1960 Volkswagen Type 2 Deluxe 23-Window Microbus (Samba)
- Engine
- 40 hp air-cooled flat-four
A 1960 Volkswagen Type 2 Deluxe Microbus — the rare 23-window 'Samba' variant — originally delivered new to Los Angeles, California, and retaining its North American-specification fittings throughout its life. Following acquisition by the current owner, the bus underwent an extensive two-year nut-and-bolt restoration by Napa Valley Restorations to factory specification, including sourcing a date-correct 40-hp engine and new-old-stock components. Post-restoration, it collected concours awards at multiple California events.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$207,200
- 1960 →Factory deliveryOriginal Los Angeles, California ownerpartial documentation
Vehicle was delivered new to Los Angeles and retains all original North American specification options. VW certificate of authenticity confirms this delivery.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownCurrent vendorpartial documentation
Acquired the bus with all original components except the engine, then commissioned a comprehensive two-year restoration by Napa Valley Restorations in California.
Competition
- —California concours events (multiple, post-restoration)Swept awards at every event entered
Following restoration, the bus participated in a series of California-based concours judging events, winning recognition at each one.
Maintenance & restoration
- —RestorationNapa Valley Restorations
Comprehensive two-year ground-up restoration to original factory specification carried out with an unrestricted budget. Scope included sourcing a date-correct 40-hp replacement engine, new-old-stock roof rack, correctly dated and numbered glazing, reversing lights, and a period-correct radio. Additional upgrades comprised factory leather seat trim and a full clear gloss topcoat over the body finish.
Described by the catalogue as one of California's leading restoration workshops; work took place at a point when correct new-old-stock parts were still obtainable.
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