21-FUN SALUTE: 1964 Volkswagen 21-Window Bus
September 18, 2017
Posted by Barrett-Jackson
Written by independent automotive journalist Roger C. Johnson
Heading to Las Vegas at No Reserve is this completely restored 1964 Volkswagen 21-Window Bus (Lot #764).
In the beginning, Volkswagen’s man in charge, Heinz Nordhoff, was not too keen on the idea of turning the masterful design of the people’s car concept into an ungainly looking bus. Little did he know the move would ultimately generate numerous new variations of that vehicle, as well as new market segments, all at the same time. It would be referred to internally as the Type 2.
The bus’ “barn-door” styling created a drag coefficient of .75, which made it public enemy number one to every cubic inch of air on the planet. After all, it was conceived with functional transportation as its only goal in life. Yet even in the early 20th century, engineers knew the importance of “streamlining” when it came to planes, trains and automobiles. So the prototype was taken to the wind tunnel at Braunschweig University of Technology in Germany for some additional aerodynamic grooming. When all was said and done, that drag coefficient was down to a surprising .44, which was even better than the .48 of the Type 1 Beetle. This may have been the very first intentional meeting of pure functionality and aerodynamics in the postwar auto industry.
The reason the 23-window sunroof deluxe bus was discontinued had to do with the addition of a wider rear door on the 1964 models. That larger entrance doorway simply took up more surface area, so something else had to give. That meant goodbye to the two small rear hatch windows on each side. We don’t see how their removal could possibly interrupt the view of the Alps, the Rockies, or any other mountain range with which you’d like to get acquainted. After all, this machine wasn’t code-named “Alpine” for nothing.
The 1964 model still took off running even if it only had a mere 21 windows. This particular one has been treated to a complete ground-up restoration and presents as new wherever you choose to look. A rare and fresh 1600cc 4-cylinder boxer engine pumping out 58 horsepower generates the forward motion, while a 4-speed manual transmission puts the action to the rear wheels.
And for your further viewing pleasure, don’t forget the sunroof literally on top of all that glass. This 21-window piece of automotive history will be selling at No Reserve at the 2017 Las Vegas Auction. It’s a machine destined to be adored, even cherished, by every single generation in your family.
For up-to-date information on this vehicle, click HERE.