Hauls Laughs: 1957 Volkswagen Transporter Shortened Pickup – Sold?

May 18, 2021 Update – We just confirmed the listing for this shortened VW “Classifind” expired, so with no replacement found we’re assuming this ride “Sold?” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call Rudy directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

A 1960s custom trend was to shorten the wheelbase of certain vehicles to give them an almost cartoonish set of proportions. With its pan-style frame design, one of the easier vehicles to take the knife to was Volkswagen’s transporter.  According to the private seller, this 1957 Volkswagen Transporter originally listed on Craigslist in April 2021 in Amherst, Massachusetts started life as a ubiquitous pickup before receiving the shortened wheelbase treatment sometime during the 1960s.  In an effort to preserve that period of car customizing history while capitalizing on the current air-cooled VW popularity wave, the seller reports this unique ride received an extensive three-year ground-up restoration in need of “minor brake and electrical work” to be a show stopper.

Offered at $39,500 currently, both the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool and  Collector Car Market Review Online Tool pricing guides for stock restored examples confirm the asking price for this example is much shorter (sorry, pun intended) than expected.  We’re not really sure what you could haul safely with this custom VW, so we agree with the seller’s assertion their ’57 might make an excellent promo vehicle for a small business.

Here’s the seller’s description:

“This is an original German 1957 vw pickup, that was shortened in the 60’s. It has had a 3 year ground-up restoration. It is the correct original color from the factory, as well as the interior upholstery. There is no rust, and everything was done professionally. Complete media blasted. It runs and drives, and I believe the engine is a late 60’s. It is extremely cool. All the fluids are new, and it is a blast to drive. It needs minor brake and electrical work to be perfect. I have close to $45,000. In it as it sits. This could be a show stopper with a little more TLC. Text or call me for more info. This would make a great advertising vehicle for your business.”

Show or go: what would you do with this restored and customized VW pickup?  Comment below and let us know!