Eric Minoff
Vice President, Head of Department - US
LOT 126
1973 Volkswagen Type-2 21 Window Camper Bus Conversion Chassis no. BH287533 Engine no. BJ670967
Sold for US$44,800 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 126
1973 Volkswagen Type-2 21 Window Camper Bus Conversion
The Audrain Auction|3 October 2025, 16:00 EDT|Newport, Rhode Island, International Tennis Hall of Fame
1973 Volkswagen Type-2 21 Window Camper Bus Conversion
Chassis no. BH287533
Engine no. BJ670967
Chassis no. BH287533
Engine no. BJ670967
1,584cc ohv, Air-Cooled Single Port Flat-4-Cylinder Engine
Single Carburetor
39bhp at 3,000rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Torsion Bar Independent Front and Rear Suspension
4-Wheel Drum Hydraulic Brakes
*Brazilian built and restored bus
*Attractive Tangerine and White exterior
*Outfitted with numerous options and extras
*Home is where you roam
THE TYPE 2
One of the 20th century's great automobile manufacturers, the Volkswagen transcended its origins as the German 'people's car,' going on to become an all-time best-seller and cult classic. Originally conceived by Dr. Ferdinand Porsche, the Volkswagen inspired great loyalty and enthusiasm based on its practicality, reliability, adaptability and affordability.
As readily recognisable as the immortal 'Beetle' itself and a 'cult' vehicle in its own right, the Volkswagen Type 2 and its derivatives enjoyed an even longer period in production than their saloon progenitor. The original was conceived in the late 1940s by a Dutch Volkswagen agent, Ben Pon, who drew up plans for a van based on the Beetle floor pan and running gear. Known as the Volkswagen Type 2 (the Beetle saloon being Type 1) the result of Pon's efforts arrived in 1950 and almost immediately proliferated into a bewildering variety of models catering for an enormous range of commercial and domestic activities. The original retained the Beetle's rear-mounted 1,200cc air-cooled engine and four-speed gearbox, the latter suitably re-ratioed to cope with the van's greater weight. Engines grew in size and power while both handling and comfort improved as development progressed. By 1968, when the first major revision of this outstandingly successful design occurred, almost two million had been sold worldwide. The replacement, also called 'Type 2', was an entirely new vehicle, larger and roomier than before but still rear-engined. The most obvious difference was the newcomer's single-piece wraparound windscreen, giving this model its 'Bay' sobriquet, whereupon the original, with its two-piece split screen, became know to devotees as the 'Splittie'. Power units grew in size from 1,600cc to 2.0 litres before production ceased in 1978 with the introduction of the third generation.
THE CAR OFFERED
In 1968, newly instated DOT Safety and Smog regulations went into effect and a Volkswagen soon after introduced the "Bay Window" Series 2 Bus into the United States. Production of the 'Split Window' continued for another 8 years down in Brazil. This Bus is one of those South American made vehicles.
Starting life as a 15-window bus built for the Brazilian home market, it has been beautifully converted and restored into a 21-window bus with a full, camper interior. Finished in two-tone tangerine orange and white with white and beige accented vinyl interior, this bus if outfitted with just about every extra one can imagine. Dual mirrors and body colored bumpers are abetted by a dual running board, two roof mounted luggage racks with a rear ladder, between which is a retracting cloth sunroof. Auxiliary driving lights above the front bumper and a fixed, roof mounted spot light illuminate the way.
Inside, the white and beige interior seats seven – two rows of three and a single rear facing seat. Faux wood cabinetry enclose ample storage space, a fold out table, and a full kitchen with a water pump faucet, sink, countertop mounted hotplate cooker, and a small refrigerator underneath. The rear bench seat can fold flat for comfortable sleeping quarters while matching orange, white, and blue plaid curtains can be drawn for privacy. Arriving stateside from Brazil in 2022, it joined the current owner's collection in that year.
A truly fantastic representation of 1960's icon, this Volkswagen 21 Window Camper Bus Conversion is a delightfully fun family hauler, beach cruiser, or weekend getaway—home is where you roam.
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