With their distinctive designs and cult following, vintage Volkswagens have solidified their place in automotive history and continue to charm people old and young. Classic car restoration can be a rewarding yet time-consuming hobby, making it satisfying to restore a piece of history with each turn of a wrench. These are the top vintage Volkswagen vehicles for your next restoration project.
The Volkswagen Beetle
The Beetle may be one of the most recognized and beloved cars on Earth. Known for its simplicity and reliability, the Beetle is a restoration favorite for auto enthusiasts looking for their first project. The ample supply of spare parts and a supportive community make this model a perfect starting point.
Keep in mind that restoring a vintage Volkswagen Beetle comes with unique challenges. The unmistakable bug-eyed headlights and rounded fenders require precise restoration. Also, ensuring the mechanics operate to their full potential is key during a restoration, and sourcing the correct components can be tricky. Yet, you cannot match the joy of driving a lovingly restored Beetle.
The Volkswagen Bus
If there is one vehicle that embodies an era, it’s the Volkswagen Bus. Renowned for its spacious interior and panoramic windows, the Type 2 is perfect for long, scenic road trips.
Restoring a VW Bus requires attention to detail. Its large body means surface rust can be a significant issue, and its air-cooled engine might need a bit more love to bring back to life than the Beetle.
The Volkswagen Karmann Ghia
If you want the classic Beetle mechanics with a sportier aesthetic, the Karmann Ghia is the ideal mix. This sleek coupe has a greater air of glamour than its more practical siblings.
Restoring a Karmann Ghia can be more costly due to the rarity of certain parts. Still, the vehicle’s unique body makes for an incredibly satisfying final product, and its relative simplicity under the hood means the project is manageable without an intensive mechanical background.
The Volkswagen Thing
If you enjoy taking the road less traveled, the Thing is a delightful relic that brings a touch of military influence to the VW lineup. Originally designed for the West German army, the Thing’s boxy design makes it a unique sight on the roads today.
Restoring a Thing is not for the faint of heart. The scarcity of parts due to the repurposing methods means returning this vehicle to its original state can be puzzling. Yet, the community around the Thing is fiercely passionate, making resources and advice easier to come by than other VW models.
Pick from any of these vintage Volkswagen vehicles for your next restoration project. Classics are called so for a reason, and these VWs offer a unique slice of automotive nostalgia for those willing to take on the challenge. The road to restoration may be bumpy, but the destination is always joyous.
