**THIS VEHICLE IS SELLING AT THE UPCOMING NEW ENGLAND AUTO AUCTION BEING HELD IN OWLS HEAD, ME AUGUST 18-21, 2021. IT’S SELLING ON SATURDAY AUGUST 21STAND THE LOT NUMBER IS #085. IF YOU’RE INTERESTED IN PURCHASING THIS VEHICLE PLEASE REGISTER DIRECTLY WITH THE NEW ENGLAND AUTO AUCTION. IT’S A QUICK AND SIMPLE PROCESS. YOU CAN BID ONLINE AS WELL!**
This sensational 1959 Volkswagen 23-Window Samba Bus is a gorgeous specimen of a very collectable classic vehicle that crated great memories for many people around the world. Produced from 1950 to 1967, the first generation of the Volkswagen Bus Type 2 (T1) was originally intended as a basic cargo hauler. After much success and growing demand, Wolfsburg realized the full potential of their comfortable people mover and, in 1951, began producing a model called the Deluxe. The Volkswagen Samba, in the United States marketed as the Sunroof Deluxe, was the most luxurious version of the T1. In the US, Volkswagen vans were informally identified by the window count. This particular model had 23 and later 21 windows including eight high windows in the roof. The 23 window variant also had curved windows in the rear corners. To distinguish it from the normal Volkswagen van, the name Samba was coined. The Samba had bi-parting doors in lieu of a sliding door, and could be ordered with a large fabric sunroof. Volkswagen advertised the Samba for making tourist trips through the Alps. Standard paint finishes on the Samba were two-tone, usually with the upper bodywork in white. The lower bodywork carried a contrasting color, the areas separated by a decorative strip. The roof carried slightly forward of the windshield at the front, creating an integral visor. When Volkswagen started producing the successor of the T1 (the T2) the company stopped producing the Samba and the concept of a van with such a high window count. As the chassis number indicates this vehicle was built in Germany between August 1958 and May of 1959. During its lifetime the original vehicle M-code ID plate was lost so the original build specifications are unknown. This vehicle was the beneficiary of a detailed, concours-level restoration by well-known KAO Autostyling located in Las Vegas, NV. It was restored with meticulous attention to detail inside and out using the finest quality German parts. The restoration was completed in or around 2018 and it has less than 500 miles since completion. The exterior is in beautiful condition throughout. It was finished in Mango and Pearl White which complements it well. The two-tone paint colors are separated by a molding with a red pinstripe that highlights the body. The paint has recently been detailed and shows very well. The new tan fabric sunroof is unique and fun. All of the windows have been replaced with new Safari-style glass, including the front windshields and pop-out side windows. Everything on the exterior was restored or replaced such as the wipers, dual mirrors, door handles, Wagner headlights, taillights, painted front and rear bumpers. It sits on matching 14” steel wheels with chrome hub caps and BF Goodrich Silvertown white wall radial 185-70-14 tires. The interior is also in beautiful condition throughout. The interior is very spacious, comfortable and bright with the natural light from the 23 windows. The tan upholstery including the headliner, three bench seats and panels was professionally installed. The tan authentic German square-weave carpet was also professionally installed. The overhead vent, dash and floor pans were finished in white to match the exterior. Everything in the interior was restored or replaced such as the steering wheel, speedometer, ash tray, dash hardware, door panels, door hardware, shifter, seat frames and pedals. The painted engine compartment is nicely detailed throughout with many new parts. It’s been converted to a modern 12-volt system consisting of an electronic voltage regulator and Pertronix electronic ignition system for better performance and reliability. It’s powered by an upgraded 1500cc factory engine (code HO) that was rebuilt and runs excellent. The carburetor has an electric choke for better reliability. The engine is coupled to a 4-speed manual transmission that operates smoothly. The painted undercarriage is also nicely throughout with many new parts. Everything underneath has been restored or replaced including the exhaust system, steering components, suspension system and braking system. This vehicle was recently serviced and detailed which is documented with an invoice that is included. From the MS CLASSIC CARS collection.
