Crown Classics, a California dealership that specializes vintage cars, is offering a 1966 Volkswagen 21-window Bus that’s been turned into a powerhouse with a huge Cadillac 509 cubic-inch (8.3-liter) V8 engine.
The core of this Bus is a giant 509ci Cadillac V8, a big engine famous for its strength and staying power, taken from an old Cadillac. It’s a massive step up from the original 1.6L or 1.7L air-cooled flat-four engine, which often got too hot and was weak (making just 50-65 horsepower). It’s connected to a General Motors Turbo-Hydramatic 425 three-speed automatic gearbox, which sends the power out smoothly. The back axle comes from a Cadillac Eldorado, making it sturdy enough to handle the V8’s force.
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Playmobil Volkswagen T1 Camping Bus
- ROAD TRIP: Plan for your next road trip with the PLAYMOBIL Volkswagen T1 Camping Bus
- LIFE-LIKE DETAIL: The iconic red and white-colored van is equipped with a mini-kitchen, fold-down seating that converts into a sleeping area, and plenty of storage space
- JUST LIKE THE REAL THING: Remove the roof to access the camper's interior, seating figures at the table or behind the wheel. Open the two side doors to reveal shelves for your non-perishable foods and a fold-down vanity with mirror
$49.99
−$15.00
$34.99
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To fit the big V8, they stretched the Bus six inches wider, giving it a tougher look and space for the engine and cooling setup. This took a lot of custom work, including a new frame with 2×4 steel bars for extra toughness. The cooling system is way better than the old air-cooled one. They put two radiators in the widened side panels, using water to keep the V8’s heat under control—a huge help since overheating was a common problem with regular VW Buses. How much? Crown Classics has it listed for $80,000 USD.
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