BaT Auction: 15-Window 1961 Volkswagen Bus

This 1961 Volkswagen Bus is a 15-window example that was acquired approximately two years ago by the current owner in Brazil, where it was subsequently refurbished before being imported to the US in April 2020. Finished in two-tone red and cream over a matching interior, the van is powered by a 1,500cc flat-four paired with a four-speed manual transaxle, and equipment includes 14″ wheels, cream-painted bumpers with overriders, double swing-out side doors, and side curtains. This Type 2 bus is now offered by the seller on behalf of the owner with partial service records and a clean Florida title in the owner’s name.

The 15-window body was reportedly refinished in Brazil in its current two-tone red and cream paint scheme with color-matched bumpers and overriders. Additional features include a rear-mounted Brazil license plate, chrome side-view mirrors, and trim with a red pinstripe. Close-up photos of the paintwork are shown in the gallery below. The seller reports that the doors are out of alignment and notes that the driver’s door handle is inoperable.

The 14” paint-matched steel wheels wear chrome hubcaps and are wrapped in Cooper Evolution tires sized 175/65 and showing 2019 date codes. The four-wheel drum brakes have been refreshed per the seller, and additional work has included a four-wheel alignment along with the installation of a replacement steering box.

The cabin is said to have been reupholstered and features white vinyl seats with red piping, along with replacement red door panels and carpets. Dual swing-out doors provide access to the rear compartment that features two rows of bench seats with lap belts fitted for all occupants. Red-striped curtains have been added to 11 of the side windows, and the seller notes that the horn is inoperable.

The painted metal dashboard houses VDO instrumentation including a 120-km/h speedometer and a fuel level gauge, the former of which is not functioning per the seller. The five-digit odometer shows just under 60k kilometers (~37k miles) and is said to be inoperable. Total mileage is unknown.

The 1,500cc flat-four sends power to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual transaxle. The battery, various ignition components, fuel pump, and fuel tank were replaced by Volkswagen of Naples, Florida in September 2020. Additional work has reportedly included an oil change and a carburetor cleaning.

Additional underbody photos are provided in the gallery below.

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