1962 VW Microbus 23-Window Samba

1962 VW Microbus 23-window Samba

Chassis number 950107

Odometer showing: 00237 miles

• Produced May 22, 1962
• Data plate indicates model 241 (Cargo doors right, left hand drive, full width middle seat)
• Data plate and tag in engine bay are consistent with type 24 (deluxe microbus)
• 025 M-code:  US spec bumpers and 6 pop out windows
• 139 M-code: sealed beam headlights and red taillights
• 376 M-code:
• US order, tourist delivery.

Features:

• Exterior Colour is “Sealing Wax Red” with (L 53 SW) and “Beige Grey” (L472 BGR)
• Full restoration of exterior, interior and mechanicals:
  • Glass is a mixture of original and new reproduction glass (skylight and rear corner windows)
  • Safari front and rear windows added
  • Door panels and seat covers are new reproductions
  • Beltline trim and chrome VW emblem are original
  • Sunroof top is new
  • New tool kit (Gedore and Bilstein tools), keys and bear claws (for removing wheel caps)
  • New Firestone black wall tires, painted steel wheels and new hubcaps
  • Engine is a rebuilt later model (71-74) 1600cc dual port beetle engine with 009 Distributor and BOCAR Carburetor
  • New exhaust

• Service work conducted by the current owner included full mechanical renewal
  • Rear axle seal kits
  • Service Transmission, gear reduction boxes and brakes
  • Fuel and oil system servicing including new carburetor and fuel pump

Background on the 1962 VW Microbus – 23-window, Samba:

The Volkswagen Type 2, known officially (depending on body type) as the Transporter, Kombi or Microbus, or, informally, as the Bus (US) or Camper (UK), is a forward control light commercial vehicle introduced in 1950 by the German automaker Volkswagen as its second car model. Following – and initially deriving from – Volkswagen’s first model, the Type 1 (Beetle), it was given the factory designation Type 2.

The Volkswagen Samba, in the United States also known as Sunroof Deluxe.

In the USA Volkswagen vans were informally classified according to the number of windows they had. The 23 and later 21 windows including eight panoramic windows in the roof (the 23-window version had additional curved windows in the rear corners). To distinguish it from the normal Volkswagen van the name Samba was coined.

Instead of a sliding door at the side the Samba had two pivot doors. In addition, the Samba had a fabric sunroof. At that time Volkswagen advertised with the idea of using the Samba to make tourist trips through the Alps.

Sambas were painted standard in two colors. Usually, the upper part was colored white. The two-colored sections were separated by a decorative strip. Further the bus had a so-called “hat”: at the front of the van the roof was just a little longer than the car itself to block the sun for the driver.

1960, on interior side, the bus got real split front seats to create a narrow aisle that allowed movement though the interior, and front-seat riders began to enter and exit through the side door rather than climbing over those high wheel arches / Walk-through.