2/22/20 57/100 1967 Volkswagen Transporter

Along with the 1962 VW Beetle this 1967 VW Bus Transporter was introduced in 1999 and likely started the air-cooled VW mania that has a cult following among collectors.  This casting was not easy to find thanks to the hype so I was fortunate to find this black version with Ritchie’s Pizzeria on the sides: an odd choice for a passenger bus, yet it is a nice callback to the original Lesney era VW Transporter with Pizza delivery decals.  The Transporter has the round bus look with V-split grille, round headlights, and large VW logo up front, while the sides have the multiple windows including the ones on the edge of the roof and the sunroof is in the open position.  The rear has louvered windows and round taillights, while the base has a working suspension and the detailed air-cooled flat -4 engine at the rear.  It handles quite well for a bus despite the lack of power and the interior has lots of room for many passengers with rows of bench seats.  Later on in the year the Transporter would not be alone as another variant was introduced, the panel van, would be released and would prove less popular than the transporter.

Specifications:

· Engine: 1.5L flat-4, 54 hp.

· Transmission: 4-speed manual

· 0-60 mph: 18.0 sec. est.

· Real vehicle price: $3,000 est. 1967

Rating:  4.9 out of 5 stars