GET READY TO SAMBA: This restored 1967 21-window microbus shows and drives like new
December 5, 2018
Posted by Barrett-Jackson
Written by independent automotive journalist Tom Jensen
This beautiful example of a 1967 Volkswagen 21-Window Deluxe Microbus (Lot #1081) will go home with the highest bidder at the 2019 Scottsdale Auction.
One of the best aspects of the collector car hobby is that niches exist for virtually every type of automobile and light truck, from original muscle cars and prewar classics to European sports cars, Resto-Mods and pickup trucks. There really is something for everybody who loves cool cars and trucks.
The Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction, which takes place Jan. 12-20 at WestWorld of Scottsdale, will have more than 1,500 cars cross the block, touching virtually every segment of the market.
One of those segments that’s experienced a boom in recent years is the market for classic Volkswagen buses from the 1960s. Once upon a time, these were ubiquitous, equipped with bead curtains, peace symbols hanging from the rearview mirrors and the obligatory Grateful Dead tape in the 8-track player. These vans were practically the official mode of transportation for people who wanted to let their freak flags fly back in the days of Woodstock and Flower Power.
And those happy memories still resonate with collectors today. This year at Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale, some lucky bidder will walk away with a truly exceptional example of a Volkswagen bus from the mid-1960s that has been restored to the highest level.
The vehicle in question is an authentic 1967 Volkswagen 21-Window Deluxe Samba Bus (Lot #1081) that in June 2018 underwent a complete rotisserie restoration by a Volkswagen specialist in Gig Harbor, Washington. No expense was spared returning this VW bus to its past glory, nor were any corners cut. Today, it looks, shows and drives like a new one would have in 1967.
Using an excellent vehicle to begin with, the restorer built this the right way: Working from the bottom up, the undercarriage received new belly pans and is fully detailed. New mechanical parts include brake lines, battery, shocks, muffler, Optima battery and a Painless wiring harness.
As part of the restoration, the 1776cc engine was professionally rebuilt and detailed, with less than 300 miles on it. The rear-mounted flat 4-cylinder powerplant connects to a 4-speed manual transmission.
Moving up to the body, all the exterior and interior chrome and stainless pieces were replaced or restored using original or NOS parts. Each of the window and body seals has been replaced with new pieces as well.
As with all collector cars, colors matter in terms of desirability and value, and in this regard, this VW Samba Bus excels. The colors on the outside are two-tone Titian Red and cream, while the interior is trimmed out in Mesh Platinum and Platinum Silver. As color combinations go, this is about as iconic a 1960s look as you’ll find. This bus was painted inside and out, and even the new bumpers are the correct Silver White color. To complete the look, there are new German Volkswagen hubcaps and Michelin radials.
On the interior you’ll find every important component has been replaced or restored, including a new sliding cloth top, headliner, carpet, panels and seats. The attention to detail paid during the restoration is most impressive.
Volkswagen made numerous variants of its bus models, and this one has many of the most desirable features VW aficionados are looking for. Included are a Safari pop-out windshield, six pop-out windows, sliding cloth top, side door entry, seating for nine passengers, eight skylights and a clock on the dashboard.
This is a beautiful, no-excuses 1967 Volkswagen 21-Window Deluxe Samba Bus that has everything a buyer could want: A recent restoration done to a high standard, an exceptionally desirable color combination and all the right features.
In other words, it’s a VW Samba Bus that will appeal to even the most demanding collector, and it’s only for sale at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction. Just remember to bring your own patchouli oil and 8-track tape player.
For up-to-date information on this vehicle, click HERE.