1961 Volkswagen Type 2 Microbus 23-Window Deluxe Samba

761891roadGermany

Engine: 1.6L flat-four, dual-port
Colour: Sealing Wax Red over Beige Grey

A 1961 Volkswagen Type 2 23-window Deluxe Samba Microbus, one of the most desirable variants of the air-cooled van lineup, delivered new to the American West Coast. Approximately six years before the auction, the vehicle underwent a comprehensive rotisserie restoration by St. Martha's Garage, receiving a two-tone repaint, fully refinished interior, a replacement 1,600-cc dual-port engine, and a rebuilt transmission. Since restoration it has covered only around 1,100 miles and remains in exceptional condition.

Ownership

—Auction sale
Sold US$100,800
RM Sotheby's catalogue lot →
Date unknownAcquisition unknown
Beverly Hills plastic surgeon
partial documentation
Maintained a private vehicle collection; the van was acquired by the current consignor from this collection.
Date unknownPrivate sale
Current consignor
partial documentation
Purchased from the Beverly Hills surgeon's private collection; vehicle has accumulated roughly 1,100 miles since the rotisserie restoration and remains in excellent condition.

Competition

No competition history extracted from the catalogue.

Maintenance & restoration

—Restoration
St. Martha's Garage
Full rotisserie restoration covering bare-metal bodywork repainted in a two-tone Sealing Wax Red and Beige Grey scheme, and a completely refurbished interior with new grey wool headliner, grey diamond-and-pleated upholstery, and German square-weave carpet in the luggage compartment.
Carried out approximately six years before the auction sale; around 1,100 miles covered since completion.
—Engine rebuild
St. Martha's Garage
Original engine replaced with a 1,600-cc dual-port flat-four unit; a 3.44 final-drive transmission was also fitted to improve motorway cruising capability.
Performed as part of the same restoration episode.
—Mechanical
Rancho Transmissions
Gearbox overhauled separately as part of the restoration programme.
—Mechanical
Wolfgang International
Complete steering system refurbishment to bring the driving feel in line with the cosmetic quality of the restoration.

Are you the owner of this car?

This car's public record is built from its auction and competition history. Register your ownership and privately add your own records to make it a verified Legacy Metrics passport — provenance that backs your car's value at sale and gives your insurer evidence to price against. Roy reviews and verifies every registration personally.