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1974 Volkswagen Type 2 Bus
Volkswagen Transporter (Type 2 / Bay Window)
1973-1979 (Late Bay Window Generation) · van
Rarity Score
5/10 - Uncommon. While hundreds of thousands were built, daily sightings have become increasingly rare due to age, rust, and attrition.
Spot Difficulty
6/10 - Moderately difficult. Mostly seen during warmer months, at vintage car meets, camping grounds, beach towns, or driven by dedicated enthusiasts.
Engine & Performance
Engine: Air-cooled, 2.0-liter flat-four (boxer) engine with dual carburetor setup, producing approximately 67 horsepower and 101 lb-ft of torque.
Transmission & Drivetrain: 4-speed manual transmission with rear-engine, rear-wheel drive (RR) layout.
Performance: 0-60 mph in approximately 20+ seconds, top speed around 75 mph, curb weight roughly 2,800 lbs, known for leisurely acceleration and utility over speed.
Exterior
Vibrant orange paint with a white lower front valence and bumper. Features iconic round headlights, a prominent chrome VW emblem centered on the flat front panel, wraparound front windshield, and various bumper stickers and window decals on the front glass.
Interior Features
Spartan and utilitarian layout with a large bus steering wheel, flat dashboard with basic analog gauges, vinyl seating, and expansive glass area providing high visibility.
Condition Assessment
Fair - shows signs of age, weathered exterior paint, minor surface rust, and heavy use, though structurally intact and operational.
Condition Issues: Visible surface oxidation, chips in the paint around the front fascia, weathered bumpers, and general patina reflecting decades of exposure.
Estimated Mileage: 120,000 - 180,000 miles (typical for surviving vintage examples)
Historical Significance
A cultural icon of the 1960s and 1970s counterculture movement, symbolizing freedom, road trips, and the hippie era, serving as the spiritual successor to the iconic Split-Window Microbus.
Notable Features
Large wraparound front windshield introduced in 1968, square-cornered front indicators relocated to the upper front panel for the 1973-1979 models, and air-cooled boxer engine mounted in the rear.
Production Numbers
Over two million Bay Window Type 2s were manufactured globally across its production run from 1967 to 1979, with significant assembly taking place in Germany and Brazil.
Valuation
Estimated Market Value: $15,000 - $30,000 depending on interior camper conversion and mechanical health
Auction Estimate: $12,000 - $25,000 for a driver-condition Bay Window bus
Maintenance Recommendations
Regular valve adjustments, checking the pushrod tube seals for oil leaks, carburetor synchronization, and inspecting the electrical wiring harness for aging insulation.
Fun Facts
1. Famously nicknamed the 'Breadloaf' or 'Bay Window' by enthusiasts. 2. The front badge doubles as a service hatch access point for the brake fluid reservoir. 3. Highly customizable, serving as the ultimate canvas for camper conversions by companies like Westfalia. 4. Its rear-engine layout means it has no traditional hood in the front.
Identified on: 9/11/2026
This AI-generated identification is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional evaluation. We assume no liability for decisions made based on this information.Read full disclaimer