1967 VW Deluxe Microbus appraisal for Mr. Gagnon,
April 15, 2008

Per your request I have reviewed the 1967 VW Deluxe Microbus (VIN 257068145) for the purpose of determining its fair market value. This VW is a Deluxe Microbus which is less common and more valuable than the more prevalent Standard or Kombi versions of this iconic vehicle. As most people in the VW and classic car community know, the value of the '67 and earlier Microbus has increased drastically since the year 2000. The '67 is arguably the most desirable year since it is the only year of the split front window that came from the factory with a 12 volt electrical system.

It's obvious this bus has just been treated to a restoration of concourse quality. Every area on this bus has received attention. The engine compartment is clean and detailed. I'm familiar with the work of the shop that carried out this restoration and the quality of work from this shop is top notch. This VW is no exception. This shop specializes in the restoration of split window buses and I don't know of another shop in the Midwest that could have done a better job restoring this vehicle.

The mechanics have been upgraded to make driving this classic VW in todays world safer and more convenient. Even though these upgrades are not stock, items like disc brakes, a stronger 1776cc engine, a freeway flier transmission and a lowered stance add value to these already desirable vehicles.  These are all bolt-on items and the vehicle could be put back to 100% stock with simply a wrench and some time.

The seats, door panels, and headliner are in perfect shape and restored to factory correct patterns. This is as close to a #1 vehicle as I have seen. I have seen split window buses regularly exceed the values given by Nada guides. Just last month I sold a 1961 VW Standard bus (not a deluxe) for $11,755. The van was in primer with no headliner and it had rust in the passenger side rocker panel. Nada guides lists high retail for a 1961 Standard at $12,750. A primered vehicle with rust holes falls under the description of a low retail vehicle. Low retail according to Nada guides has a value of $5925. It's clear some of the more common price guides have not kept up with the increasing market on these vehicles. The strong value of these vehicles in the UK coupled with the weak dollar have been driving up the prices steadily on these split window buses.

I wasn't afforded the opportunity to drive the bus though I understand it runs and drives well. It is my professional opinion that this 1967 VW Microbus has a fair market value of $25,000.00 (Twenty-Five Thousand Dollars and no cents).

John Snell
Owner, Sunset Classics