MarketPlace: 993-Powered 1961 Volkswagen Type 2 Bus 6-Speed
Vehicle Details
- Year: 1961
- Make: Volkswagen
- Model: Type 2 Bus
- VIN: 1109829
- Mileage Shown: 9,150mi (TMU)
- Transmission: Manual
- Title Status: Registration
- Color: Blue/White
- Seller Type: Private Party
- Location: Saint-Bernard, QC G0S 2G0
- Country: Canada
- Lot #: V-0062377-MP
This 1961 Volkswagen Type 2 Bus was acquired by the seller approximately 20 years ago and subsequently fitted with a 993-sourced air-cooled 3.6-liter flat-six engine and a 6-speed G50/20 manual transmission. The build also incorporates Bilstein front coilovers, Penske rear coilovers, a 993 front big brake kit, a power steering system, a 993 exhaust, a 993 front oil cooler, a custom pop-up roof panel, a swiveling front seat, VDO instrumentation, 17” BBS two-piece wheels, and much more. Professionally refinished in blue with white accents over a completely restored interior featuring custom cabinetry, this meticulously restored and modified Volkswagen Bus combines charming aesthetics with Porsche performance. It is now being offered for auction out of Canada.
This example was completely sanded and refinished in a custom two-tone blue and white in 2000. The process included a catalyzed primer/sealer applied to all parts, followed by three base coats and three clear coats. The finish was then professionally water-sanded and polished to a high gloss. Modifications include a pop-up roof panel, custom bumpers designed to accommodate the 993 exhaust at the rear and an oil cooler vent at the front, and an aluminum fuel tank fabricated to fit both sides of the mid-frame section beneath the body shell. The rear engine panel features an integrated air vent opening adorned with a VW metal emblem. It rides on 17” BBS two-piece wheels measuring 7” wide in front and 9” wide in the rear, finished with a 911 bolt pattern and Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires from 2015. The seller notes some cosmetic imperfections, including minor paint cracks, small bubbles, and an area on the right rear panel below the vent that requires repair. The front panel was also roughly repainted following a garage incident, though no dents were sustained. Additionally, the seller highlights that the vehicle remains free of rust. Detailed images are provided in the gallery.
The cabin has been reupholstered with tan leather-look vinyl, black carpeting, and a weatherproof vinyl floor in a wood-grain finish. Natural wood cabinetry and wall panels complement the interior, all of which have been insulated with sound-dampening and heat-insulating materials from Kilmat, B-Quiet, and others. The cabinetry and panels were custom-fabricated by professional local shops to achieve a simple, natural aesthetic. Seating includes a 1967 Westfalia swivel seat, and the area can be converted into a bed. The central roof console has been adapted to house a multimedia GPS and radio/DVD system, paired with JBL speakers. Additional interior features include an adjustable swivel wood table, a 993 heating system, and a Tilton 600-Series pedal assembly. The seller notes that the lower section of the front dash and console could benefit from minor modifications for a more finished appearance.
Power comes from a 1995 Porsche 993-sourced 3.6-liter flat-six paired with a 6-speed G50/20 manual transmission, bearing serial numbers 64S03292 and 002772, respectively. The seller states the engine was verified and received a top-end refresh, including new valve seats, piston rings, and chain tensioners, along with a complete gasket kit. The wiring and spark plugs were also recently replaced. Equipment includes a 993 oil cooler, fan, and oil tank, as well as a limited-slip differential. The engine, drivetrain, braking, and steering systems were fully customized based on a Porsche 911 configuration. The frame was reinforced along its entire length to improve rigidity and support the engine’s added weight and torque. The drivetrain from a 1988 911 was fitted, including its front swing arms, rear suspension tube, and torsion bar. A 911 sway bar system was also incorporated. Suspension consists of 996 RS Bilstein coilovers in the front and Penske coilovers in the rear. Braking is managed through a Tilton pedal assembly with three separate hydraulic reservoirs for the front brakes, rear brakes, and clutch, operating without a booster. The setup uses 993 Brembo Big Red front calipers and 996 S4 rear calipers, paired with four 320mm discs. The calipers are mounted using custom-machined aluminum adapters for proper spacing and offset. The steering system features a hydraulic power steering rack linked to the steering wheel via a 90-degree adapter box and driven by the engine’s hydraulic pump. Maintenance within the last two years is said to include the following:
- New 2nd and 3rd gear synchros
- New clutch
- New hydraulic booster
- New front brake pads
- Bilstein adjustable front shocks and mounts
- New front swing arm rubber bushings
- Elephant Racing Polybronze and rubber bushings for rear swing arms
- Complete tie-rod ball joint set
- Motul synthetic oil change
This Type 2 build is accompanied by a Canadian registration, a car cover, an original Westfalia sink/icebox cabinet, two additional front doors, and two additional barn doors.
The seller would like you to know: “Thank you for looking at my auction. I have owned the Bus for more than 20 years, with only 9000km on the gauge. The buyer should expect a very special vehicle. That is a highly modified machine that’s almost more a Porsche than a Bus. It’s truly a one-of-a-kind transformation. What started as a plan to build a reliable, fun-to-drive car turned into a wild and challenging project.
In the end, the vehicle remains easy to drive but delivers performance in every sense: acceleration, speed, braking, and cornering. Mechanically, it’s 100% functional. Everything has been done. There are a few details I might have improved if I had kept it, but as it stands, it’s ready to enjoy as is. A quick rundown of my list would be a new Safari windows kit, a short shifter and rod mechanism, some additional work/adjustment on the front suspension, and, of course, a paint job when the guys are available. A new front tire will be installed this week, as I just noticed the poor condition of the existing one.
As for the exterior, it was in near-showroom condition about 15 years ago when it was painted. Time has since left its marks — No visible rust, a few marks, cracks (made by me!), and some deeper signs of activities that will need to be taken care of. But for a 1961 body, it is in excellent condition and looks very good, and a refresh (or even a complete color change, as I had planned) would bring it to the next level.
The interior is quite recent and complete, though I would personally revisit the dash area, which was done in a rush mode some time ago.
Overall, it’s a real head-turner and a conversation starter wherever you go. It’s easy to keep improving if you wish, but as it is, the Bus delivers pure joy every time you turn the key.
Frankly, I always thought I’d pass it down to my son, but circumstances won’t allow it to follow us where we’re going soon. So, to the next owner — I wish you many good times with it. Life is short — enjoy the ride and more importantly, be safe."
Comments (43)
Just added in the photo gallery are the results for the compression and leak down tests as well as the latest wheel alignment and some numbers about the squaring of the bus frame.
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Offer in the amount of $37,000
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Leakdown and compression tests will be performed Monday morning by this shop https://www.serviceautopremium.com/en
Thank you for the comment, Joe. You're right about showing more photos of the modifications, that is important, I'm organizing that ASAP. As for leak and compression tests, we added to the garage schedule, but that will be hard anytime soon as they have a backlog of 2 months plus. Moreover I think the engine has to be lowered to have access to all cylinder, so a good job. I have to consult and get back about this later. Still, the engine is the least of my worries, as I know what was done and who did it and how it runs , please take a look at this link showing the Porsche shop in Québec. https://www.serviceautopremium.com/en
By the way, I just noticed tonight that they put the mileage in mille, but it is 9000 km total.
Finally, I agree with you that it is a lot of money, but at the same time it is not for a project of that magnitude. In fact at that price now you are buying yourself a 993 engine (30k) and transmission(20k) package with all the gears to make it work, meaning that the Bus itself is basically free. I could add that last time I checked, a not so rusted T1 is going for 20k, so not counting the tires, the wheels, the breaks, suspensions, interior finition, windows, chrome, and +++. The 'low' price just reflects the fact that it needs eventually a new paint job. Of course nothing is perfect and some things could have been done differently, but at the end it works amazingly well. Frankly, I hope it sells, but at this point if it doesn't, it will go back in the garage and so be it. Thanks for looking.
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Get some pictures of the modifications on a lift. Provide some leak down and compression numbers. Then $60K is in the realm of what this should go for. I am positive more than that has been spent on this but before asking that amount there are some requirements. Joe
Bid in the amount of $30,250
Bid in the amount of $30,000
Bid in the amount of $29,500
Bid in the amount of $29,000
Bid in the amount of $28,500
Bid in the amount of $28,000
Bid in the amount of $27,750
Bid in the amount of $27,500
Bid in the amount of $27,250
Bid in the amount of $27,000
Bid in the amount of $25,850
Bid in the amount of $25,600
Bid in the amount of $25,250
Bid in the amount of $25,000
Two new short video of the Bus ride. Thanks !
https://youtu.be/hV_UTrfc0DM
https://youtu.be/gsLb7jjCzZk
Bid in the amount of $22,000
Bid in the amount of $20,000
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Hi Joe, sorry, my bad for the lack of pictures/video of the underside. Thought I'd do it this WE, but the Bus is blocked as the wheels are not back with new tires, hopefully monday. I just add up some pictures taken in 2021, basically no big changed since, except the break booster was taken out and replaced with the Tilton pedal set. Frame work was done in a local Québec shop. The van was only registered in Québec since, and I have no knowledge about the requirements or constraints of that process in the US. The millage is 9000km total since the main rebuilt (around 2010).
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Sorry about that mention the videos in my last question, I went through the gallery but at 1st they'd not come up. How many miles on the build and who did the modifications on the frame, suspension and drivetrain? Has this bus ever been registered in the USA?
Thanks, Joe in Hudson
This significant of a build really requires underside pictures on a lift as well as multiple videos.
Joe in Hudson
Bid in the amount of $11,111
Bid in the amount of $9,999
Here is the link for the gages video that was recorded on the highway last summer. Thanks
https://youtu.be/d6FqDk5VzCo
These 993 engines are running hot at around 100 oC and on the temperature gage that is just below the middle line. In very hot days and if it is pushed, the gage will reach that middle line, but I have never seen it past it with the oil cooler fan on. You will see an example of it when they upload the 'Highway2025' video on the page today. Thanks
This looks like a lot of fun. What temp does the motor run at normally and when pushed and then pushed on a hot day? Any overheating issues?
Yes, the wheel base shortened, so the 911 suspension tube was put ahead by 10 cm. The wheel base is now 230cm compared to 240cm originally. Thank you for your comment
I'm trying to figure out if the body was extended or the wheel base was shortened?
I added a short video of the van on the highway showing speed and tachy gages. I will do a video of the Bus on the road today or tomorrow , when the wheels come back with the new tires ! Thank you for the comment.
It would be great to see some videos of the van on the road. Thx!
Bid in the amount of $7,777
Bid in the amount of $5,000
@Old986mi The total tread for New Michelin Pilot Super Sport on a 17-inch rim is 10/32 inches (7.9mm), The rear tread are 5 to 6 mm left on the sides and 3 to 4 in the center. But you're right, they will all be changed. All 4 New Tires, same Michelin. Thank you for the comment !
You mentioned that the FRONT tires were to be replaced. What about the REAR? from the photos of the REAR the tread looks pretty shallow. Any chance of a measurement posted?