LOT 171

1965 Volkswagen Type 2 (T1) 21-Window Deluxe Microbus Chassis no. 245121087 Engine no. 0024918

Sold for €115,000 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve

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Lot 171

1965 Volkswagen Type 2 (T1) 21-Window Deluxe Microbus

The Zoute Sale|9 October 2022, 13:00 CEST|Knokke-Heist, Le Zoute

1965 Volkswagen Type 2 (T1) 21-Window Deluxe Microbus
Chassis no. 245121087
Engine no. 0024918

1965 Volkswagen Type 2 (T1) 21-Window Deluxe Microbus
Chassis no. 245121087
Engine no. 0024918

• Collectible early 'Splittie' model
• Delivered new to Italy
• Present ownership since 2014
• Offered from an exclusive private collection in Germany

Footnotes

Please note that the correct engine number is H0024918 and not 0024918 as stated in the catalogue.
As readily recognisable as the immortal 'Beetle' itself and a 'cult' vehicle in its own right, the Volkswagen Type 2 and its derivatives 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 floorpan and running gear. Known as the Volkswagen Type 2 (the Beetle saloon being Type 1) the result of Pon's efforts arrived in 1950 and almost immediately proliferated into a bewildering variety of models catering for an enormous range of commercial and domestic activities. The original retained the Beetle's rear-mounted 1,200cc air-cooled engine and four-speed gearbox, the latter suitably re-ratioed to cope with the van's greater weight. Engines grew in size and power while both handling and comfort improved as development progressed. By 1968, when the first major revision of this outstandingly successful design occurred, almost two million had been sold worldwide.
The replacement, also called 'Type 2', was an entirely new vehicle, larger and roomier than before but still rear-engined. The most obvious difference was the newcomer's single-piece wraparound windscreen, giving this model its 'Bay' sobriquet, whereupon the original, with its two-piece split screen, became know to devotees as the 'Splittie'. Power units grew in size from 1.6 to 2.0 litres before production ceased in 1978 with the introduction of the third generation.
Delivered new to Rome, Italy and first registered on 1st April 1965, this highly desirable 21-window 'Splittie' microbus - one of the rarest and most collectible variants - has the 1.5-litre engine. The chassis number '245121087' identifies this example as a genuine 'Samba', as this variant was popularly, but unofficially, known. According to its Italian Estratto Chronologico, the vehicle was registered to a Mrs Nunzia Sinesi followed by a Mr Elio Carchi. Passing through the hands of another Italian owner, the 'bus was sold to the immediately preceding owner in the Rome area, who commissioned a high quality restoration.
The current vendor purchased the Volkswagen in 2014 for his exclusive private collection in Germany. Since acquisition, this beautifully presented 21-Window Samba has been professionally looked after, as evidenced by various invoices on file. In 2016, in preparation for its registration in Germany, a comprehensive service was undertaken including an overhaul of the braking system; new wheel bearings at the front; and new shock absorbers among other items for a total of €,5380 spent at Hauben auf GmbH in Hamburg (copy invoice on file).
In November 2016 a new canvas roof (including its operating mechanism) was fitted for a total of €3,200 for the parts alone, while in 2020 another comprehensive service was carried out at Sportwagen Service Hamburg Niemann for €3,152. An independent expert's report dated March 2022 rates the overall condition of this vehicle as '2+'. Finished in attractive two-tone red and white, with matching vinyl interior, this charming yet thoroughly practical Type 2 microbus is offered with German historic registration documents, copies of the aforementioned invoices, and the expert's report. One for the discerning collector.

Saleroom notices

Please note that the correct engine number is H0024918 and not 0024918 as stated in the catalogue.

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