The UK Sports Cars Showroom

1965 VW Split Screen ‘21 Window Samba’. Type 24 Microbus De Luxe / Camper Van. Factory German Built – UK Supplied – Right Hand Drive. Incredible History.

£TBC SOLD

The Type 24 Microbus Deluxe more commonly known as the ‘Samba’ features 8x skylight windows and 2x additional side windows to give a total of 21 windows. It also features a ¾ width sliding ragtop sunroof allowing for panoramic views above. This design was originally introduced for touring the swiss alps in the 1950s and has long been regarded as the most sought after model of the VW Microbus (Split Screen).

This is a very rare example having been built and supplied to the UK market from new in factory Right Hand Drive format. VW Birth certificate from Germany confirms factory provenance from new and original colour scheme ‘Sealing Wax Red / Beige Grey’.

This is a very special bus having been stored for almost 40 years of its life and being completely unknown to the VW scene until recently when a magazine article in Camper and Commercial featured the Samba. Very original metalwork underneath having spent most of its life in storage the bus only required minimal welding during restoration. This bus is a real survivor where as most have been subjected to a far tougher life. Very unusual and very desirable indeed.

Original 1500cc engine completely overhauled and complete with correct ancillaries. Starts and runs exactly how these engines should having not been messed around with over the decades like so many others. The bus is very much stock throughout with no poor quality after market parts added. Odometer reading 61,000 miles. (Cannot be verified 100%) but given the history it seems very realistic that this is the genuine original mileage.

Original interior trim panels and Microbus seating in correct style reproduction vinyl. (Rear original seat covers retained and come with the bus also). We can easily convert this bus to a camper van in the rear by building a brand new bespoke camping interior and installing it should you wish. Please contact us to discuss.

History

  • Originally the Blenheim Film Company Crew bus. Photograph attached with sign writing on the car
  • Purchased by VW enthusiast Don Stewart in late 70’s early ‘80’s and stored. He was the partner of Jennifer Pedlar – It was his stock of Splits that inspired her to found the SSVC in the early 80’s
  • Jennifer’s split was the first on the SSVC register, his the 2nd
  • The bus was then purchased in early 90’s by the man who Apple credited with the invention of the MP3 player – Kane Kramer
  • Kane had the bodywork (bare metal), engine and gearbox restored by Karmann Connection but never took it on the road.
  • Purchased by the previous owner in 2017 and sympathetically recommissioned. Only basic servicing jobs required.

 

This is no ordinary Samba and has one of the most detailed records of ownership and history that we have seen. An incredibly rare bus and very charming in every department. Ready to be enjoyed.

 

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