Friday, December 20, 2013

Hippie Van Is Gratefully Dead


OH NO, Say it ain't so, the Volkswagen Bus is ending production today, after 63 years of adventure. What is called, "the iconic hippy bus" has been kept alive, with over ten million produced since 1950. The Volkswagen Bus is almost identical to the 1967 models, rarely fluctuating in taste, interior, and make.
For awhile, Brazil has been the only company to manufacture these vans. The country's upcoming safety regulation changes are a huge factor with the production of the Kombi-the universal term for the Volkswagen Bus. The Kombis once came customized as campers, passenger bus, sleeping utility vehicles, the ultimate adventure wagon for cross country travelers. Usually, the vans are sold for $22,000, but the final edition will sell for around $36,000.
We will forever treasure this iconic vehicle as a reliable, fun, and wonderful roadie. Many lovers of this vehicle have commented, and here are just a few:
"End of an era, to be sure!"

"If you thought Hippies were sensitive before......wait till you see the down pour of tears at this news! They definitely have their following though, I let a friend store her old one at my place and at least three people a year stop buy begging to purchase it.
  Imagine how many kids with names like Star, Moon and Sunshine were conceived in a cloud of Maui Wowwy in these old tin cans?"

"I hope someone gives one to the Smithsonian In DC. That thing is as much a part of our History as the Model T,, Pontiac, and General Motors"

"I've had a couple of them, One was a 1978 champagne edition..Large sunroof, corduroy seats, and a fuel injected Porche engine, that had plenty of power on hills or anywhere. It was a wonderful vehicle, and though Volkswagen never advertised them as being good off road, they should have.. I redesigned mine for camping and took it anywhere... High clearance and a very low 1st gear, it was the perfect camper. It also had a factory gas heater.. I never should have let it go.."

News provided by MSN Autos see full article here: http://editorial.autos.msn.com/blogs/post--volkswagen-bus-production-makes-final-stop-in-brazil