Description
Some vehicles are restored. Others are reborn.
This 1961 Volkswagen 23-Window Samba Deluxe is more than just a classic—it’s a showpiece of automotive devotion, a rolling testament to craftsmanship, heritage, and time. Originally hailing from the dry climate of California, this Samba spent its early years transporting passengers to and from airports. In 2013, it was purchased with the intent to bring it back not just to life, but to the pinnacle of what a Type 2 can be. Four years and a meticulous nut-and-bolt restoration later, it emerged as one of the finest examples anywhere in the world.
Each decision during its restoration was led by deep research and obsessive attention to originality. Original VW parts were sourced, components were stripped, rebuilt, restored, and returned exactly as they would have been in 1961.
The result is staggering: a concours-level, collector-grade Samba that wears its history proudly and precisely. From the signature 23 windows—each pane etched with factory Sigla logos—to the authentic L53 Ceiling Wax Red and L472 Beige Grey paintwork, this bus is as close to the original production line finish as you’ll ever find. Even the bumpers and wheels are painted in the correct L82 Silver White, with a mirror finish that reflects the care that went into every detail.
Inside, it’s a masterclass in preservation. The original 13-piece door card set was carefully peeled from the donor bus, re-mounted to new hardboard, and reinstalled exactly as it was six decades ago. The seats retain the proper material and under-colour for the year. The iconic headliner has been refitted using the correct texture and tone, and details like the grab bars, visors, coat hooks, and even the under-dash parcel shelf have all been finished to original spec.
The running gear was rebuilt bolt by bolt and kept as a 6-volt system, just as it left the factory—proving you don’t need to modernise to achieve perfect performance. Since the restoration was completed in late 2017, it’s only ever been driven in and out of a garage. The mechanicals are crisp, fresh, and essentially delivery mileage.
Even the underside tells a story of care: the chassis and suspension are spotless, sealed, and finished to an impeccable standard. Look closely, and you'll spot original touches everywhere—the correctly numbered headlight and tail light lenses, original indicator housings, and a perfectly polished deluxe chrome beltline trim. The original VW badge shines on the nose like a jewel. This is not a replica or a tribute—it is the real thing.
This Samba isn’t just a bus. It’s a legacy. A museum-quality restoration, ready for the road, the concours lawn, or the most discerning private collection.
We’re based in North Devon, just a stone’s throw from the coast—ideal for a scenic getaway if you’d like to see the vehicle in person. We also offer:
A detailed walkaround video
Nationwide delivery
International container shipping is available on request
You don’t come across buses like this often. And when you do, they don’t hang around. Yours to cherish for £90, 000
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• Original Californian import, factory 23-window Samba Deluxe
• Nut-and-bolt restoration, completed in 2017
• Bolt-by-bolt rebuilt engine, retained as a 6-volt system and runs perfectly
• Finished in L53 Ceiling Wax Red and L472 Beige Grey with L82 Silver White bumpers and wheels
• Factory-correct 13-piece door card set, carefully restored from the original vehicle
• Original seats with proper year-correct materials and hidden colourway
• Correct headliner, grab bars, kickboards, and parcel shelf—all restored
• All fixtures and fasteners either original or VW NOS, not reproduction
• Original headlight and taillight lenses, all stamped with correct part numbers
• Sigla-logo factory glass throughout
• Rechromed coat hooks, visors, indicator housings, and deluxe beltline trim
• Chassis and suspension restored to pristine condition
• Barely driven since restoration—kept inside, engine only used to move vehicle short distances
