This V8 Monster Is The Most American VW Bus We’ve Ever Seen

The VW Bus, also known as the Transporter, Microbus, or even the Kombi, was a symbol of a hip 1960s counterculture that has been spreading love for 75 years and counting. Still an icon up to this day, it’s the inspiration for the modern-day, all-electric VW ID. Buzz, but you’ll still find fine examples selling online restored to their hipster glory. Some of them offer something different – like this 1966 model year example that turns out to be the most American VW Bus we’ve ever seen.

Not immediately apparent on the outside, but this Kombi is powered by a Cadillac V8 mill displacing 509 cu. in., sent to the rear wheels via an automatic transmission. We’re not sure of the power output of this eight-pot power plant, though admittedly, it won’t be as powerful as the 580-horsepower Coyote V8-powered VW Bus that we’ve seen before.

Two Things Borrowed From Cadillac

With dual radiators positioned alongside the rear-mounted engine with a full custom frame with 2×4 steel rails, the red and black VW Bus has been widened by six inches at the back to accommodate the massive mill and its cooling systems. Of note, the rear end was borrowed from a Cadillac Eldorado, one of the greatest Cadillacs of all time.

Related

Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias Shows Off His Unique VW Bus Collection

Saying that he has a ton of buses is an understatement.

Apart from the widened rear end, the custom 21-window Bus also gets aircraft-style dual air scoops to enhance the cooling at the back. The black-and-red paint scheme is also custom, while the brakes have thankfully been upgraded to discs (instead of drums). The dual exhaust ports aren’t from the factory, as are the set of shiny chrome wheels that somehow spoil the almost-vintage look of this V8-powered Bus.

Seats From An Underrated Porsche

Inside, the VW Bus looks clean and restored, equipped with custom gauges and a wood-grain matching steering wheel. You might not notice that the front seats are from a Porsche 914 – both have been reupholstered prior to sale. There is a second row that’s good for three people, but the last row has been removed to accommodate the engine. The vehicle has been upgraded with a custom heater and defrost system, too, which has its own radiator.

Related

China’s Latest Design Copycat Looks More Like A VW Bus Than The ID. Buzz

How did someone else make a better modern VW Bus interpretation than VW?

This one-of-a-kind VW Bus is currently up for grabs on Crown Classics, with an asking price of $79,995. It has 7,193 miles on the clock, according to the odometer, though its true mileage wasn’t disclosed in the sale. Yes, nearly 80 grand for a vintage 21-window Bus is a steep ask, but that money should cover the heft of updates employed, including the upgrades mentioned here.

Source: Crown Classics via The Drive