1963 Volkswagen Type 2 De Luxe

Who would have ever thought an old Volkswagen van would be worth upwards of $200,000? Today, these little buses are going for incredible sums at auction and even rusting hulks can garner more than the cost of a running, driving Porsche 911. The 21 window De Luxe is by far the most desirable model of “splitties” -- for their split windshield – and will sell for huge sums in nearly any condition. An array of roofside windows lets the sun shine in and offers a beautiful accent to the breadbox form of the classic bus. Pushing the little guy around is a rear-mounted, 1200cc, air-cooled, flat-four. The mighty 36 hp motor will deliver highway speeds, even when full of long-haired hippies following the Grateful Dead, except when climbing hills. Many vans of the era had sayings such as “please just pass” painted on the back and inspired bumper stickers like “NEVER get behind a VW” or “0-60 in 15 Minutes.” The truth is, you don’t have to go fast in a VW Bus to be having a good time, riding or road-tripping in one will make memories that last a lifetime.