Vehicle Description
1966 Volkswagen Deluxe 21 Window Microbus
• VIN 256102727
• Delivered on February 16, 1966
• Rare Factory Sunroof
• Restored in 2001 to 2003 by West Coast Classics
One owner for the past 34 years, factory 21-window walkthrough,
finished in its factory color combination of Velvet Green (L512)
and Pearl White (L87) with Mesh Platinum (83) upholstery. Paintwork
is in excellent condition with deluxe U.S. bumpers, trim, and an
original sliding sunroof. The interior is in exceptional condition
and is finished in its original specifications using the correct
Silver Beige (036) and Mesh Platinum (83) material. The two-spoke
steering wheel is complemented by a gold Wolfsburg-crest horn
button and an 80-mph VDO speedometer. Additional instrumentation
includes a VDO fuel-level gauge, and a VDO/Kienzle analog clock
converted to an accurate quartz movement by North Hollywood
Speedometer, which is mounted on the right side of the dash. The
14" steel wheels are powder coated in Silver White with original VW
chrome hubcaps fitted with five new 185 75 R14 Hankook whitewall
tires including the spare. The body is very straight with no
indications of accident damage or rust. Power is provided by an
upgraded 1766cc flat-four engine paired with a manual 4-speed
transmission and freshly rebuilt four-wheel hydraulic drum braking
system that stops the bus perfectly.
The earliest known history begins in 1987 where the current owner
(then a USAF Captain at Wright Patterson AFB) reportedly purchased
the Microbus from a USAF Colonel who worked at the Pentagon. The
current owner, an Aerospace Systems Engineer, was very excited to
own his very first classic car. In search of acquiring more
knowledge of the early history of his bus, he wrote a letter to
Volkswagen AG in Wolfsburg, Germany. In response, he was able to
find out the original engine number, colors, production, and
delivery date. After a couple of years of ownership, he
commissioned Lenny Copp of West Coast Classics to perform a full
rotisserie restoration in 2000. Restored with meticulous attention
to detail inside and out, the body was completely stripped down to
steel and restored back to its factory specification. By 2002, the
restoration was complete, and the bus was driven very sparingly. On
September 19, 2010, the bus participated in the annual Concours D'
Elegance in Palos Verde. Rare opportunity to purchase a wonderfully
restored 21-window in excellent condition that has been always
garaged and is a blast to drive.
History
The Volkswagen "Samba" Deluxe is widely considered one of the most
sought-after of all Microbuses of the era. Amongst the most beloved
vehicle designs ever created, the VW "bus" transcends history and
popular culture, with an iconic style that will bring a smile to
nearly everyone that sees one. Microbuses can still be seen parked
at California surfing spots, camping grounds, and car shows, as
well as in some of the finest car collections around the world. The
model's popularity is universal.