Unofficial trailer for “The Bus,” a feature-length documentary film currently in production. “The Bus” is a celebration of the most iconic and beloved vehicle ever produced. It explores the history, culture and evolution of the Volkswagen Transporter from its Nazi heritage to its modern-day cult-like following and status; the film celebrates the 60th anniversary of the VW Bus and its vibrant and resonant place in modern culture. The film will be released in late 2011.
Sent in by Lew Lewandowski. From Solar Burrito: https://solarburrito.wordpress.com/2011/03/02/the-bus-trailer-volkswagen-van-movie/
I had a ’60 VW bus with a 40 HP motor for about 7 years in the ’60s. It had a plywood fold-up bed, table, frig, closet (precursor of the Westphalia). I carried half the materials for a house I built in Big Sur on it, drove to NYC one December (wrapped in sleeping bags for the cold), drove down to Puerto Vallarta before the bridge and had to cross the river with a guy walking to show us the way. I probably put 100,000 miles on it. 40 HP!
top speed?
Mine? Maybe 65.
Lloyd, you forgot to ask ..uphill or downhill?
Actually, I now remember one night driving against a headwind on a road in Death Valley (Calif.) and not being able to go more than 30, so we turned around and found another road that had less wind. VW van stories are legion…
And I remember coming back from Joshua Tree one day, heading up the grade outside of Palm Springs (where the wind farms are now) into an insane headwind/sandstorm. When the visibility reached about a car length and I had to downshift into first(!) gear on the freeway(!), I decided it was time to call it quits; pulled over, crawled in the back, lay down and tried not to think about blowing over. Another time that a lack of horsepower probably saved my young, stupid ass. It did cost me a windshield and partial paint job though…..I'm curious, how many valve jobs did that 100k miles cost you?…(#3 exaust valve).
Lloyd & Jack, My 74 bus didn't do much better! Agreed, the scariest times of my life were driving that car in the wind. My story involves side winds but it was still a great car, hauled my surf boards, gear and you could still stretch out and get some sleep.