Meet "Catarina" - A 1974 Volkswagen Single Cab Cycle Hauler

Jan 164 min read

See the whole project in the gallery at the bottom of this post.

1974 Catarina prior to commencing resoration shortly after purchase. — Catarina before the tearsown and discovery

The 1974 Single Cab Cycle Hauler VW Bus: A Vintage Marvel for Riders and Collectors

The Volkswagen Bus has always been a vehicle of ingenuity and versatility, and our 1974 Single Cab Cycle Hauler "Catarina"VW Bus exemplifies these qualities beautifully. We are re-restoring an original, re-built bus, with a new full flatbed renovation of the superstructure and the metal bed itself....We'll add new, drop down side and rear bed panels ...add tie down points, as well as an electric winch to haul bikes onto the rear platform. A Performace upgraded engine and a totally new cabin interior will finish this bus and make it a show stopper in itself..Designed to blend functionality with timeless style, this vintage workhorse continues to captivate both automotive and bicycle enthusiasts as well as for motorcycle aficionados. Whether you're a collector, a rider, or someone who appreciates classic design, the 1974 Single Cab Cycle Hauler has something unique to offer.

A Brief History of the Single Cab VW Bus

The VW Single Cab, a member of the renowned Type 2 series, was launched as a practical counterpart to the passenger-focused VW Bus. Its flatbed design and fold-down sides made it popular with both tradespeople and adventurers. By 1974, the model had been updated with practical enhancements, yet it remained a dependable and versatile vehicle. It found numerous creative applications for a diverse range of purposes.

Purpose-Built for Cycle Enthusiasts

What sets our 1974 Single Cab Cycle Hauler "Catarina" apart is its tailored functionality for transporting motorcycles. Whether you’re a dirt bike enthusiast, a vintage motorcycle collector, or a weekend racer, this vehicle offers a perfect solution for hauling your prized two-wheelers.

Key features for motorcycle hauling include:

Spacious Flatbed: The sturdy totally rebuilt flatbed provides ample room for multiple motorcycles, tools, and gear. The fold-down sides make loading and unloading a breeze.
Tie-Down Points: Built-in tie-down hooks ensure your motorcycles are secure during transport, no matter the terrain. Front wheel receiver holds your bike secure to prevent its movement in the bed.
An Electric winch for hauling cycles up onto the bed is included, with removable portable ramps and a receiving wheel mount for the bikes front wheel.
Classic Styling: The vintage aesthetic of the 1974 Single Cab complements the charm of any classic or modern bike, making it a conversation starter at events and gatherings.

Engine and Performance

By 1974, VW had refined the Type 2’s engineering to offer improved reliability and efficiency. Our Single Cab Cycle Hauler is powered by a 1.6 L air-cooled, flat-four engine, delivering modest yet dependable performance. A performance muffler and dual carbuerators add a 30% power increase, verified on a test Dynamometer. 71 Hp equivalent . Paired with a VW Braislia"s four-speed manual transmission,( similar to the "Freeway Flyer") this setup ensures a smooth and engaging driving experience and increased highway speeds. While not built for higher highway speeds, the Single Cab excels in utility and ease of maintenance, making it a practical choice for any enthusiast.

The Timeless Appeal of the 1974 Model

Our 1974 "Smurf" Single Cab Cycle Hauler Catarina captures the spirit of an era when vehicles were designed with simplicity and purpose. Its unmistakable silhouette, iconic VW emblem, and retro details make it a true classic. The bold color scheme we added—often featuring a vibrant blue and underbody dark tones—further enhance its vintage charmwith a modern flair.

Restoration and Customization

One of the joys of owning a 1974 Single Cab Cycle Hauler is the opportunity for restoration and customization. Enthusiasts often add:

Custom Ramps: Designed for effortless loading and unloading of motorcycles.
Modern Lighting: Upgraded headlights and taillights for improved visibility.
Enhanced Suspension: Tailored for heavy loads or off-road adventures.
Front disk brakes for added stopping power.
Totally re-furbished single cab interior.
An Under flatbed lighted wheel and storage compartment customized in hardwoods.

Why the 1974 Single Cab Cycle Hauler Remains Relevant

Despite being decades old, the 1974 Single Cab Cycle Hauler continues to hold its value and relevance. Here’s why:

Cultural Icon: As part of the VW Bus family, it embodies a legacy of freedom and creativity.
Practical Utility: Its design remains functional for modern-day hauling and outdoor activities.
Collectability: Restored models are highly sought after and can command impressive prices at auctions.

Conclusion

The 1974 Single Cab Cycle Hauler VW Bus is more than just a vehicle; it’s a piece of automotive history that brings practicality and nostalgia together. For motorcycle enthusiasts and vintage car collectors, it offers a unique way to combine passions. Whether you’re hitting the open road, attending a rally, or showcasing your collection, this classic VW is guaranteed to make a statement. Bicycle clubs will love it's utility also.

Follow us as we continue to restore this pick-up to her former glory as a cycle hauler in a class of her own. The 3 photos below show the initial restoration before we purchased the car to rebuild the entire truck bed and refurbish areas of rust to our shop standards. The second restoration will bring the car up to show room standards with a new bed, new interior and exterior, electronic instrumentation, added horsepower, disc brakes, and an electric winch to pull up heavy bikes.