T1 en T2
The time when a Volkswagen split-window bus (Type 2/T1) fetched gold prices is over. They were selling for well over a hundred thousand (in euros) with the rule of thumb: the more windows, the higher the price. The record yield is $205,000 for a Samba bus with 21 windows, in 2022 at an auction in America. Lately, the yields have been falling again, with the lowest yield being $52,800 for a completely restored ’58 with 23 windows at a recent auction in America.
The bus that was auctioned in England in the same month was also from 1958 and raised just under 70,000 euros converted. This car was delivered new in Kassel, was later shipped to California and then came to the Netherlands. An Englishman bought the car in 2012 from Volkswagen restorer Kieft and Klok in Renkum and had it restored for € 197,000. The yield is therefore far below the restoration costs. This is not only because the market is collapsing, but also because the man changed the color combination from red/brown to orange/white. He also wanted leather upholstery. Even worse: three years ago he had the original engine replaced by a refurbished 1.6-liter block. The real enthusiast/collector wants an original copy.
The most expensive Volkswagen Transporter in our used car range is a €66,000 euro T1 from 1965.