THE VOLKSWAGEN TYPE 2 MICROBUS

As readily recognizable as the immortal 'Beetle' itself and a 'cult' vehicle in its own right, the Volkswagen Type 2 enjoyed an even longer period in production than their saloon progenitor. The original was conceived in the late 1940s by a Dutch Volkswagen agent, Ben Pon, who drew up plans for a van based on the Beetle floor pan and running gear. The Volkswagen Type 2 arrived in 1950. 1963 was the last year VW produced the 23 Window Microbus and has always been held in high regard among VW enthusiasts around the world as the top of the line model known as the "Sondermodell", meaning "Special Edition" in German and more commonly known as the Samba!

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This 1963 Volkswagen 23 window deluxe microbus is one of the best restored examples to ever be publicly offered.This bus was purchased new from the Pfister Volkswagen dealership in Wuerzberg, Germany on September 19th, 1962, just two days after it left the factory. Sold to American serviceman Sgt. Dwaine Roberts for 8,867 Deutsche Marks, the original invoice seen in the vehicle's history folder outlines the terms of sale, listing the bus in Sondermodell specification.

Sergeant Roberts would enjoy the bus in Germany before transporting it to Texas with him upon his return stateside. After 7 years of ownership the bus was sold to a fellow solider, Thomas Smith, who purchased it from Sgt. Roberts in 1969. A Bill of Sale shows the conditions between Sgt. Roberts and Mr. Smith, trading the bus for $650 US dollars on May 5th, 1969 in Fort Hood, Texas.

It's unclear exactly when Mr. Smith sold the bus but a photo album in the vehicle's dossier shows the condition of the bus as it sat in 1988. The bus passed through the hands of several owners in the 1990s and 2000s until it was purchased by the current owner in 2012. Having access to thorough documentation of the bus's history, the current seller began a nearly four-year restoration to resurrect the bus back to its original state.

Today, this stunning example reflects the efforts of a complete rotisserie restoration, referencing the original invoice, historic photos, and the Volkswagen Birth Certificate to direct the project.

Presented as it was delivered new in 1962, it is beautifully painted in a two-tone combination of Sealing Wax Red and Beige Gray over Silver White and Basalt Gray interior. Years were spent sourcing NOS parts throughout the bus in addition to the numerous components that were original to the body and interior. From the Sigla glass to the last KMAX bolt, no detail was overlooked while returning this bus to its factory delivered specification.

A highlighted list of original-to-this-bus or NOS parts sourced include an original AM radio, headlights, seat kick panels, deluxe trim, speedometer, NOS indicators/blinkers, windshield wipers, fuel gauge and clock, coat hooks, cargo assist strap, middle seat grab bars, engine vent trim, tail lights, and vent window latches.

As is the story with almost every early Volkswagen bus, the original engine had been replaced at some point in its history. In an attempt to further the authenticity of this Volkswagen, the current owner sourced an engine that was manufactured the same month as the original motor. After a tear down and complete rebuild, the 40 HP, 1.2L engine was finally mated to the bus in 2018.

Optimizing the meaning of Concours level restoration, this "Samba" is complete with a comprehensive history file of original sales documents, The VW Museum birth certificate, 1988 photo album, fully documented restoration, and all of the trophies won at Concours events since the completion of its restoration.

A truly magnificent representation of an automotive icon, this Volkswagen 23 Window bus is a must have for any serious automotive collector, whether highly curated Volkswagen collection or an automotive enthusiast wanting to own a significant relic of automotive culture and engineering.