Highlights

Huge restoration by microbus specialists covering every area of vehicle
Very rare early RHD 21-window Microbus
Restored to original Sealing Wax and Beige Grey colour scheme
Bespoke high end interior suitable for camping or wedding hire use
1776cc engine, twin 44s and Pro Street Rancho gearbox
Superb and highly detailed example of these charismatic vans

The Appeal

The 21-window microbus replaced the earlier 23-window version when VW introduced a raft of changes in August 1963. This September ‘63-built RHD example is one of the earliest built and spent the first part of its life as a shuttle bus at a Swedish airport.

It arrived in the UK in 1999 and with the current enthusiast keeper in 2012. What began then as a light recommissioning turned into a deep restoration by well-regarded specialists to deliver the remarkable van you see today, Refinished in the correct factory colour scheme of Sealing Wax Red with Beige Grey, it is a fantastic example that neatly straddles the line between originality and custom features.

Inside there is a high end bespoke interior that was specially designed to suit use as a camper or as a wedding hire vehicle. On the oily side of things the restoration fitted a new a VW Heritage 1,776cc, twin 44 carburettors and a Pro Street Rancho gearbox. A Vintage Speed exhaust keepers the soundtrack entertaining. The full list of improvements and upgrades is detailed below.

The bus has covered few miles since the work was completed and remains in really good condition. Here is a chance to acquire one of the most interesting conversions we’ve seen in a while, and one that features some useful and desirable upgrades. It has obvious potential as a family camper or for commercial wedding or general hire.

History and Paperwork

Factory built on September 14, 1963 according to seller
21-window version launched in August 1963 so this is a very early version
Right-hand drive model with rare optional adjustable driver’s seat available only in 1962 and 1963
Originally finished in Sealing Wax Red with Beige Grey
Factory fitted with 1500cc engine option when new
Originally exported to Sweden where it served as an airport shuttle bus
Imported to UK in 1999 and first registered 12th July 1999
Three previous UK keepers
Current keeper since September 2012
Sold as ongoing project in 2002
Then underwent extensive bodywork and repaint in original colours over 10 years
Current owner purchased it in 2012 from Samba.com
Huge restoration project began in 2012 detailed below
Previously blue and white which was changed in 2011
Last voluntary MOT ran to September 2023 with no advisories

Structural restoration work from 2012:

New rear cargo door (sourced in the USA)
Inner and outer front lower valence
Front arches
Inner and outer sills on both sides
Near side rear corner
Floor sections
Outriggers
Jacking points
Two main chassis rails custom made from sheet meta
Repairs to the roof window surrounds and guttering

The vendor says:

“Until 1963 Deluxe Microbuses featured corner windows and are often referred to as 23 window buses (the roof lights are counted in) but with the introduction of the wider tailgate in August 1963 the corner windows could no longer fit, and these buses have become known as 21 window versions. The other distinctive change was replacing the bullet style front indicators for the fish eye flatter versions. The Deluxe featured here rolled off the production line on 14th September 1963, so would have been amongst the first of this new style. Finished in the classic combination of Sealing Wax Red under Beige Grey it also had the newly available for 1963 option of a 1500 engine (standard from 1965) and an adjustable position driver’s seat (M216) , a 1962/3 option only, and was also a RHD model. It was exported to Sweden where it was apparently used as an airport shuttle bus before coming to the UK in 1999.

“It was sold on again in 2002 as a going project and over the next 10 years had extensive body work and a repaint in the original colours. Like many old buses the body had rotted out, necessitating a rear cargo door (sourced in the USA), inner and outer front lower valence, front arches, inner and outer sills on both sides, near side rear corner, floor sections, outriggers, jacking points and the two main chassis rails, which were custom made from sheet metal. The list of usual suspects also included repairs to the roof window surrounds and guttering.”

The Condition

Finished in classic Sealing Wax Red under Beige Grey colour combination
Extensive bodywork repairs in 2012 detailed above by microbus specialists
Paintwork and bodywork remain in very good order as shown
Vendor reports a paint chip on petrol flap
Features the newer fish eye flatter front indicators
Polished Radar wheels with chrome finish
Creative Engineering front and rear opening safari windows
Bespoke interior with U-shaped seating arrangement
Interior finished in cream with red piping and matching curtains and fittings
Adjustable position driver's seat (M216) - a 1962/3 option only
Original dash clock
No structural advisories on last MOT test in 2022
Original classic radio with one knob missing as shown

Interior specification:

Fitted with front and rear seatbelts in red
Light oak base units
Leather upholstery and trim panels matching exterior colours
Diamond stitch insert sections on trim panels
Soft suede headliner and upper body sections
Built-in champagne bucket in rear deck cushioning
Chrome cab door pulls
Curtains and scatter cushions in red and grey colour scheme
White faux fur throws
Rock and roll bed
Propex heater
Under seat lighting
240v hook up
Leisure battery setup
Integrated DVD/Sat nav/stereo system with Bluetooth and iPod connectivity

The vendor says:

“A straight axle conversion has replaced the old reduction box system to give better cruising speed and fuel consumption as well as a custom stance and to cope with the increase in power a dual circuit disc brake conversion was carried out. The custom stance look was finished off with a set of polished Radars and the final touches come from Creative Engineering front and rear opening safari windows.

“Meanwhile, Duncan at Vanmotion had been building the interior furniture ready for fitting. (The interior was already complete & fitted when Matt received it). The interior had been designed through discussions about how the bus was to be used. Though it would be need to be able to be used as a camper (so a rock and roll bed was essential as was a Propex heater and under seat lighting), Russ was also about to set up a wedding hire business so wanted something classy and distinctive. Seating has been arranged on three sides in a U shape – perfect for both lounging on a campsite or transporting a bridal party, with the base finished in light oak for a light and airy feel. All the upholstery and trim panels have been finished in leather for that luxury upmarket look, and colour matched closely to the exterior red and beige grey. Red piping on the seats adds contrast and colour, whilst the trim panels feature diamond stitch insert sections. The new headliner and upper body sections are trimmed in soft suede which adds to the luxurious feeling that characterises the whole interior. A very neat touch comes from the champagne bucket and glasses, inset in the cushioning over the rear deck. Finishing detail can be seen in the chrome cab door pulls and the curtains, scatter cushions from VW Camper Curtains which echo the red and grey colour palette, and the white faux fur throws.

“As well as 240v hook up and leisure battery set up, ICE is provided by an integral DVD / Sat nav / stereo system, with Bluetooth and iPod.”

The Mechanics

VW Heritage new 1776cc engine with twin 44s fitted in 2012
Few miles covered since fitment as confirmed by MOT records
Pro Street Rancho gearbox
New tinware and fan shroud
Vintage Speed exhaust system
Fireblitz engine bay fire suppression system
Reworked 2" narrowed front beam
New front leaves and drop spindles
Replaced frame horns
Corrected link pins on steering arms
Straight axle conversion
Dual circuit disc brake conversion
Lowered suspension as shown

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