Descrizione
A 1961 Volkswagen Type 2 T1 Split Screen Deluxe ‘Samba’ 15 Window Bus, Made in Germany, RHD, in astonishing condition.
An extremely rare 15 window Deluxe Samba Bus with factory Option M130: (“Delete Sunroof and Roof Windows”) built at the Hanover plant in 1961, this was an export only model, not available in Europe or the UK and is documented as being rarer than a 23 window Samba, as fewer Microbus Deluxe Samba models were produced with an intact solid roof and 15 windows. Most “15s” were exported to USA or Canada, whilst Europe, the UK and other markets received the 21, 13 or 11 window variants, none of which feature the iconic and desirable curved rear corner windows.
(See * paragraph below for further production details)
Originally exported new in April 1961 from Germany to Los Angeles, USA - as a luxury family “station wagon” alternative - this Bus has also resided in the dry, sunny climates of Long Beach, California (circa 1985) and Albuquerque, New Mexico (circa 1995).
Imported into the UK in 2004 as a tidy, running, rust free example, the Bus underwent an extensive bare metal restoration and preparation, a full repaint in Beige Grey (L472) over Sealing Wax Red (L53) and a full authentic interior re-trim. The tasteful, sympathetic and painstaking “no expense spared” professional restoration and engine replacement was carried out from 2005 to 2010 whilst in previous ownership, with a comprehensive list of original features and improvements:
1641cc Dual Port engine with Twin Carburettors;
12V Electronic Ignition with ‘FlameThrower’ high output Coil;
New Fuel hoses;
VDO Fuel ‘Tank’ gauge;
Stainless Steel Empi 4-into-1 exhaust system with ‘Phat Boy’ stainless steel silencer;
Reduction gear boxes removed (for higher overall gearing);
IRS (Independent Rear Suspension);
CSP Front Disc Brake Kit, with 5x205 stud pattern and zero offset;
CNC machined aluminium hubs, stainless steel dust covers, 48mm floating calipers;
New brake hoses;
Dual circuit brake master cylinder;
RHD (Right Hand Drive) steering and dash conversion;
Power Steering (Electric);
Porsche 356 Replica Polished Chrome 15” wheel rims, including spare wheel & tyre;
Stainless Steel VW dome hubcaps;
175/ 65R15 Goodyear GT3 tyres (5mm+ tread all round; spare tyre unused);
6 x ‘Pop-Out’ opening windows;
Replica Retro Radio fitted in dash (aesthetic only, not wired-up);
‘Bullet’ style front indicators;
Round style small red USA combined tail-lights/ indicators (UK road legal on pre-Sept 1964 vehicles) with chrome trims;
Chrome ‘Icepick’ cab door handles;
Chrome ‘T-bar’ engine lid & rear hatch handles;
Twin round chrome front door mirrors;
Original style ‘Church’ key for locking Fuel flap (stored lower right in cab - see photo);
Original US spec bumpers, with over-riders and nudge bars;
Original Deluxe aluminium belt-line trim;
New window rubbers and door shut rubber seals throughout, including rear hatch and engine lid rubbers;
New rubber gaiters on base of gearstick and handbrake;
New Seat Belts all round;
Original aluminium luggage rails around rear corner windows and luggage area;
Standard ride height suspension;
Standard front beam and steering geometry;
Alarm, Immobiliser and Tracker fitted;
Brand new battery (with 3 year warranty) and spark plugs fitted recently;
Brand new Spare parts:
Full set of AAC polished stainless steel Deluxe engine Air Vent Trims (boxed);
WolfsburgWest chrome Cargo Door Handle, lockable, with 2 keys (boxed)
Pair of replacement original style Wiper Blades with adjustable metal mounts;
Pane of genuine VW Sekurit Window Glass (to repair/ replace any of the 8 rear cabin windows)
The interior has been fully re-trimmed in the correct cream & light grey colour scheme and materials, featuring the original cream factory perforated and padded headlining. Black hard-wearing floor carpets throughout. 3 rows of textured cream vinyl seats, with new lap belts for all rear seat passengers, inertia reel seat belts for driver and front passenger, with folding seat in the centre row beside the twin offside cargo doors, to enable access to the rear seat row. The Bus seats 9 persons including driver, with plenty of boot space above the rear engine for luggage. The desirable curved rear corner windows offer a 360 degree panoramic view from inside. With the rear seats removed, the tastefully trimmed, light and airy interior would provide the perfect blank canvas for a bespoke camper conversion.
* All German made Deluxe “Samba” buses were manufactured with 23 windows as standard, unless Option M130 was specified when the order was placed. Fewer “15s” were produced than “23s” and, over the years, many original 15 window buses have subsequently been converted into 23 window lookalikes (by owners cutting holes in the roof and adding aftermarket roof light windows/ sunroof) which is why original intact 15 window buses are now so rare, especially early era pre-‘63 German made Deluxe 15 window buses like this one. The vast majority of 15 window buses available today were built much later, mostly in the ‘70s, and manufactured in Brazil. The Brazilian made 15 window buses were not called a “Deluxe”. (Information from The Samba dot com)
This gorgeous 61-year-old “time capsule” classic Split Screen Bus is steeped in history, yet it runs and drives impeccably and is in superb all-round condition, with no known mechanical faults or structural defects. It is one of the nicest early examples I’ve seen (apart from pristine ‘concourse’ show winners) and my air-cooled VW specialist mechanic (for over 30 years of various VW Bus ownership) fully inspected and appraised this Bus on his lift ramp and assured me that the restoration and mechanical work which has been carried out is “all of excellent quality and there are no hidden horrors”.
The bodywork and the undersealed chassis are straight, solid and rot free. The Bus received its full professional repaint in 2010 and the paintwork remains deep, lustrous and shiny, with no other areas of paint applied since. There are no signs of accident damage or evidence of previous accident repairs to the body. All mechanicals are in perfect working order. The remanufactured 1641cc dual port, twin carb engine has good compression, performs well and there is no visible exhaust smoke or engine oil consumption. There are 2 sets of keys. Mileage is “NaN” currently showing 29500 miles. This Bus cruises comfortably at 55-60mph. Right Hand Drive affords safe visibility and electric Power Steering makes it a joy to drive and a delight to park.
A stunning, practical, reliable, adorable and useable vintage VW Bus for fun sunny day trips with family and friends, its iconic, endearing appearance always turns heads and raises fond smiles from onlookers and friendly waves from other classic VW owners wherever it goes. This Bus can be enjoyed “turn key” with no remedial work required or further expense anticipated for the foreseeable future. A genuine opportunity to acquire and own one of the most sorted and sought after of early Split Screen Deluxe buses.
VIN/ Chassis No. 747*** (full number withheld) Manufactured at the Volkswagen Hanover plant, Germany, April 1961.
Registered as an “Historic Vehicle” on V5.
Road Tax exempt.
MOT exempt.
ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) exempt.
Split Screen Van Club member.
V5 is registered in my name and at my home address. I am not a Trader.
FAQs:
~ There is no Deluxe clock in the dash because the whole dash was replaced with a UK donor when the Bus was professionally converted to Right Hand Drive.
~ Some of the original factory Deluxe trim is no longer present, such as lower body trims and bumper trims. These items may not have been present prior to the restoration and repaint, carried out over 10 years ago whilst the Bus was in previous ownership.
~ I have a box file with some history, invoices and MOT certificates. The previous owner explained that a lot of his email communications with various specialist companies were lost when he changed jobs and his employer deleted his email account before he could retrieve all the documentation.
~ I also have a few boxed quality spares, which are listed above.
~ A high quality 3-layer soft lined breathable full size custom fit Bus rain cover is included in the sale.
Private sale. Located in Surrey (near M25 & A3).
Viewing by arrangement. Any inspection welcome.
Additional photos available, including underside of the Bus whilst elevated on an inspection ramp.
Please message to request detailed photos of any specific area, to ask any questions, or to arrange a viewing.
Thanks.
£42, 000
(price negotiable - all sensible offers considered.)
