VW Type 2b 1975 Single Cab Pickup built in Germany for the Puebla Mexico Factory

1975 Volkswagen Bus/Vanagon single cab pickup

This is an interesting and unique pickup, built in Germany in 1975 as a factory sample for the Puebla, México Volkswagen factory. This is a one of a kind vehicle. This truck has been appraised at $76,500 and the appraisal will be provided to the buyer.

A lot of work has been done on this truck in order to bring it back to its factory configuration. Aside from the engine, all the missing bits and bobs that were special to this vehicle have been verified or painstakingly acquired. All the parts are there, from the original dual-position fog light switch to the recently-fabricated slats for the pickup bed. All bed sides fold down to make a flat bed. The truck has been refurbished so that it runs and is imminently usable as a working truck. Note the 2200 lb (1000 kg) payload rating and the flat bed measuring 5 ft wide by 9 ft long! You will not find any US pickup that comes near those specifications.

M-code plate:

52 084 059098 171 209 547A7A751 AD5 Z21 070 07107 2 7707 ME 2610 51

Interpretation of M-codes:

098radio model "Ingolstadt" 171tubeless bias-ply tires 209PVC tilt (canopy)547corrosion protectionA7A7paint code L345: licht grau | light gray51interior leatherette dunkelbeige | dark beigeAD5unknown codeZ21package: Z01 and Z05:Z01 bad weather package comprising: 652 intermittent windshield wiper function659 halogen fog lamps 571 rear fog lamp Z05 includes:025 trip counter and clock162 rubber on bumpers070tilt and bows for pick-up 071second lid in side panel (storage compartment doors both sides)07 manufactured on day 7 of the month2February7707temporary serial numberMEdelivery to Mexico2Type 2 body61Pickup, LHD0 unknown code5 original engine 51 kW | 70 BHP Type 1 (AS) - 1584cc, 37 kW (50 bhp DIN) - Stiff instead of torsion suspended clutch plate 1manual transaxle Those M-codes are in complete agreement with the options found on the vehicle during the refurbishment and during its appraisal inspection: extra wires, odd switches, and the complete original PVC canopy! This truck came with all the extras, which few pickup drivers would have ever ordered (the Z21 spec), so that the Puebla factory could see what would be involved in manufacturing trucks in México.

History of this vehicle:The following history for this particular VW pickup is constructed following conversations with all previous owners. Facts are corroborated by the unique M-code plate described above.In 1974/1975, the Volkswagen de México assembly plant in Puebla considered building VW pickups in Mexico for the Mexican and Central American market. Volkswagens built in Germany were not sold in México; instead they were assembled in Puebla from a mix of German and Mexican-made parts. In order to fully evaluate the pickup from a manufacturing point of view, including optional equipment, the Puebla factory ordered two vehicles: one single cab and one double cab pickup, with all available options (excepting the Arctic package). The truck was originally an unassuming light gray (Licht Grau, color code L345). This vehicle has the VW export code "ME", for Mexico. It is believed that this is the only single cab pickup ever exported directly from Germany to México.

The options, as detailed in the M-code plate of the single cab and confirmed on the VW "Birth Certificate", include bumper rubbers, double treasure chest doors, PVC tilt, fresh air "ambulance" fans, trip odometer and clock, and a foul weather package. The Z21 package includes the Z01 foul weather package (front and rear fog lights, rear window defroster, and intermittent wipers) as well as the Z05 (trip odometer, clock, and rubber bumper strips). It originally had an upright AS engine, and an extra-stiff clutch. The collection of these options on a lowly pickup is a rare thing indeed--possibly unique.

Volkswagen de México's assessment included evaluating the possibility of using Mexican-made glass, brake systems, lights, and wiring, but ultimately it was decided that the production of pickups in Puebla would not be pursued. Since this special-order German-built VW could not be legally registered in México, other options for its disposition would be needed.

According to the previous owners, all of whom have been interviewed for this history, the first was Bill, the owner of the Autohaus Volkswagen and Porsche dealership in San Antonio, Texas. He had been a regular visitor to the Puebla plant, having consulted on the manufacturing lines and whatnot. The pickup was offered to him for sale, and he happily accepted delivery in Laredo, driving it back to San Antonio. Bill's son Bob was given the single cab, and said that the pickup "wanted for nothing" and was fitted with a heavily modified 2.0-L engine by Jones Autowerks in San Antonio. "It would go 100 miles an hour on the flat."

By the time I came into possession of this pickup, it had seen rougher times. It seems that none of the three intervening owners knew that they had a rare and unique vehicle. All their transgressions have been fixed; made right and proper, along with a lot of other stuff. All previous owners lived in San Antonio, Texas, and apparently none saw any value in keeping the heating system intact. Sadly, critical parts of the duct work under the vehicle had been removed. A capable workaround is currently installed. Replacement parts still need to be installed but come with the truck. The current engine, a CB type, has had a top-end rebuild with new heads worked by Adrian Audirac of Headflow Masters and assembly by Pablo Sanchez, who knew John Muir and Peter Aschwanden of "How to Keep Your Volkswagen Alive" in Santa Fe. The PVC canopy, however, has been in dry storage nearly all this time, and is in excellent condition. The original hoops and bows have been supplemented with excellent replacement parts hand made by Derek Gregg (DG Creations). Ash bed slats are by Ken Hippensteel. I reproduced the wood stringers myself, from 1x2 red oak.

All instruments and lights work except for the original clock which suffers from a cracked gear. Replacement Hella parts are installed for the front and rear fog lights (fronts now wired as supplemental driving lights) and a Blaupunkt Ingolstadt radio, completing the collection of special items listed on the factory M-code plate. I have also reupholstered the seats (using a replacement 1975 driver's seat) with Sewfine seat covers and have installed upgraded 3-point retractable seat belts for safety and comfort. Many more restoration parts come with the vehicle, including complete door kits and wing windows, as well as all the parts needed to restore the heating system.

Why am I selling? Because my specialty has been to refurbish Volkswagen Type 2s (15 so far), not to restore them to original quality. I attend to the mechanicals to make the vehicle roadworthy, but do not get into bodywork and paint, as that work is highly specialized. Body work would be minor, however, as the vehicle is free of serious rust (only a bit of surface rust where the paint has thinned).

And the big question: What remains to be done to bring this to completion? Aside from body and paint, there is a bit of welding to restore the heating system (parts supplied) and some of the captive nuts on the bed. The engine also has a persistent oil leak that requires attention. But the truck is roadworthy, and I use it often as a pickup, given its huge flat bed and large payload rating.

DISCLAIMER: As seller I have represented this vehicle truthfully and to the best of my knowledge. I have sold 13 personally refurbished VW Type 2 buses and have never received a complaint or a request to reverse a sale. Prospective buyers are encouraged to inspect the vehicle prior to bidding. Please email seller with any questions prior to bidding. Vehicle is sold "as-is, where-is", free of any liens or encumbrances, and without any warranties either expressed or implied. Bidders with negative feedback must provide written intent to honor bid or may be cancelled.SHIPPING can be international, and is to be arranged and paid for by the buyer, and of course free local pickup is also available. I have arranged shipments of VW buses around the USA and internationally, and will assist on getting the vehicle onto the truck.PAYMENT can be cash on pick up, electronic funds transfer, or money order or cashier's check (requiring waiting for bank clearance). A US$500 non-refundable deposit is required via PayPal immediately upon successful bid. The balance of the sale price must be received within 7 days. Buyer is responsible for any sales taxes. Your bid is a commitment to buy.Seller reserves the right to end the auction early.These statements on SHIPPING and PAYMENT override whatever information eBay Motors provides, as I do not have control over their statements.