1966 Volkswagen Type-2 Samba 21 Window Bus

1966 Volkswagen Type-2 Samba 21 Window Bus
Chassis no. 256015181
1,584cc ohv, Air-Cooled Single Port Flat-4-Cylinder Engine
Single Solex PICT I Carburetor
39bhp at 3,000rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
Front Disc, Rear Drum Hydraulic Brakes
Torsion Bar Independent Front and Rear Suspension

*Rotisserie restored, Genuine 21-window 'Samba'
*Attractive Turquoise and Pearl White exterior
*Just 3 owners from new
*Volkswagen Automotive show vehicle

THE TYPE 2

One of the 20th century's great automobile manufacturers, the Volkswagen transcended its origins as the German 'people's car,' going on to become an all-time best-seller and cult classic. Originally conceived by Dr. Ferdinand Porsche, the Volkswagen inspired great loyalty and enthusiasm based on its practicality, reliability, adaptability and affordability.

As readily recognisable as the immortal 'Beetle' itself and a 'cult' vehicle in its own right, the Volkswagen Type 2 and its derivatives 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. Known as the Volkswagen Type 2 (the Beetle saloon being Type 1) the result of Pon's efforts arrived in 1950 and almost immediately proliferated into a bewildering variety of models catering for an enormous range of commercial and domestic activities. The original retained the Beetle's rear-mounted 1,200cc air-cooled engine and four-speed gearbox, the latter suitably re-ratioed to cope with the van's greater weight. Engines grew in size and power while both handling and comfort improved as development progressed. By 1968, when the first major revision of this outstandingly successful design occurred, almost two million had been sold worldwide. The replacement, also called 'Type 2', was an entirely new vehicle, larger and roomier than before but still rear-engined. The most obvious difference was the newcomer's single-piece wraparound windscreen, giving this model its 'Bay' sobriquet, whereupon the original, with its two-piece split screen, became know to devotees as the 'Splittie'. Power units grew in size from 1,600cc to 2.0 litres before production ceased in 1978 with the introduction of the third generation.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

The Type-2 presented here is a true 'Samba' 21-window model that left the factory as an 8 skylight, 4 pop out window, 8 passenger van. Originally built in Germany and delivered to a dealership in Chicago, the bus immediately left for the West Coast upon purchase. Later, a second California resident would take control of the vehicle and after some time the current owner and cosigner bought the Volkswagen. This gentleman had decided to conduct a full rotisserie restoration on the vehicle that would begin in 2012 and concluded in the fall of 2017. Nearly all of the components of the car were either refurbished or replaced with factory new parts, including the deluxe Volkswagen clock. Additionally, a single port 1.6-liter crate motor was swapped in to replace the original unit.

The bus was finished in Turquoise with Pearl White contrasts and inside the interior is dressed in Phosphor and Como Green. Adding further credibility to the quality of this restoration, Volkswagen themselves were so impressed with the vehicle that they took the car to display at SEMA and other automotive expos.

A truly fantastic representation of 1960's icon, this Volkswagen 21 Window bus is a must have for any serious automotive collector.