• Immaculate restored T1 

• Loads of period accessories

• Almost new engine

• Original 21-window model

Originally created as a tour bus for Alpine sightseers, the Volkswagen Samba was the most luxurious version of the early Microbus and was marketed as an early equivalent of today’s MPVs. 

Based on the Type 2 van, the Samba went into production in 1951 and was offered as either a seven or eight-seater, with additional windows in the roof to improve vision and airiness. 

Originally with 23 windows, later models had 21 following the removal of the rear quarter lights, and in VW parlance they’re referred to as the 23-window and 21-window respectively. 

The Samba had bi-parting barn-style doors as opposed to the van’s sliding door, and could be ordered with a large fabric sunroof. Most were two-tone with a white or grey upper body, while a choice of 1200 or 1500cc engines were on offer. 

Sambas were only offered in the early ‘Split Window’ era of the Type 2 – unofficially (and incorrectly) referred to in some circles as the Type 1 to distinguish it from ‘bay window’ models. The official Volkswagen Type 1 was actually the Beetle.  

This example is extremely rare, being an original 21-window Samba, restored to impeccable condition.

The Samba has had just two previous owners and has clearly been subject to a recent restoration, with huge attention to detail as the photographs testify. 

It also had a new engine fitted just last year, and it has covered only a few hundred kilometres – the bus has been used for just once classic event since the rebuilt power plant was installed. 

The bus is currently in Italy and has all of its Italian registration paperwork. There’s not much else, but it does come with an amazing collection of period accessories acquired by its previous owner, including picnic baskets, luggage, a period Philips radio and some records. 

Finished in VW Siegellackröt, which translates into English as ‘Sealing Wax Red’, the Microbus is in very smart condition. It has clearly been painted and all of the rubber seals have been replaced, but it is in largely original condition otherwise. 

The chrome and trim are in good order and it sits on smart whitewall tyres. Indeed, a great deal of care has gone into its presentation, and it looks fantastic from all angles – a well finished but not overdone restoration, with a lovely paint finish and great attention to making sure the trim is all period correct.

Inside, the condition is as good as the outside, with all of the seats trimmed in smart grey leatherette. The quality of the retrim is superb, with no marks or damage to the seats, while the inner side trims, storage locker and floor covering are excellent. The full-length sliding opening roof operates exactly as it should and is a wonderfully cool feature

Up front, the dash, steering wheel, gear lever and handbrake are painted to match the upper bodywork and are in terrific condition.

At the rear, the bus features a rebuilt 1,500cc air-cooled engine, which has covered just a few hundred kilometres since its install, which was carried out before a classic rally the VW took part in last year. 

It sounds great in the noisy way that air-cooled Volkswagens do – an unmistakable sound that anyone who grew up when Beetles and Buses were still a common sight will instantly recognise. 

The owner reports that it is in great working order, as are the transmission, brakes and steering. 

This is a superb example of a very rare and sought-after derivative of the VW split-screen, restored and presented to an exceptional standard and ready to be used and enjoyed by its next owner.

It’s immaculate inside and out and the period accessories are a lovely way to set it off. Whoever buys it won’t be disappointed – this has to be one of the very best examples of an enduring classic on the market today, and is a truly fantastic thing.