They don't make 'em like this anymore!

[killdeer43]

Saw this beauty today and was blown away by the story and the mint condition. First one I've seen.

1963 VW Utility

Very few made, specifically for service in Africa, hence the opening windshield/windows. Immaculate and well loved. Sort of like an old Guild. :wink:

Joe

 

[yettoblaster]

Very nice shape!

My oldest brother went through a VW period. He came back from Texas (Ft Hood) with a VW bus. His sure wasn't that pretty.

I helped a friend in L.A. take an engine out of a bus he crashed, to put into a bug he bought. That stuff was pretty modular! :idea:

I thought the windsheild on lots of them opened?

I remember the utilities. One of the local VW mechanics has a crew cab version, which I thought was cool. I have also seen the smaller cab versions, with fold down sides in the beds, so you could haul stuff like a flatbed.

My brother's micro-bus was so slow he was always trying to figure out how to increase the cruising speed with big tires (very unstable) etc. You could do a Porsche conversion, but it used the same axles so the revs were still quite high. Expensive too.

He finally got into an early Dodge van, about the time I was in a '56 Chevy pickup that was just as slow as his VW!

 

[The Guilds of Grot]

The opening windshield windows are know as "Safari" windows and were offered by VW on pre-1968 busses for "hot" climates. They are now available as an aftermarket item and everybody that is customizing a VW bus installs them!

 

[killdeer43]

The opening windshield windows are know as "Safari" windows and were offered by VW on pre-1968 busses for "hot" climates.

Given the weather forecast for most of the country (even the Northwest!!), we could all use them today! :shock:

Joe

 

[GuildFS4612CE]

Dodge pick me up trucks in the 40's had the crank out windshields....'Farmer's Air' :wink:

 

[killdeer43]

....'Farmer's Air' :wink:

That's great, I like it.
What's in a name? Indeed! :lol:

Joe

 

[southernGuild]

8) Very COOL.
In the mid 80s ,I traveled the east coast of USA driving and living out of my VW Bus. Took in so many historic sites and met some great folks. even lived with an Amish family for a week! :shock: GREAT TIMES for sure. Wish I had played the guitar back then!

 

[Dr. Spivey]

8) Very COOL.
In the mid 80s ,I traveled the east coast of USA driving and living out of my VW Bus. Took in so many historic sites and met some great folks. even lived with an Amish family for a week! :shock: GREAT TIMES for sure. Wish I had played the guitar back then!

Did you ever do a follow up with the Amish family, to see if your visit had any long term effects. :wink: