The End of the Classic Volkswagen Microbus

The End of the Classic Volkswagen Microbus
Volkswagen Final EditionThe last edition for the Volkswagen Microbus is going for 36,000 dollars.
Often referred to as the quintessential hippie van, the classic Volkswagen Type 2 aka Volkswagen Microbus has reached its final chapter and will be discontinued at the end of 2013. This discontinuation is happening because of stricter safety regulations that the van couldn’t comply with.

To mark the end of its run, Volkswagen will build 600 last edition vans that will feature vehicle accessories like a retro white and blue two-tone paint and vinyl upholstery, whitewall tires, white painted hub caps, a set of curtains, and a numbered plaque. These last editions are being sold for 36,000 dollars, which is far more than it’s ever gone for before. But, this might be a wise investment because in the past classic Volkswagen Microbuses have sold for over 200,000 dollars because of its long and storied history. Knowing that, who knows how much money these last editions will go for in a few years.

volkswagenGet out of the way Marty! The terrorists are in that hippie van!
Famous Volkswagen Moments in Pop Culture

The Volkswagen brand has been around for a long time now and has snuck its way into some pretty great pop culture moments. Here’s a couple:

1. In the 1985 classic Back to the Future, the Doc and Marty McFly are hijacked by a bunch of Libyan Nationalists that were driving none other than the Volkswagen Microbus!

2. The Volswagen Microbus was predominantly featured in the Fox hit That 70s Show. In the show, Michael Kelso buys the van and brings the gang to concerts,
volkswagen little missVolkswagens are great, but taking a road trip with this family would be a little crazy.
has make-out sessions, and  the group even tokes up during one of their infamous “circle” scenes.

3. In the film Little Miss Sunshine with comedy legend Steve Carell, a dysfunctional family travels across the country in the infamous Volkswagen Microbus.

Looking Towards the Future

With the classic bus going off the market, Volkswagen is not panicked. They have been developing variations of the bus for years. Last year, they showcased a smaller concept version of the van known as the Bulli. The Bulli is significantly quieter, safer, and friendlier for the environment. It features two 20-kWh lithium-ion energy cells feeding a 114-hp electric motor that propels the front wheels.

volkswagenThe Volkswagen Bulli is the 21st version of the famous van.
Even with new variations coming out, we should all take a second to pay homage to the Volkswagen Microbus, a vehicle that helped spur Cab Over design and helped a lot of kids party.

By: Tim Snyder
Posted on August 29th, 2013
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