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1967 was a transition year for Volkswagen. This was to be the final model year for the iconic beetle and
Split Window bus, as VW would switch over their production lines in August 1967 and begin producing
the all-new "Super Beetle" and "Bay Window Bus" models for 1968. So with all of these big changes in the air,
Volkswagen's engineers incorporated quite a few "one-year only" design elements in the 1967 bug and bus,
that make these unique and classic VW's a little more challenging to restore than the earlier and later
year models. 1967 VW transporters now sported new "flat" rubber dash knobs that
were very similar to those that would be offered on the Bay Window buses and the in-dash radio
was a new 1-year only design that was thinner and wider than past years.
The package tray beneath the dash
was also a thinner profile design that was unique to the 1967 models. Buses now came standard with a 12 volt
electrical system instead of the old tempermental 6 volt system. The reliable 1500cc engine and
"reduction gear box" suspension were unchanged from prior years, since a completely new drive train
(with a 1600cc engine) would be installed in the new Bay Window buses. After serving many years as a
cabinet maker's work truck in the Seattle area, our subject Kombi bus is in amazingly good condition and
its exterior has been repainted in its original Lotus White (L282) color. The interior is still sprayed with
the standard "commercial gray" color, but the original walk-thru seats have been reupholstered back to their former glory. The middle and rear bench seats were long gone when the current owner acquired the bus, but
original units have been located and will be re-upholstered soon. The rebuilt 1500cc motor has had a recent
tuneup and is running strong. Future plans call for new rubber floor mats and a rebuilt steering box.
Although lots of work still remains, this is truly a clean vintage Kombi that has a bright future of new
travels and adventures to look forward to!
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