights. A few years later, the rear window was enlarged, and other updates followed. Many enthusiasts consider these early versions to be the most beautiful.
All pop-out side windows on this bus were only installed on vehicles intended for warm climates. In Europe, the buses typically came with at most one opening side window and sliding windows in the front doors.
Location and viewing Information
For viewing the vehicle, contact the inspector/case manager:
Michael Luft
+46 708-20 21 13
michael@bilwebauctions.se
Pick up
NOTE! Payment (deposit to our account) must be made within 5 days and before collection.
Auction information
General information about the condition of the vehicles .
- At this auction, many vehicles have been included in car collections and have been stored (mothballed) for a long time. For this reason, they are described from a collector's perspective and may need technical reviews and maintenance service - oil, battery replacement, new tires, brake review, etc. - before they can be used. .
- During the auction days information about a vehicle may be updated up to the day before the auction ends. When you bid at the end of the auction period - and also if you have made an earlier bid - we therefore ask you to read the descriptions carefully, in case something has been changed due to new information.
Important to know before placing your bids!
- Once you have called in an item and the reservation price is reached we want you to deposit the entire purchase amount into our client funds account before retrieval can take place.
- When you need to retrieve a called in object we want you to examine it carefully. If you consider that the item does not match our description you do not need to complete the purchase. In this case the deposited purchase sum and the entry fee are refunded.
- If you do not examine the item on the spot the call charge will be debited, but you do not have to complete the deal.
- If you make the entire purchase exclusively at a distance you have 14 days to cancel, but must return the item at your own expense.
- Your shipping costs and other costs are not reimbursed when the right of withdrawal is exercised. Swedish court applies.
- For items that have not been collected within 14 days storage costs may be charged.