Volkswagen T1 Samba de luxe '66

• Samba 23-window edition


• With an original Volkswagen certificate of authenticity


• Indestructible Volkswagen building quality in the best condition


• Sold in 1966 in New York

The Volkswagen Type 2 is Volkswagen’s workhorse in the form of a highly functional bus that is still omnipresent on the roads and adored by a very eclectic audience. Since 1950, it has been produced in six successive series, each bringing some modernization. In addition to its functionality, its design is pragmatic and contemporary, while older models evoke a nostalgic feeling.

For a long period’s time, the Volkswagen range only had only had one model since its establishment: the Type 1 ‘Beetle’. In 1947, Dutch VW importer Ben Pon felt that the range should be expanded with a delivery van, he drew a sketch that was used three years later in the design of the Type 2, that was launched in 1950. It is a delivery van with the engine and design based on the Beetle. The engine is placed in the back, the round shapes are retained making its design look friendly.

The Type 2 quickly developed its iconic status and beloved by everyone. The hippies were so enamoured that they went to live in the bus as if it were their home. They painted their campers as a protest against global famine, poverty, and war. The buses painted by hippies have become, along with the peace sign, the symbol of the hippie subculture and carefree 1960s.

Over the years, many variants were sold. Initially, it was intended as a delivery van, but camping was soon made possible, and, in the US, people were particularly fond of the pickup variant.

Volkswagen T1

The T1, an embodiment of nostalgia and the carefree 60s. This multifunctional ‘Splitscreen’ bus - as it is nicknamed based on the separate front twin-windshields - is the first car where the driver sits just above the front axle. The four-cylinder rear-engine produces just enough - modest - horsepower and a unique humming sound.

Given the indestructible Volkswagen engine, an T1 is still very suitable for road tripping. They are also often used for commercial purposes, some even being converted into mobile coffee bars.

It is undeniably true that the T1 is a highly coveted classic car, and the market demand is sky-high. Who wouldn't want to be seen in such a cool bus? Undoubtedly, a T1 is a versatile investment.

Technical information:

Body work

• Length (cm): 428 (169 inch)


• Width (cm): 172 (68 inch)


• Height (cm): 194 (76 inch)


• Wheelbase (cm): 240 (94 inch)


• Weight (kg): 1150 (2535 lbs)

Mechanics

• Engine: flat-four 1493 cc front-engine


• Valve gear: 8


• Fuel system: 1 carburettor Solex


• Gear box: 4-speed manual


• Transmission: RWD


• Left-steered


• power: 44 hp (32 kW) at 3800 t/m


• torque: 95 Nm at 2400 t/m


• Top speed: 110 km/h (68 mph)