This second-generation Volkswagen Transporter (or Microbus) was found by the staff at “Spiral Design Works” somewhere in Kentucky after spending the previous 25 years in a barn. the kind that doesn’t offer complete weather protection. Normally, that amount of time is enough to transform an ancient steel car into a rust bucket, but this German van struck it lucky and survived to become a reliable classic.
Yes, there are a few rust patches here and there, and it is filthy. Additionally, the engine bay appears to have long-term rodent habitation. The Bus, on the other hand, is quite sturdy and will clean up nicely. When it comes to old, long-abandoned rigs, it’s also entirely and, for the most part, a happy surprise.
Needless to say, this Volkswagen won’t run and drive as is. But it’s definitely worth reviving as a patina survivor. A complete restoration might not be awfully expensive either, but that’s for our hosts to discover later on. Assuming the van won’t become a parts donor, that is.
This Bus is part of the second-most iconic lineage of Volkswagen vehicles (after the Beetle, of course). And unlike the compact car, it has soldiered on to present times after six redesigns. As of 2023, Volkswagen is offering the T6, as well as a retro-styled, all-electric incarnation called the ID. Buzz.
The second generation includes the van you can see here. It debuted in late 1967 and was produced in Germany until 1979 under another name, the T2. However, while the T3 superseded the T2 in Europe that year, South America and Mexico continued to use the T2 for a number of more years, if not decades.
A Mexican model was produced in Argentina from 1980 to 1986, and Mexican manufacture at Volkswagen’s Puebla factory lasted through 1994. The 1976-debuting Brazilian van remained in production until 2013. This indicates that the entire 46-year period of T2 manufacturing.
Just like its predecessor, the original T1, the second-gen commercial vehicle came in a variety of body styles. Volkswagen built panel and passenger vans, as well as two- and three-door pickups. The Germans also made a T2c version with a roof raised by about four inches (10 cm) for enhanced passenger room. The T2 was also available as a camper.
The van and Beetle used a common drivetrain. A 1.8-liter inline-four engine and flat-four engines ranging from 1.6 to 2.0 liters were available. From 47 to 80 horsepower were produced. There were two different transmission options: a three-speed automatic and a four-speed manual.