Market Watch: VW Type 2 1955-80
Not long ago, Type 2 VW Transporters were headlining high-profile auctions, with some selling for astronomical prices. So what happened?
|
|
The VW Type 2 1955-80.
|
For every fad there’s a finish and people began realising restored Kombis didn’t offer the scarcity to justify the money being paid.
Performance with the standard engine was abysmal and all the nostalgia in the world wasn’t going to stop old Kombis wandering across the road in a crosswind.
Some scarce versions were restored or modified to quite extraordinary standards. One example was the Porsche-engined Samba Microbus sold at £165,000 (around A$345,000) in 2017 by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver.
That sale was quoted as the catalyst for surging values. However, in 2015 Shannons sold an exceptional and completely standard 23-window Microbus for A$202,000.
What happened because of the Oliver sale, was a boom in the asking and selling prices of early Kombis. Many were in ordinary condition, but that provoked minimal concern as acquisition frenzy flourished and began to influence prices of later ‘bay window’ versions.
Kombis came in a range of styles and are among the most usable of classic vehicles. Versions include a delivery van or passenger bus, single or dual-cab utility. Some have been modified into campers, with an extendable roof.
Asking prices for 1950s models that have undergone intensive restoration can still exceed $200,000. However, they must be exceptional and buyers who would once clamour to own any kind of Kombi, are now more discerning.
As an example, Shannons recently offered a rare 1975-build Series 1 Fleetline Kombi in decent condition, at a starting price of $60,000 and saw zero buyer interest.
Europe’s market remains strong and scarce variations in amazing condition still manage 190,000 Euro (around A$310,000) at auction. US values are off the boil though, with lots of no sales and prices around half the money being paid in Europe.
Second Gen Type 2s that sold here from 1968-80 are easy to find and plenty have also been meticulously restored. Prices for delivery vans in excellent order start below $30,000, while an exceptional Microbus or Camper conversion, can make $50-60,000.
| MODEL | YEARS | COND 3 | COND 2 | COND 1 |
| 2010 | ||||
| Kombi Van | 1957-63 | $4500 | $13,000 | $19,500 |
| Kombi Van | 1964-69 | $2500 | $8500 | $13,500 |
| Kombi Van | 1969-78 | $2000 | $5500 | $8500 |
| Kombi Utility | 1957-63 | $5500 | $12,500 | $18,000 |
| Kombi Utility | 1965-68 | $3500 | $9500 | $14,000 |
| Kombi Dual-Cab | 1968-76 | $4000 | $8000 | $13,000 |
| Kombi Microbus | 1957-61 | $9500 | $24,000 | $35,000 |
| Kombi Microbus | 1962-67 | $6500 | $18,500 | $25,000 |
| Kombi Microbus | 1968-80 | $1800 | $7000 | $12,500 |
| Kombi Camper | 1971-80 | $2000 | $8000 | $14,500 |
| 2015 | ||||
| Kombi Van | 1957-63 | $9500 | $24,000 | $34,500 |
| Kombi Van | 1964-68 | $6500 | $19,500 | $27,500 |
| Kombi Van | 1969-78 | $3500 | $10,000 | $19,500 |
| Kombi Utility | 1957-63 | $11,500 | $23,500 | $32,000 |
| Kombi Utility | 1965-68 | $3500 | $21,000 | $29,500 |
| Kombi Dual-Cab | 1968-76 | $5000 | $12,000 | $22,000 |
| Kombi Microbus | 1957-61 | $20,000 | $48,000 | $70,000 |
| Kombi Microbus | 1962-67 | $16,500 | $39,500 | $60,000 |
| Kombi Microbus | 1968-80 | $3000 | $14,000 | $24,500 |
| Kombi Camper | 1971-80 | $3500 | $15,000 | $26,500 |
| 2023 | ||||
| Kombi Van/Utility | 1957-67 | $18,000 | $40,000 | $62,000 |
| Kombi Van/Utility | 1968-80 | $14,000 | $25,000 | $38,000 |
| Kombi Van | 1982-90 | $5500 | $14,000 | $21,500 |
| Kombi Microbus | 1957-61 | I/D | $55,000 | $95,000 |
| Kombi Samba | 1960-66 | I/D | $85,000 | $135,000 |
| Kombi Microbus | 1962-67 | $24,000 | $55,000 | $90,000 |
| Kombi Microbus | 1968-80 | $14,500 | $34,000 | $48,000 |
| Kombi Camper | 1971-80 | $16,000 | $29,000 | $42,500 |
From Unique Cars #485, Nov 2023
Unique Cars magazine Value Guides
Sell your car for free right here
.jpg)
Get your monthly fix of news, reviews and stories on the greatest cars and minds in the automotive world.
Subscribe
.jpg)
