Right this moment’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 will all make an informed guess about what it’d fairly be value.
I’ve to say, I used to be a bit shocked on the voting final result on yesterday’s 1994 Jaguar XJS convertible. These automobiles have discovered a footing within the collector market and, as such, have seen a gradual rise in worth. As well as, due to the distinctive nature of our automobile, which has a uncommon manufacturing unit guide (one in every 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 massive cat in a 72 p.c No Cube loss.
When new, yesterday’s Jag strove to be the peak of luxurious comportment and an emblem of wealth and attainment. Right this moment’s 1974 Volkswagen 181 ‘Factor,’ however, proffered none of these aspirations in its preliminary mission.
First developed as a navy automobile, VW determined to convey the 181 to America in civilian type with the hopes of it taking advantage of the off-roading craze created by aftermarket dune buggies and Baja Bugs that employed the corporate’s older Beetle merchandise. Like these automobiles, the 181 was unabashedly plain Jane.
Cheekily designated the ‘Factor’ within the U.S. by VW’s entrepreneurs, the 181 was made out of a hodgepodge of components, 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 model and sophistication of an industrial washer.
For all their bare-bones simplicity and tenuous security, they’re endlessly endearing and charming. Nonetheless, 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 automobile as an alternative of a truck, which brought about VW to drag the mannequin from the market following the dedication that it couldn’t fairly 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 doubtless 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 outcome giving the automobile an general tidy look.
It’s additionally stated to be mechanically sound, its 1.6 pancake 4 having obtained a current 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 sizzling. Additionally questionable are the headlight eyelids that make the automobile seem prefer it’s being consistently admonished. Then there’s the truth that most of the images within the advert appear like they’ve been taken throughout the automobile’s restoration, so we don’t precisely see the automobile as an entire.
Regardless of that, we get the vendor’s reassurance that the automobile is in “glorious” 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 notice that the marketplace for VW Issues, like that for Transporters and Busses, has been sizzling for a while. Their fundamental nature would possibly lead one to consider that these are four-figure automobiles 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 at this time’s deflated market. That’s not, nonetheless, to say it’s a deal.
What do you assume? Is $12,000 a good price ticket for this 181? Or does that worth warn us to go away this Factor alone?
You determine!
Reno, Nevada, Craigslist, or go right here if the advert disappears.
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