West Coast Classics are proud to present a rare and very well preserved with only some 300 miles since being completed fully frame up restored example of this 1963 Volkswagen 23 Window Deluxe Samba Microbus with skylight windows and cloth sunroof!
The Type 2 was sold in many combinations. As a panel van without windows, a double-door panel with cargo doors on both sides, with a raised roof, with removable rear seats, as a flatbed pickup, crew cab pickup, Westfalia converted camper van (the ones with the pop-up roof and a stove), and the Samba. Also knows as the Sunroof Deluxe, this was the luxury model. It had more windows, designed to improve sightseeing for passengers in the back. It also had a massive fabric sunroof that opened up nearly the entire roof.
When it comes to the Type 2, the number of windows is a huge part of it's attraction and status. Like having a numbers matching big block in a muscle car, more is better. The basic Kombi was an 11-window. The Deluxe got 15 panels. But the Samba ruled the roost. 23 windows with a split windshield and eight skylight panels in the roof. In 1964, the rear door was widened and two rear panes went away with bus reduced to 21 windows. So the rarest and most desirable for collectors bus was, and will always be, the 23-window Samba, built only from 1951 to 1963.
This particular bus is a highly desirable recent restoration with only some 300 miles since being finished in 'Mouse Gray over White' of a collectible Type 24 Bus (Deluxe 9 passenger Microbus). Most Deluxe Microbuses were ordered as Samba models (a $160 option) that included a sliding canvas sunroof flanked by 4 skylight windows on each side of the roof (that's a 23 window bus through model 1963 and a 21 window bus starting in model year 1964). The deluxe Microbus was Volkswagens top-of-the-line transporter.
This is a superbly completed and very striking example of the iconic Type 24 Bus (Deluxe 9 passenger Microbus) which were originally marketed for touring the Alps with small skylight windows embedded into the roof for added viewing capabilities and were manufactured with the highest trim level available which included trim strips along the beltline and a dash clock! Most Deluxe Microbuses were ordered as Samba models (a $160 option) that included a sliding canvas 'Golde' sunroof flanked by the 4 skylight windows on each side of the roof.
The body on this particular example is razor straight and all the door and panel fits are as original and as they should be and the bus is fitted with highly desirable 'original German' Safari front and rear windows & side pop-out windows. The bus was finished in a very professional and a gorgeous two-tone color combination of 'Mouse Gray over White' paint and the bus has an absolutely beautiful all new 'Gray & Black' carpeted interior and a carpeted rear deck!
The engine was completely rebuilt with an updated 1600 single carb engine and 4 speed manual transmission with a mild 3" drop for a striking stance and some of the recently replaced parts include new front disc brakes, tie rods & king pins, new clutch & pressure plate, new axles, new tires, shocks, custom JVC stereo & speakers, all new window seals & rubbers & new fuel tank!
This bus must be driven to be fully appreciated - fully restored both cosmetically & mechanically, the engine is extremely strong and responsive with excellent oil pressure and no oil leaks and which sounds absolutely magnificent, the original factory 4 speed transmission shifts smoothly through all the gears, the van brakes great and the engine temperature always remains cool.
We at West Coast Classics have over the years sold many virtually identical examples of these original M code 21 & 23 window model buses and it is now patently obvious that these are the Volkswagen's that collectors and enthusiasts around the world are seeking with increasing fervor and you will certainly look long and hard to find a finer fully restored and always rust free original example of this iconic 23 Window Samba Bus available anywhere else!
