Right now’s Good Value or No Cube VW Factor is sort of a Automobiles 101 class—a fundamental introduction to the motorcar and nothing extra. Let’s see if we are able to all make an informed guess about what it would moderately be price.
I’ve to say, I used to be a bit shocked on the voting final result on yesterday’s 1994 Jaguar XJS convertible. These vehicles have discovered a footing within the collector market and, as such, have seen a gentle rise in worth. As well as, due to the distinctive nature of our automotive, which has a uncommon manufacturing unit guide (certainly one of 99, so claimed by the vendor), it appeared the vendor’s $16,900 ask ought to be inside attain. Most of you disagreed, nonetheless, drubbing the large cat in a 72 % No Cube loss.
When new, yesterday’s Jag strove to be the peak of luxurious comportment and an emblem of wealth and attainment. Right now’s 1974 Volkswagen 181 ‘Factor,’ alternatively, proffered none of these aspirations in its preliminary mission.
First developed as a navy car, VW determined to convey the 181 to America in civilian type with the hopes of it cashing in on the off-roading craze created by aftermarket dune buggies and Baja Bugs that employed the corporate’s older Beetle merchandise. Like these vehicles, the 181 was unabashedly plain Jane.
Cheekily designated the ‘Factor’ within the U.S. by VW’s entrepreneurs, the 181 was produced from a hodgepodge of elements, using drivetrain elements from the Beetle and Bus and the platform from the Karmann Ghia. Atop that’s an open four-door, five-seater physique with all of the fashion and sophistication of an industrial washer.
For all their bare-bones simplicity and tenuous security, they’re endlessly endearing and charming. Nevertheless, that attraction couldn’t maintain the Factor right here within the U.S., as security advocate Ralph Nader singled out the mannequin for its shortcomings. That led to the U.S. authorities in 1975 reclassifying it as a automotive as an alternative of a truck, which triggered VW to tug the mannequin from the market following the willpower that it couldn’t moderately meet the stricter security requirements that entailed.
In keeping with the vendor, this one isn’t initially from the U.S. however as an alternative was as soon as used for public service by the Mexican authorities. Which means it was possible constructed not in Germany however in VW’s Puebla plant in Mexico. Since its public service days, this Factor has seen a big restoration, with the advert noting new paint, wiring, and physique rubber, with the end result giving the automotive an total tidy look.
It’s additionally mentioned to be mechanically sound, its 1.6 pancake 4 having obtained a latest valve adjustment and tune-up. Different plusses embody new brakes and tires plus a pair of comfy-looking entrance seats. There’s additionally a brand new high, though that’s not proven within the advert. The facet curtains are proven within the froot shot, however they don’t look all that scorching. Additionally questionable are the headlight eyelids that make the automotive seem prefer it’s being consistently admonished. Then there’s the truth that lots of the images within the advert appear to be they’ve been taken throughout the automotive’s restoration, so we don’t precisely see the automotive as a complete.
Regardless of that, we get the vendor’s reassurance that the automotive is in “wonderful” situation and sports activities a modest 64,000 miles on the clock. Its working days in Mexico now far behind, this 181 maintains a clear title and present Arizona registration. Oddly sufficient, it’s supplied within the Reno, Nevada Craigslist and is listed as being within the Sierra Nevada city of Portola, California.
Now, earlier than we get to the value, we should always be aware that the marketplace for VW Issues, like that for Transporters and Busses, has been scorching for a while. Their fundamental nature would possibly lead one to consider that these are four-figure vehicles day in and day trip, however prefer it or not, that hasn’t been the case for years. At $12,000, this 181’s worth is on the low finish for even in the present day’s deflated market. That’s not, nonetheless, to say it’s a deal.
What do you suppose? Is $12,000 a good price ticket for this 181? Or does that worth warn us to depart this Factor alone?
You resolve!
Reno, Nevada, Craigslist, or go right here if the advert disappears.
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