Catherine Tejada
Sale Coordinator
LOT 29 ▲
1959 Volkswagen Type 2 Microbus Deluxe 'Samba' 23-Window Recreation Chassis no. 329207 Engine no. 93811
Estimate: US$30,000 - US$40,000Lot to be sold without reserve
Lot 29▲
1959 Volkswagen Type 2 Microbus Deluxe 'Samba' 23-Window Recreation
1959 Volkswagen Type 2 Microbus Deluxe 'Samba' 23-Window Recreation
Chassis no. 329207
Engine no. 93811
Chassis no. 329207
Engine no. 93811
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 Sealing Wax Red color
*Recently completed a 1,000 mile rally
*On recent display at the Petersen Auto Museum
*Well executed recreation of the desirable 23-window Samba Microbus
THE VOLKSWAGEN TYPE 2 MICROBUS
As readily recognizable as the immortal 'Beetle' and a veritable 'cult' vehicle in its own right, the Volkswagen Type 2 enjoyed an even longer 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 factory ran with the idea and the Volkswagen Type 2 officially arrived in 1950. The versatile design spawned countless variants from car haulers to campers. Nineteen sixty-three marked the last year VW produced the 23 Window Microbus which has always been held in high regard by VW enthusiasts around the world. This the top of the line bus was officially known as the "Sondermodell", meaning "Special Edition" in German but is more commonly known by its sobriquet - the Samba.
THE CAR OFFERED
This 1959 Volkswagen 23-window Deluxe 'Samba' microbus recreation is in beautiful condition and was the recipient of a wonderfully executed restoration. 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 and dry climate of southern California.
The exterior is beautifully finished in its factory 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 the 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 considerable attention and appears just as clean as the rest of the vehicle. Mechanically, this bus is an excellent driver, showing fewer than 1,500 miles on the odometer, believed to be the actual distance covered following its comprehensive restoration. The original (slightly anemic) 1,192cc engine was replaced with a more potent 1,600cc dual port engine for increased power and a vastly improved driving experience without sacrificing the beloved flat-four character. Additionally, the transaxle was upgraded with 3.44:1 gearing ratio for better highway-speed cruising capabilities. Due to this vehicle having been in storage the past few years, a mechanical servicing would be recommended before extended road use.
A truly magnificent representation of a motoring icon, this recreation of the original Volkswagen 23-Window bus is a must have for any serious automotive collector, whether that is with a highly curated Volkswagen collection or an automotive enthusiast wanting to add this hero of automotive culture and engineering to their garage.
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 Sealing Wax Red color
*Recently completed a 1,000 mile rally
*On recent display at the Petersen Auto Museum
*Well executed recreation of the desirable 23-window Samba Microbus
THE VOLKSWAGEN TYPE 2 MICROBUS
As readily recognizable as the immortal 'Beetle' and a veritable 'cult' vehicle in its own right, the Volkswagen Type 2 enjoyed an even longer 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 factory ran with the idea and the Volkswagen Type 2 officially arrived in 1950. The versatile design spawned countless variants from car haulers to campers. Nineteen sixty-three marked the last year VW produced the 23 Window Microbus which has always been held in high regard by VW enthusiasts around the world. This the top of the line bus was officially known as the "Sondermodell", meaning "Special Edition" in German but is more commonly known by its sobriquet - the Samba.
THE CAR OFFERED
This 1959 Volkswagen 23-window Deluxe 'Samba' microbus recreation is in beautiful condition and was the recipient of a wonderfully executed restoration. 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 and dry climate of southern California.
The exterior is beautifully finished in its factory 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 the 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 considerable attention and appears just as clean as the rest of the vehicle. Mechanically, this bus is an excellent driver, showing fewer than 1,500 miles on the odometer, believed to be the actual distance covered following its comprehensive restoration. The original (slightly anemic) 1,192cc engine was replaced with a more potent 1,600cc dual port engine for increased power and a vastly improved driving experience without sacrificing the beloved flat-four character. Additionally, the transaxle was upgraded with 3.44:1 gearing ratio for better highway-speed cruising capabilities. Due to this vehicle having been in storage the past few years, a mechanical servicing would be recommended before extended road use.
A truly magnificent representation of a motoring icon, this recreation of the original Volkswagen 23-Window bus is a must have for any serious automotive collector, whether that is with a highly curated Volkswagen collection or an automotive enthusiast wanting to add this hero of automotive culture and engineering to their garage.
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