The vehicle was first registered on May 8, 1958, at a time when the VW factory was not yet building double cabs. The body of this double cab was manufactured by Binz & Co. in Lorch (Württemberg) on behalf of the VW factory and sold through Volkswagen dealers as the SO 16 (Special Option 16).

Binz received approximately 550 units of the pickup truck and converted them into 6-seater vehicles. This is number 174/550.

After a stay in the USA, the vehicle came to an English enthusiast who had it extensively restored. No expense or effort was spared, and many new parts were used. The original "Pigeon Blue" color shines again, with the vehicle currently residing in Colorado. 

The engine is a contemporary original Oettinger Okrasa TSV1300/30, which, unlike the standard engine, delivers 30 hp instead of 24 hp and has a displacement of 1300 cc instead of 1200 cc.

A contemporary Blaupunkt radio and original ambulance ventilation ensure the comfort of the six passengers. The ability to easily remove the rear bench seat increases versatility, creating a separate storage compartment in the rear while still providing seating for three.

This rarity is described in the literature "VW Bus Special Versions" ISBN 9783868526370 and in the magazine Camper & Bus.

An absolute highlight in any VW collection.

Binz and Company was founded in 1936 as a German coachbuilding firm that applied their

craft to many makes and models of cars and trucks. At one point they even produced their own scooter.

In the early 1950's a client approached Binz with a VW single cab and a request to add

additional passenger space and the ability to haul cargo inside as well as out.

The result was what we all know now as the "double cab" .

VW was impressed with the creation and for the following years from 53-58 contracted with

Binz to create special order double cabs for their customers. Sales were strong enough

that in 1959 VW took on the production of the double cab on the same factory lines as the

other transporter models and Binz moved on to other creations and business.

The difference between the Binz and the factory VW produced models are most evident in the profile.

The larger rear window and the drivers side seam along where the single cab bed originally ended

are the biggest clues. The side tail gates are unique as well as they were cut down from the original

single cab units.

On the passenger side the rear door is significantly larger than the factory VW design and the under bed

access doors are eliminated and the space accessed internally.

The large door opens up against the back hinge rather than the front seam of the VW production model.

The rest of the body remains quite the same and familiar.

Binz numbered each conversion with a special tag in the back.

In 1958 approximately 250 were thought to have been produced

All told through the years 1953-58 it is estimated that just 550

examples were built and this one is one of only about 25 1958 models known to remain.

Know issues:

Vehicle will drip oil after running for a period of time. The shift linkage could be adjust to making shifting into third and fourth gear easier. Left rear hub cap is missing a replacement can be supplied. 

Video

Exterior 

Interior 

Driving

Engine Running

Engine Start

Photos

Exterior 

Interior 

Engine Bay 

Truck Bed

Under Carriage

Additional Items