Descrizione
Welcome to the sale of my rare and unique vehicle.
The 1959 VW Samba 23 window camper van is very sought after and original right hand drive UK models are extremely rare.
This samba van was originally constructed on 08/ 06/ 1959 and left the factory for England the next day. It was laid up to rest in 1979 and was restored, including a complete stripping, welding and rebuild in 1992 to 1997 by Matt Keene, who owns a VW restoration business in Cornwall, - details above. The sunroof deluxe model is the most desirable model and this is the rare, original, semaphore, UK, right hand drive model.
It was purchased by the world renowned chef, Jamie Oliver in 2000. He had various upgrades made to the vehicle to include a £8, 500 complete premium sound and entertainment system, encompassing Alpine control system, 2 TV monitors that drop down from the roof, Sony Playstation 2, DVD Player, custom amps, CD changer, sat nav, etc. The interior was also trimmed by leading VW coach trimmer Bernard Newbury. He also settled on a tuned Porsche 914 2. 4 litre, flat 4 boxer engine, Porsche air cooling fan system and a Porsche 4 speed gearbox. The suspension was also upgraded, being lowered and stiffened, along with the brakes, adding servo assistance, front disc brakes, upgraded rear drum assemblies and Porsche Fuch alloy wheels.
Jamie used this very vehicle in his TV series "Jamie's Great Italian Escape" where he drove it around Italy in every episode. He cooked, slept, travelled and lived in the camper van. The rear seats fold down to form a "rock and roll" bed. It has been driven on the Top Gear track by The Stig, where Jamie attempted to prepare food in the back in a famous episode of Top Gear.
I purchased the vehicle from Jamie in May 2007 and it has not been used since then. The total mileage is only around 46, 600 miles. It is stored in a dry and secure unit.
The dashboard is signed by Jamie and the camper has all the important paperwork. It includes the VW factory certification confirming that it is an original UK right hand drive vehicle and dates of manufacture and export to the UK. The logbook is with the vehicle confirming that Jamie Oliver was the previous owner.
The camper has modern security features to include a Toad alarm and immobiliser and a Tracker system.
This is one of the most famous and well known vehicles in the world and is a unique opportunity to purchase this vehicle.
Prices of "ordinary" 23 window sambas are rising very strongly and steadily on a year on year basis and some have sold for £150, 000.
A 1963 left hand drive 23 window samba van sold for $217, 800 at the Barrett-Jackson Orange County auction in 2011.
I am happy to assist with any genuine enquiries. Buyer to arrange collection. I will assist with the help of exportation of the vehicle.
The samba van is currently undergoing a full service and recommissioning to remove blemishes which were with the vehicle when I purchased it. This is to bring it up to excellent condition. Thank you.
