At present’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’d 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 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 facility handbook (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, nevertheless, drubbing the large cat in a 72 % No Cube loss.
When new, yesterday’s Jag strove to be the peak of luxurious comportment and a logo of wealth and attainment. At present’s 1974 Volkswagen 181 ‘Factor,’ alternatively, proffered none of these aspirations in its preliminary mission.
First developed as a army automobile, VW determined to convey the 181 to America in civilian kind with the hopes of it making the most 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 constituted 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 allure 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 a substitute of a truck, which induced VW to drag the mannequin from the market following the dedication that it couldn’t moderately meet the stricter security requirements that entailed.
In line with the vendor, this one isn’t initially from the U.S. however as a substitute was as soon as used for public service by the Mexican authorities. Which means it was probably constructed not in Germany however in VW’s Puebla plant in Mexico. Since its public service days, this Factor has seen a major restoration, with the advert noting new paint, wiring, and physique rubber, with the consequence 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 embrace 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 automobile seem prefer it’s being consistently admonished. Then there’s the truth that lots of the images within the advert seem 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 “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 must always observe that the marketplace for VW Issues, like that for Transporters and Busses, has been scorching for a while. Their fundamental nature may lead one to imagine 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 value is on the low finish for even right now’s deflated market. That’s not, nevertheless, to say it’s a deal.
What do you suppose? Is $12,000 a good price ticket for this 181? Or does that value warn us to depart this Factor alone?
You determine!
Reno, Nevada, Craigslist, or go right here if the advert disappears.
Assist me out with NPOND. Hit me up at [email protected] and ship me a fixed-price tip. Bear in mind to incorporate your Kinja deal with.
