Volkswagen Type 2 Microbus Deluxe, 1963
Volkswagen Type 2 T1
Volkswagen Type 2 T1•
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Chassis No.: 995774
Engine No.: 7043990
US$190,400 USD | Sold
- 1,584cc ohv, Air-Cooled Single Port Flat 4-Cylinder Engine
- Single Solex PICT I Carburetor
- 39bhp at 3,000rpm
- 4-Speed Manual Transmission
- 4-Wheel Drum Brakes
- Torsion Bar Independent Front and Rear Suspension
- Immaculately restored to original build specification
- Complete with original sales documentation
- Fully documented rotisserie restoration, Genuine 23-window 'Samba'
- THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
This 1963 Volkswagen 23 window deluxe microbus is one of the best restored examples to ever be publicly offered.This bus was purchased new from the Pfister Volkswagen dealership in Wuerzberg, Germany on September 19th, 1962, just two days after it left the factory. Sold to American serviceman Sgt. Dwaine Roberts for 8,867 Deutsche Marks, the original invoice seen in the vehicle's history folder outlines the terms of sale, listing the bus in Sondermodell specification.
Sergeant Roberts would enjoy the bus in Germany before transporting it to Texas with him upon his return stateside. After 7 years of ownership the bus was sold to a fellow solider, Thomas Smith, who purchased it from Sgt. Roberts in 1969. A Bill of Sale shows the conditions between Sgt. Roberts and Mr. Smith, trading the bus for $650 US dollars on May 5th, 1969 in Fort Hood, Texas.
It's unclear exactly when Mr. Smith sold the bus but a photo album in the vehicle's dossier shows the condition of the bus as it sat in 1988. The bus passed through the hands of several owners in the 1990s and 2000s until it was purchased by the current owner in 2012. Having access to thorough documentation of the bus's history, the current seller began a nearly four-year restoration to resurrect the bus back to its original state.
Today, this stunning example reflects the efforts of a complete rotisserie restoration, referencing the original invoice, historic photos, and the Volkswagen Birth Certificate to direct the project.
Presented as it was delivered new in 1962, it is beautifully painted in a two-tone combination of Sealing Wax Red and Beige Gray over Silver White and Basalt Gray interior. Years were spent sourcing NOS parts throughout the bus in addition to the numerous components that were original to the body and interior. From the Sigla glass to the last KMAX bolt, no detail was overlooked while returning this bus to its factory delivered specification.
A highlighted list of original-to-this-bus or NOS parts sourced include an original AM radio, headlights, seat kick panels, deluxe trim, speedometer, NOS indicators/blinkers, windshield wipers, fuel gauge and clock, coat hooks, cargo assist strap, middle seat grab bars, engine vent trim, tail lights, and vent window latches.
As is the story with almost every early Volkswagen bus, the original engine had been replaced at some point in its history. In an attempt to further the authenticity of this Volkswagen, the current owner sourced an engine that was manufactured the same month as the original motor. After a tear down and complete rebuild, the 40 HP, 1.2L engine was finally mated to the bus in 2018.
Optimizing the meaning of Concours level restoration, this "Samba" is complete with a comprehensive history file of original sales documents, The VW Museum birth certificate, 1988 photo album, fully documented restoration, and all of the trophies won at Concours events since the completion of its restoration.
A truly magnificent representation of an automotive icon, this Volkswagen 23 Window bus is a must have for any serious automotive collector, whether highly curated Volkswagen collection or an automotive enthusiast wanting to own a significant relic of automotive culture and engineering.
Cost
699,244 AED
