1966 Volkswagen Microbus custom [shortened] for sale

This 1966 Volkswagen Type 2 Bus fits the “Microbus” nickname better than others

It’s a custom “shorty” VW that delivers all the best of the Bus in a smaller package. So you still get an intricate two-tone, all those windows, and a cool air-cooled hum with an even more fun attention-grabbing style.

What makes a Shorty like this, so fun is how long it took to make the stocky exterior look stock. The two-tone bright orange and white is the kind of paint you’d expect from the factory in the 1960s. It has the telltale luster that lets you know there has been a solid modern investment. It’s a truly coordinating two-tone with wheels, even in orange and white. Plus, the orange VW emblem in the middle of the iconic dipping “V” front makes a striking first impression. The custom work is not as short as other Shorty VWs, and we like that. There’s just the right amount of space to look custom while still giving you the square side glass and skylight roof windows to look like a cool surf van. Not only is the layout impressive, but it also gets the details right. You see it in places like the pop-out two-piece windshield, headlight covers, and the classic hallmark VW hubcaps shared with the Type 1 (AKA, the Beetle.) The only place that seems to deviate from stock are the quad exhaust tips – and there’s got to be a fun “less is more” pun for that.

Like the exterior, the interior remains relatively faithful to the original style while giving the right custom touches. For example, the upholstery still keeps the classic pattern, but now it’s done in supple leather. Full carpeting, a nice headliner, and tinted windows make this inviting. Another reason this feels like a right-sized Shorty is that the single rear bench still has space to be quite spacious. The large dual-spoke steering and single VDO gauge pod retain the classic driver feeling. The B&M ratchet shifter is a bit different to remind you that you’re in a custom, but you still get that proper commanding view of the road in a forward-control van.

The engine bay is just as clean as the rest of this build. And while you’ll like all that glossy orange and polished components, it’s also nice to know there’s substance behind the style. It’s VW’s 1500cc air-cooled flat-four. So this custom creation has a steadfast heart. It fires up quickly and runs nicely, making this Shorty feel practical for more than just whatever car show is a block away. You also have nice cruising features like a three-speed automatic transmission and modern touring tires.