Volkswagen Samba de Luxe 23-Window (1956)

The first generation of these versatile vehicles, named the T1, were produced with distinctive split-screens from 1950 until 1967. From 1950 to 1956, the T1 was built in Wolfsburg; from 1956 they were built at a new factory in Hanover.

Only two models were originally offered, the Kombi and the Commercial. The Microbus was added in May 1950, joined by the Samba (or Deluxe Microbus) in June 1951. The Samba was the most luxurious version of the microbus body-style. This model had 23 windows including eight panoramic windows in the roof, two pivot doors (instead of a sliding door) and a fabric sunroof. At that time Volkswagen marketed the idea of using the Samba to make tourist trips through the Alps.

The early Sambas, built between 1951 and 1955, were often called the "Barn-door", owing to the vast rear engine cover.

From 1956 to 1958 introduction of the 'post Barn Door models'. The main changes were, the introduction of a full-width dashboard, spare wheel moved to behind the front seats, fuel tank is moved to over the gearbox and of course the introduction of the peak over the front windscreens. The other changes included the smaller 15" wheels.

In 1956 2072 examples were made.

The earliest known history of this bus dates back to the 1960s when it was believed to have been used by a church in Sweden to transport children. By 1970, it was deemed too costly to maintain and was subsequently stored until 1990 when an enthusiast from Oxford imported it into the UK. Shortly after, it was acquired by a renowned VW collector, Khal from Manchester, who kindly provided much of the early history of the vehicle. Khal was particularly impressed by the remarkably original and structurally sound condition of the body and commissioned Steve Gilbert of One on One restorations to restore the bus to its factory specifications. At the time, custom builds were highly popular, but Khal strongly believed that this bus should be returned to its original form as it left the factory.

In conversation with Khal, he fondly recalled driving the bus after the restoration. In 2001 the chief valuations officer for northwest Volkswagen club surmised this example represents one of the best Type Two busses in the UK. Three years later the same bus was featured in the January 2004 edition of VolksWorld magazine alongside some of his other prized VWs. In 2008, Khal sold the bus, to Jim Whelan of Watford, it was then that the engine was removed and replaced with custom 2L block built by Daz Chandler to make the bus more usable on modern roads. Then in 2012, it became part of one of the finest private collections of early VW vehicles.

This particular example is a superb representation of one of the rarest and most sought-after split-screen VW Sambas ever produced. Recently emerging from a highly prestigious private collection, this concours-worthy vehicle has recently had a major service and has seen minimal use since. With a total mileage of 73,201 miles (72 miles currently shown on the gauge), it has been thoughtfully upgraded with period-appropriate mechanical enhancements to ensure enjoyable and spirited performance on modern roads. This 244 De Luxe microbus has remained unseen in public throughout the last owner's 16-year stewardship.

This exceptional vehicle is now available for viewing at our showrooms just outside London.

• 23-Window Samba de Luxe
• Understood to have supplied new to Sweden
• Comprehensively restored by One on One Restorations
• As featured in Volksworld Magazine in 2004
• Residing within a private collection for 16 years
• Available to view at our showrooms outside London immediately