Volkswagen Launches Factory Restoration Program for Microbus

 

"Automakers offering restoration services for vehicles they built decades before isn’t exactly uncommon. Aston Martin’s Works Heritage Service will gladly maintain your wanna-be-Bond DB5. Mercedes-Benz Classic will restore a 600 Grosser, a 300SL Gullwing, and everything in between.

And Volkswagen, it seems, is more than willing to give your Microbus a museum-quality restoration in the same city it was built nearly 50-60 years ago.

VW first established a group within its commercial vehicles division to restore vintage Transporters in 2007, but the 100 vehicles the group has since cranked out were merely for Volkswagen’s own collection (hey, it does have a museum to feed). That said, the small operation has moved to a larger, 75,000-square foot facility, and is now opening its doors and services to the general public.

The timing couldn’t be better, since interest in vintage Transporters appears to be on the rise in Europe. So much so, in fact, that Volkswagen’s Dutch branch is actually importing Kombis from Brazil — which largely resemble the second-generation T2 –and customizing them with a retro touch.

Unlike that operation, which added old soul to new vehicles, VW’s new “Commercial Vehicles Oldtimer” program breathes new life into old vehicles. Services performed range from light repairs to a full restoration. Customers also have the option of restomodding their vehicles, although those who desire a faithful restoration can take heart in the fact the Oldtimer group has access to extensive historical records and original parts." [Read more]