1958 Volkswagen Type 2 23-Window Deluxe "Samba" Bus
VIN: 295668
Full rotisserie restoration
Rebuilt and balanced 1600cc Volkswagen engine
Stalwart 4-speed manual transmission
Most expensive bus Volkswagen offered in 1958
Sealing Wax Red exterior and Chestnut Brown interior
From humble beginnings as a basic people carrier to becoming an absolute icon throughout the ages, the Volkswagen Type 2 23-Window Deluxe Bus was the ultimate people carrier of the mid 20th century. Luxury in the form of vinyl seating for 8, VW reliability and an aesthetic that would live on for generations among both the young and old, the "Samba" bus was the most luxurious Volkswagen bus money could buy in 1958.
Selected as a perfect candidate for a full cosmetic and mechanical restoration, the 23-window bus would find itself being brought back to its full former. Installed on a rotisserie, the entire car was disassembled and parts organized for rebuilding and refinishing. Each and every piece, from the smallest bolt to the entire exterior were painstakingly refinished to the highest level possible. All of the body panels were worked until they were exceptionally straight, and then sprayed with Sealing Wax red paint. A new luggage rack was also made with new hardware and wood and fitted to the roof.
The Chestnut brown interior is no less amazing than the exterior is, completely refinished and restored from top to bottom. All three rows of vinyl seats were completely stripped and restored to a pristine state. Above the seats, a Mohair headliner frames chrome hardware, a simple mirror and a small, Sealing Wax red console. Rebuilt gauges, a Deluxe-exclusive VDO Kienzle clock and retro cup holder complete the front of the interior. The dent-free floors were repainted and covered in original-style rubber floor mats and the sliding sunroof was refinished in its correct cloth.
Lifting the rear engine hatch reveals a rebuilt and balanced 1600 cubic inch four-cylinder boxer engine. While only the size of many 356 engines, it is perfectly capable of holding its own and getting close to 30mpg in highway cruises. A vintage air filter paired with a one-barrel Solex Carburetor, a fully rebuilt generator and a fresh coil supplies a traditional points distributor that's equipped with new plug wires. The rebuilt drum brakes on all four corners accompanies a completely rebuilt rear independent suspension. Two new exhaust manifolds surround a repainted stalwart 4-speed manual transmission which then puts out power to the 15 inch wheels which wear Coker Classic whitewall tires.
Completed with a fit and finish that rivals many concours restorations, this Volkswagen Type 2 23-Window Deluxe bus will be transporting you and anyone else in timeless fashion. Whether deciding to fill up the luggage rack up top, opening the sunroof while cruising down the highway or filling up the matching vintage luggage for a road trip, you'll be greeted by smiles everywhere and thumbs up on the road.