
Gregor Wenner
Specialist Consultant
LOT 132
1965 Volkswagen T1 Samba De Luxe 21-Window Microbus Chassis no. 246 055 813 Engine no. H0283980
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 floor pan 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 1,600cc to 2.0 litres before production ceased in 1978 with the introduction of the third generation.
This highly desirable 'T1' (split screen) Samba 21-window microbus was delivered new to St Louis, USA in November 1965. The accompanying Certificate from the Stiftung AutoMuseum Volkswagen reveals that the Samba left the factory fitted with the 1.5-litre 44 PS engine, while the original colour scheme is recorded as Sea Blue with Cumulus White roof and Aero Papyrus White upholstery. Mounting points for safety belts; white wall tyres; and six hinged side windows are listed as factory-fitted options. US-market equipment comprised the following:
Twin reversing lights
MPH speedometer
Sealed-beam headlights
Hazard warning lights
Laminated windscreen
Ram protection
Dual-circuit brake system
Mounting points for safety belts in driver's and passenger's compartment
After its time in the US, this example was exported to the Netherlands and just after the start of the process of the restoration the Dutch owner decided to sell the car to the current Belgian owner who had the car professionally restored between 2018 and 2022.
This Samba 21-window comes with an old US Title and EU-taxes paid document, also included in the sale is a number of spare parts.
This stylish yet highly practical vehicle is presented in commensurately excellent condition after its professional restoration. There can be no better way in which to enjoy this summer's historic motoring and motor sports events.














































































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