1959 Volkswagen Type 2 Microbus Deluxe 'Samba' 23-Window

1,584cc ohv, Air-Cooled Dual Port Flat 4-Cylinder Engine
Single Solex Carburetor
50bhp at 3,000rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
4-Wheel Drum Brakes
Torsion Bar Independent Front and Rear Suspension

*Immaculately restored in original Sealing Wax Red color
*Complete with Volkswagen AutoMuseum Birth Certificate
*Genuine German built 23-window example
*Highly desirable 'Samba' De Luxe Microbus

THE VOLKSWAGEN TYPE 2 MICROBUS

As readily recognizable as the immortal 'Beetle' itself and a 'cult' vehicle in its own right, the Volkswagen Type 2 enjoyed an even longer period in production than their saloon progenitor. The original was conceived in the late 1940s by a Dutch Volkswagen agent, Ben Pon, who drew up plans for a van based on the Beetle floor pan and running gear. The Volkswagen Type 2 arrived in 1950. 1963 was the last year VW produced the 23 Window Microbus and has always been held in high regard among VW enthusiasts around the world as the top of the line model known as the "Sondermodell", meaning "Special Edition" in German and more commonly known as the Samba!

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This early 1959 Volkswagen 23-window Deluxe 'Samba' microbus is in beautiful condition and was the recipient of a wonderfully executed restoration. Completed on February 17, 1959, the bus then departed the factory a few months thereafter while being delivered within its home country of Germany. Although the early history of this bus is not known, it has spent the latter part of its life in the western part of the United States as part of a large car collection. Most recently, the car has resided in the sunny climate of southern California. Included with the car is a Stiftung Volkswagen AutoMuseum Certificate showing it to be an authentic Deluxe Samba model.

The exterior is beautifully finished in its original color of Sealing Wax Red while the interior has been reupholstered in an attractive light gray vinyl with dark gray accents and 2-tone side panels. This 8-seater model was configured from the factory with a walkthrough cabin. A dash mounted clock and Wolfsburg crested steering wheel round out the interior. All of the glass has proper 'Sigla" Germany markings while the front flip-out safari windshield glass panels are ready to give the driver and passenger all the air flow they could ask for. The undercarriage also received a large degree of attention and appears just as clean as the rest of the vehicle. Mechanically, the car runs and drives excellently showing only 327 miles on the odometer. This is believed to be the only mileage covered following its comprehensive restoration. The original 1,192cc engine was replaced with a more potent 1,600cc dual port engine for increased power and better driving experience. Additionally, the transaxle was upgraded with 3.44:1 gearing ratio for better highway-speed cruising capabilities.

A truly magnificent representation of an automotive icon, this Volkswagen 23-Window bus is a must have for any serious automotive collector, whether that being with a highly curated Volkswagen collection or an automotive enthusiast wanting to own a significant relic of automotive culture and engineering.