The Unique Shorty Volkswagen Kombi: A Classic Icon with a Bold Twist
Playfully Iconic - In a world where custom vehicles are constantly evolving, there’s always something charming about a classic ride with a modern twist. One that grabs attention without shouting too loud. That’s exactly what happened with this blue-and-white 1966 Volkswagen Kombi — a car that’s always been known for its spacious design, but in this special version, it's been reinvented in the most unexpected way.
1966 Volkswagen Shorty Kombi by Gas Monkey Garage. (Picture from: GasMonkeyGarage)
Enter the talented crew from Gas Monkey Garage, the Dallas-based custom automotive shop famous for turning ordinary into extraordinary. With their signature boldness, they took the traditionally long and roomy VW Kombi and transformed it into what enthusiasts now fondly call the “Shorty Kombi.”The result is a truly compact and quirky ride that still carries the unmistakable VW charm, only in a tighter, more playful package.
Interior view of 1966 Volkswagen Shorty Kombi by Gas Monkey Garage. (Picture from: GasMonkeyGarage)
Originally, the Kombi was designed with a generous frame meant to haul people and cargo. But the Shorty version looks like it had its middle section cleanly removed, giving it an incredibly short wheelbase — visually, it's no more than a meter. While the exact new measurements remain a mystery, what’s clear is how well this modified Kombi was reshaped. Gas Monkey Garage didn’t just cut it short; they reimagined its proportions while preserving balance and style, showing off both craftsmanship and creativity.
Right side view of 1966 Volkswagen Shorty Kombi by Gas Monkey Garage. (Picture from: GasMonkeyGarage)
On the outside, it’s been restored with precision. The once rusty body has been stripped down and carefully repainted in a nostalgic two-tone combo of soft blue and white, a color palette that brings back the good old days while adding a fresh, cheerful vibe. The attention to detail is evident in every curve and line, blending vintage elegance with custom flair.
Rear side view of 1966 Volkswagen Shorty Kombi by Gas Monkey Garage. (Picture from: GasMonkeyGarage)
Inside, the simplicity continues, but not without thought. The cabin features just two front seats, keeping things minimal, yet refined. The upholstery was specially designed and imported from Germany, ensuring it still echoes that classic Volkswagen luxury. It’s a nice touch that honors the Kombi’s roots, even in its quirky new form.
Under the rear hatch, the Shorty Kombi is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a four-speed manual transmission. While technical specs haven’t been fully revealed, the setup promises a lively drive — especially given the vehicle’s lighter and shorter build. It’s clearly built more for fun than function, and that’s exactly the point.
This one-of-a-kind Shorty Kombi rolled across the auction block on Sunday, October 15, 2016, as part of the Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas event. And while many custom vehicles come and go, few manage to hold onto their heritage quite like this. What Gas Monkey Garage created isn’t just a shortened bus — it’s a celebration of classic style, playful design, and skilled craftsmanship, all wrapped up in a pint-sized package that’s impossible to ignore. *** [EKA [17102016][15092022] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | GAS MONKEY GARAGE | BARRET JACKSON ]
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The Unique Shorty Volkswagen Kombi: A Classic Icon with a Bold Twist
Originally, the Kombi was designed with a generous frame meant to haul people and cargo. But the Shorty version looks like it had its middle section cleanly removed, giving it an incredibly short wheelbase — visually, it's no more than a meter. While the exact new measurements remain a mystery, what’s clear is how well this modified Kombi was reshaped. Gas Monkey Garage didn’t just cut it short; they reimagined its proportions while preserving balance and style, showing off both craftsmanship and creativity.
Under the rear hatch, the Shorty Kombi is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with a four-speed manual transmission. While technical specs haven’t been fully revealed, the setup promises a lively drive — especially given the vehicle’s lighter and shorter build. It’s clearly built more for fun than function, and that’s exactly the point.
This one-of-a-kind Shorty Kombi rolled across the auction block on Sunday, October 15, 2016, as part of the Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas event. And while many custom vehicles come and go, few manage to hold onto their heritage quite like this. What Gas Monkey Garage created isn’t just a shortened bus — it’s a celebration of classic style, playful design, and skilled craftsmanship, all wrapped up in a pint-sized package that’s impossible to ignore. *** [EKA [17102016][15092022] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | GAS MONKEY GARAGE | BARRET JACKSON ]
