1959 Volkswagen Split-Window Bus for Sale: Red Air-Cooled Classic Van
The 1959 Volkswagen Split-Window Bus combines unmistakable early Volkswagen styling with a replacement 1,641cc dual-port flat-four and a four-speed manual transaxle. Finished in red over gray vinyl upholstery, this example presents the simple, functional character that helped make the split-window Bus a lasting automotive icon. Equipment includes 15-inch steel wheels with VW-branded hubcaps, semaphore turn signals, roof rails, drum brakes, and an included removed engine and transaxle.
View the official listing below.
1959 Volkswagen Split-Window Bus for sale
Engine and Performance
Power comes from a 1,641cc dual-port air-cooled flat-four paired with a four-speed manual transaxle, giving the Bus a straightforward drivetrain suited to relaxed cruising and traditional Volkswagen operation. The dual-port configuration provides a familiar air-cooled layout while preserving the rear-engine architecture that defines the model. Manual shifting keeps the driver actively involved and reinforces the deliberate pace expected from a classic utility vehicle of this era.
Engineering and Specifications
Steel 15-inch wheels wear VW-branded hubcaps and Universal tires, maintaining an appropriately simple and period-minded stance. Braking is handled by drums at all four corners, consistent with the straightforward mechanical philosophy of an early Volkswagen Bus. According to the seller, the brakes and suspension were overhauled during current ownership, giving prospective buyers a meaningful maintenance point to consider.
Design and Heritage
Red paint highlights the upright nose, split windshield, compact wheel openings, tall roof, and slab-sided body that make the early Volkswagen Bus instantly recognizable. Semaphore turn signals and roof rails reinforce the vintage character. Inside, gray vinyl upholstery complements the utilitarian body shape and keeps the cabin visually simple, practical, and true to the vehicle’s working origins.
Driving Experience
The air-cooled flat-four, four-speed manual, rear-engine layout, and narrow body create a driving experience centered on momentum, mechanical feedback, and deliberate inputs. Drum brakes, simple suspension hardware, and modest tire dimensions preserve the period feel rather than disguising the vehicle’s age with modern systems. Its high seating position, expansive glass area, and compact footprint give the driver a distinctive perspective.
Why This Car is Special
- The split windshield and upright early-Bus body create one of Volkswagen’s most recognizable classic commercial-vehicle silhouettes.
- A 1,641cc dual-port flat-four and four-speed manual provide a simple air-cooled drivetrain with familiar enthusiast appeal.
- Semaphore turn signals and roof rails add period character and strengthen the Bus’s vintage presentation.
- The seller reports that the brakes and suspension were overhauled during current ownership, adding useful maintenance context.
- The removed engine and transaxle are included, providing additional parts, history, and flexibility for a future owner.
Specifications
- Engine: 1,641cc dual-port gasoline air-cooled flat-four.
- Transmission: Four-speed manual transaxle.
- Wheels and tires: 15-inch steel wheels with VW-branded hubcaps and Universal tires.
- Brakes: Drum brakes at all four corners.
- Exterior equipment: Semaphore turn signals and roof rails.
Collector and Enthusiast Appeal
The 1959 Volkswagen Split-Window Bus appeals through simplicity, unmistakable design, and the cultural significance attached to early Volkswagen Transporters. Its red finish, gray cabin, semaphore signals, steel wheels, roof rails, and air-cooled drivetrain create a cohesive period-minded specification. For collectors who value practical vintage vehicles with strong visual identity and approachable mechanical systems, this Bus offers a charismatic combination of utility, nostalgia, and classic Volkswagen engineering, with enduring charm for shows and weekend touring.
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