There aren’t many vehicles out there with the iconic status of the Volkswagen T2 camper. For decades, the iconic little wagon found itself engrained on the big and small screen, roaming the sunny coasts of the United States, footloose and fancy-free. They represent a more leisurely time, and - for that reason - continue to be clamoured for, even to this day.
What’s a less familiar sight, however, is the Samba bus - a 21-windowed, airily-lit home away from home that promised all kinds of opportunities for those seeking an escape from milieu of modern life. These are - for many - the ultimate expression of free-spirited living.
This example - first delivered to Denver, Colorado, in 1966. Following this no-doubt adventurous first ownership, it ended up in LA, and finally to its current custodians across the pond in 2008. It’s been in the UK ever since, in a wonderful, funky form by Tim Case - loaded with rare stainless steel accents and an eyecatching colour scheme.
Exceptional cream interior, fully restored and refitted
Exceptionally light and airy, thanks to the skylight windows
Impressive sheepskin-style carpets
Built-in beer fridge
Webasto parking heater
Hidden Rotary immobiliser
This is an interior to get lost into. Carefully updated and custom-fitted, this airy bus feels like a luxurious home-from-home through and through.
Starting from the driver’s seat, we can spot a beautifully protected dash with backlit dials, a beautifully retro Blaupunkt radio and a billiard-ball-adorned handbrake. A wood-trimmed Moto Lita steering wheel sits comfortably at home, and the van's proudly carrying a Gene Berg locking shifter. It’s all lit with interior LED lighting, and we note that the vehicle has extra controls for its numerous little extras - from lighting, to the passenger stereo, to the minifridge. Even better - it’s all in superb fettle, with no cracks to the dials, minimum patina, and a beguiling level of character.
The seats are charming white and gold quilted numbers, and look in excellent order, with no rips or tears to speak of, and are fitted with Genuine S042 flip seat arms, which have been rechromed. VW-fabric-coated adornments are on show to the inside door cards - which are fabulously presented.
Moving through to the sheepskin carpeted cabin, we’re presented immediately with plenty of sunlight, plenty of purple LED lighting, some surprising levels of interior storage, and the no-doubt-appreciated addition of a minifridge. The bus also features a ¾-size rock ‘n’ roller bed that looks to be in excellent fettle.
It all really comes alive in the dark, becoming a beguiling - dare we say - sensual space that’s simply begging for that Golde roof opened up, drinks cracked open, and passengers bathed in the moonlight.
Put simply, this camper completely defies expectation, and sets up a fearlessly avant-garde, fearlessly unique atmosphere that demands attention. IMG_2919.jpg2.87 MB
The Exterior
Impressive two-tone livery in purple and white with plenty of brightwork
Paintwork still in great condition with only light signs of use
Rare stainless steel accents, including highly desirable stainless steel door tops
15” BRM alloys
Lowered suspension
Glamorous and just plain funky, this head-turning Samba boasts plenty of accents that are guaranteed to catch attention. The restoration and paintwork is now some twenty-two years old, so a little bit of patina has bedded in, though for our money has done nothing to detract from the car’s fabulous overall character.
We can spot a few light chips and scratches, and there is a small ding on the driver’s side rear corner - though this hasn’t damaged the paint and should be a very easy job to rectify. The van is wearing plenty of stainless steel adornments and appliques, some of which are incredibly rare. Of particular note are the door tops, a lesser seen and highly desirable accent, while the bumpers, 'elephant ear' mirrors and even the windscreen wipers look polished up to a superb standard.
The glasswork - of which there’s plenty - is in excellent order throughout, with no chips, cracks or fractures we can spot, and the light lenses all look in good order, too, wonderfully wrapped in stainless steel rims. The entire array is sat very nicely on a lowered suspension, with flipped front spindles and a straight axle-rear conversion.
The van is still wearing its stylish Golde sliding sunroof, which is in excellent order and doesn’t show any signs of water ingress. We note the stylish set of BRM alloy wheels, which are shod in a full set of Federal Formoza tyres. From what we’ve been informed, the underside has been rust-proofed. IMG_2702.jpg3.54 MB
The Mechanics
Rebuilt by legendary engineer, Tim Case
Originally fitted with a 1.5L B4 Petrol engine
Engine now operating to a 1915cc displacement following upgrade and rebuild
Fitted with a Freeway Flyer gearbox
Reportedly, this means a comfortable 70mph can be achieved - a rarity for any T2!
Stainless steel exhaust
Disc brakes to the front
Larger drum brakes from the Type 3 to the rear
Lowered suspension with flipped front spindles and straight-axle rear conversion
Restoration is fully supported with invoices
Leisure battery system
Tim Case is the man to know when it comes to the rebuilding and customising of a VW Camper - and what a job he’s done here. With better-than-ever performance at 1915cc, and a Freeway Flyer gearbox, the van is providing more power and speed than any off-the-shelf camper ever did, and, thanks to the extensive Dynamat soundproofing, is far quieter in the cabin, too.
Lowered into a more rebellious, snaking stance, and boasting plenty of rust-proofing, this camper has been meaningfully upgraded and modified to provide just about the best possible spec a Samba could have.
We’ve no reports of any leaks, knocks, bangs or smoke, and to our eyes, everything in that engine bay looks spick and span. We’re certain it’ll become a much-loved companion for even the most jaded enthusiast - and may even surprise with what it’s capable of.
Simply spectacular. This impressive Samba provides a much-needed escape from the big, wide world, and is just about perfect for roaming it in style. With its thoughtful upgrades, evocative styling and care-free attitude, this 21-window bus is like no other example on the market, and is sure to impress.
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