Classifind Cut: 1973 Volkswagen Type 412 Wagon – Sold?

June 8, 2021 Update – We just confirmed the listing for this VW 412 “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.

May 7, 2021 Update – The current caretaker replaced their original expired Craigslist ad. The description, pictures, and asking price all remain the same.

The unloved Type 4. Volkswagen’s Swan Song of air-cooled powered “large” family car was the 412 version of Type 4 produced only three models years between 1972 and 1974.  Despite a 1,795 cc engine architecture shared with the Porsche 914 of the day and the availability of a true automatic transmission, consumers had more fuel-efficient, less expensive, and more convenient four-door wagon alternatives by the time VW rolled out this car. By 1975 VW’s Luftgekühlt large car party ended when the company replaced the 412 with its new front-wheel-drive Dasher/Passat.

The private seller of this non-running, gold-over-black 1973 Volkswagen 412 originally listed in April 2021 on Craiglist in Canton, Ohio appears to be trying to capitalize on the rising popularity of earlier Squarebacks with a $3,000 firm price.  Unfortunately for the seller, the  Collector Car Market Review Online Tool confirms their ask is currently $650 higher than this guide’s #4 Fair (Daily Driver) running condition estimate of $2,350. We assume the trailer this 412 currently rests on is not part of the sale, so plan on hiring a flatbed if you can negotiate a more realistic price for this Type 4 project car.

Reported to not run in two decades, this car is very likely in worse condition in person than the optimistic seller tries to pitch it as.

Here’s the seller’s description:

“WOW!! 1973 VW “BARN FIND” — I just had to remind myself it was there— lol.
Ran fine when I parked it 20+ years ago and pulled it out to see what I’m going to do with it .
RARE ! RARE! RARE! When was the last time you saw one???!!!
THINK ABOUT ALL THIS:
-59K ORIGINAL MILES
-AUTOmatic transmission-when was last time you saw that in old VW
– I have been told same motor used in Porches
-All good GLASS and LENS
-COMPLETE- as far as I can see or am aware
-SOLID BODY AND FRAME (It does have some rust and needs a few spots fixed but impressive for its age.)
-All hub caps

NEEDS A RESTORE -It is what it is. I am NOT STARTING it because don’t want to start working on it if I’m going to sell. (It needs done right with all fluids etc. – I actually put new tune up, plugs, wires etc before parking)

NOT FARTING AROUND WITH LOWBALLERS…. FIRM ON PRICE… $3000.00 SO Unless you have the CASH don’t come.
I’ll just keep and get to it when I want.

These are PICS for now will see about more.

DON’T WAIT IF THIS IS WHAT YOUR LOOKING FOR!

Have the “ONLY” one around!!!
Where do you find ’em like this anymore?

TEXT ME WITH INITIAL INTEREST- I don’t pick up numbers I don’t recognize.“

Restore or Rat Rod: what would you do with this rare air-cooled VW?  Comment below and let us know!