I've been using this service for a couple of days (trying to find an 
Auto/Westie for a friend).  A couple of entries stood out -- automatics 
as early as '56 (or just bad form filling) ...
 
On Tue, 30 Apr 1996, Classifieds2000 wrote:
>     
>     VW - Bus,       '62,   -   $ 2,800/OBO, Los Angeles
>        - Private Party, (310)944-5801 
>        - Options: Passenger minivan, AT
>        - Desc: DELUX 15 wndw new 1776 motor trans perfect rnng ond needs
>                paint some headliner very clean must sell call or
>     
>     VW - Bus,       '56,   -   $ 3,300/OBO, South Bay
>        - Private Party, (310)326-6163 
>        - Options: Passenger minivan, AT
>        - Desc: factory sunroof new tires trans 1600 dual port perfect rnng
>                condition
> 

       Bob Hufford             \\  //              YardBusses
    "Back Yard Busses"     \\   \\//   //   '60 Double-Door Panel 
                            \\   \/   //    '81 Vanagon L (Sunroof)
  bhufford@mail.orion.org    \\ //\\ //     '61,'63,'63,'71,'72 Bones
                              \\/  \\/      
-- "Dedicated to the Storage and Degradation of Vintage Transporters" --

   Don't forget:  Busses on '66' in Springfield, Missouri, June 14-16