Elite Dealer

1972 Volkswagen Bus

Riverhead, New York

$64,972

1972 Volkswagen Bus

Vehicle Details

Make

Volkswagen

Model

Bus

Year

1972

Body Type

Convertible

Exterior Color

Red

Interior Color

Beige

Transmission

Manual

Drivetrain

RWD

Fuel Type

Gasoline

Engine

and transmission have both been completely rebuilt

Condition

Excellent

Description

This 1972 Volkswagen Bus has been completely restored to a very high standard and presents in excellent condition throughout. Finished in a beautiful red and beige two-tone color combination, it perfectly captures the classic VW personality while standing out with a clean, high-end finish. The paint has a smooth, rich shine, and the body is straight and well-detailed, reflecting the level of care that went into this build.

Inside, you'll find a matching beige interior that is both inviting and period-correct in appearance. The cabin is clean, nicely finished, and laid out just the way a classic bus should be — simple, functional, and full of vintage charm. It's the kind of interior that makes every drive feel like a trip back in time, whether you're headed to a show or out for a weekend cruise.

Mechanically, this bus is just as impressive as it is visually. The engine and transmission have both been completely rebuilt, giving it the reliability and drivability you want in a classic you can actually use. It starts easily, runs smoothly, and shifts just as it should.

The brakes have been redone, and all new wiring has been installed, meaning major systems have been addressed as part of the restoration. This is not just a cosmetic refresh it's a thorough, high-quality restoration. One of the standout features is the 23-window bus conversion, giving it that iconic, highly sought-after look that collectors and enthusiasts love.

The added glass brings in natural light and elevates the overall appearance to one of the most desirable VW bus styles ever produced. Adding to the personality and usability, this bus is equipped with a sliding ragtop, perfect for open-air cruising on sunny days. White wall tires complement the vintage vibe beautifully, while the roof racks add both style and practical utility ready for beach gear, camping equipment, or simply completing that classic adventure-ready look.

This Volkswagen runs and drives great and is ready to be enjoyed immediately. Whether you're looking for a showpiece, a fun weekend cruiser, or a nostalgic family adventure vehicle, this beautifully restored 1972 VW Bus checks all the boxes with style, charm, and quality throughout. While we do our best to provide the highest quality muscle cars with an honest and reliable description and realize the importance of transparency when selling vehicles.

That being said, we have not built, modified, changed or personally owned this vehicle. Whether this vehicle is consigned or owned by Past & Present Motor Cars we do not know the vehicles complete history since new. We want to be clear and try to answer any questions our customers might have prior to purchasing.

Additionally, we not only welcome but we encourage 3rd party independent inspections. Please inquire prior to purchase to make sure the advertised vehicle has not already been sold. We list our vehicles on multiple websites and a vehicle can sell at any time.

If a customer chooses to purchase sight unseen (many of our customers choose this option) the customer accepts the vehicle AS IS and WHERE IS and understands we cannot address concerns after purchase. For this reason, it's important all concerns are addressed prior to purchase. We make every effort to present accurate and reliable information, but use of this information is voluntary, and should only be deemed reliable after an independent review of its accuracy, completeness, and timeliness.

It is the sole responsibility of the customer to verify the existence of options, accessories and the vehicle condition before time of sale. A Classic Car Warranty is Available for Purchase from a 3rd Party. Please speak to our Sales Associate or Company Representative for more information.

Our team is working and available anytime by Phone or Text for your convenience at 407-559-7759. Thank you for your interest!
Trim: Restored
Condition: Used
Certified: 0
Fuel Type: Gasoline

Classic Volkswagen Bus Buyer's Guide (Type 2, 1950–1979)

Full guide
E
Emily Chen
JDM Classics
1950–1979
~4 min read
Updated Apr 2026
The VW Bus is one of the most emotionally loaded vehicles in automotive history — and one of the most rust-prone. Knowing the difference between a restorable Bus and a money pit is the only skill that matters when buying one.
This guide covers
✓ 12-point inspection checklist
✓ Common issues & what to avoid
✓ In-person inspection guide
✓ Market pricing by year & condition
✓ 5 FAQs answered
✓ History & fun facts

Volkswagen Bus Market Overview

Based on 12 Volkswagen Bus listings currently on ClassicCarsArena.com

12
Listed Now
$49,159
Avg. Asking Price
1956–1992
Year Range
Price Position on Our Site — Average Range
This car: $64,972
Low: $9,995 High: $104,995
Transmission Distribution
Automatic 8%
Manual 58% ◄
Condition Distribution
Excellent 33% ◄
Good 8%
Data from ClassicCarsArena.com listings Browse all 12 listings →
💰

What is this car worth?

Check sold prices for the 1972 Volkswagen Bus

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Classic Volkswagen Bus Buyer's Guide (Type 2, 1950–1979)

I've spent a lot of time around air-cooled Volkswagens, and the Bus is in a category by itself. It's simultaneously one of the most charismatic vehicles ever mass-produced and one of the most demanding to restore properly. The rust is structural, the parts are expensive, and the "project Bus" market is full of sellers who bought problems they can't solve and priced their optimism into the asking price. A solid Bus is genuinely rewarding to own and drive. A rust-compromised Bus is a decade-long commitment you may never finish. The buying decision is almost entirely about knowing which you're looking at.

What to Check Before Buying

Heater channel tap test — Tap full length of both sills — metallic ring = good, dull thud = rust inside
Heater channel probe test — Probe with screwdriver — any penetration means structural repair required
Battery tray inspection — Pull driver seat, inspect battery tray for acid damage and floor rust
Spare tire well — Lift front floor and check spare well for water accumulation and rust
Rear lower body seam — Inspect seam behind rear wheels on both sides for corrosion
Pushrod tube O-rings — Check engine bay for oil seeping from pushrod tubes
Engine cold start — Listen for valve noise vs. bearing knock — valve noise = adjustment, knock = rebuild
Door sills and lower corners — Check all door gaps for evenness; inspect lower door corners for rust
Windshield seal (T1) — Inspect split-windshield rubber seal — leaks cause A-pillar structural rust
VIN verification — Confirm German manufacture vs. Brazilian-built if originality matters
Westfalia pop-top — Test mechanism and inspect all seals for leaks if applicable
Brake condition — Test braking force — stock drum brakes are marginal; verify recent service

Common Issues

Heater channel rust is the defining issue of every Bus restoration. The channels are structural — correct repair requires full channel replacement, which is labor-intensive even with reproduction parts. Floor pan rust accompanies heater channel corrosion universally. Pushrod tube O-rings harden and leak; valve clearances require periodic adjustment; the carburetor requires regular attention. Original braking system is marginal — drum-to-drum with fresh hardware is a worthwhile improvement. On T2 models the front beam axle is susceptible to wear at torsion bar adjustment points. The 6-volt system on early T1 and 12-volt positive ground on later cars both require attention to grounds and connections for reliable operation.

What to Look For

Heater channels are the absolute first priority — tap and probe their full length on both sides. Dull sound or screwdriver penetration means structural repair before price can be agreed. Check battery tray under driver's seat for acid damage. Inspect spare tire well in front compartment for water and rust. Check lower body seam behind rear wheels — universal rust initiation. Verify heater box ducts are intact. Check all door sills and lower door corners. Engine: listen for valve noise (needs adjustment) vs. bearing knock (rebuild needed). Check pushrod tube O-rings for oil seepage. Verify windshield seal integrity on T1 cars — leaks cause A-pillar rust. On Westfalia models inspect pop-top mechanism and all seals.

Price Guide

T1 split-window driver: $35,000–$55,000; show quality: $80,000–$120,000; Samba 23-window: $120,000–$220,000+. T2 bay-window driver: $18,000–$30,000; show: $40,000–$65,000. Westfalia adds 20–35% at any condition. Project T2 Buses: $12,000–$25,000 — but heater channel restoration alone runs $15,000–$30,000 at a qualified shop. Never buy a project Bus without a detailed metalwork estimate first.

Did You Know?

Ben Pon sketched the Bus concept on a hotel notepad in 1947 after seeing the VW factory's flatbed maintenance cart. The Bus became synonymous with the 1960s counterculture, appearing at Woodstock and countless civil rights marches. Production of the T2 continued in Brazil until 2013 — 63 years after launch. The final Brazilian "Last Edition" T2 sold out immediately upon announcement.

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