Volkswagen Campervan 1973 - Double Deluxe 23 Window

1 Previous Owner, This lot will be auctioned via Iconic Auctioneers, The Iconic Sale at the NEC Classic Motor Show 2025 on Saturday the 8th of November, NEC, Birmingham, B40 1NT. , The Volkswagen Type 2 was introduced in 1950 as a multi-variant utility vehicle, known as the Transporter, Kombi or Microbus (depending on body type). It was devised as an evolution of the Volkswagen Type 1, the original Beetle. The first generation of these versatile vehicles (named the T1) were produced with distinctive split-screens (‘splitties’) from 1950 until 1967. Only two models were originally offered, the Kombi and the Commercial. The Microbus was added in May 1950, joined by the Deluxe Microbus in June 1951.The Deluxe Microbus (known as the 'Sunroof Deluxe' in America) was the most luxurious version of the Volkswagen Transporter T1. The Deluxe model featured eight rear side windows and two rear corner windows, making it the 15-window (not available in Europe). Meanwhile, the European market Deluxe Microbus, with its additional eight small skylight windows is, accordingly, the 23-window. From the 1964 model year with its wider rear door, the rear corner windows were discontinued, making the latter two, the 13-window and 21-window respectively. The 23 and later 21-window variants each carry the famous nickname 'Samba' and are especially revered, very rare in right-hand drive, and few have survived.Instead of a sliding door at the side, the Samba had two pivoting doors and a fabric sunroof and were mostly painted in two colours, usually with the upper part coloured white and the two-coloured sections being separated by a decorative strip. Sambas also have a more comprehensive dashboard than the normal T1 and are fitted with a so-called 'hat' over the front split-screen which acts as a sun visor for the driver.When Volkswagen started producing the successor to the T1 (the T2), the company also stopped producing the Samba, so sadly no Sambas were available in later versions of the Volkswagen Transporter, making these early and rare models very sought after and collectible. This remarkable example of Volkswagen's coveted Samba was manufactured at the Wolfsburg factory in 1961 and the M-codes confirm it was supplied in right-hand drive to Sweden, with the double doors mounted on the left-hand side. This generously donated Samba was the cover star of the May 2023 issue of Volks World magazine, and its story and detailed restoration is covered in depth.Our vendor’s ownership story of this Samba started with the purchase of a special Volkswagen Beetle that had been restored by Volkswagen specialist T2D for the TV series For the Love of Cars. The car was then sent back to T2D for a thorough going over without the pressure of a TV deadline. The car was later offered by us to benefit the Brain Tumour Research Charity in memory of our vendor’s late brother, the first of many charity cars bought and donated by the vendor to raise money for good causes. A few months later, having built a good relationship with Mark Fulton of T2D, he was advised that a special right-hand drive 23-window Samba was available.Having paid £80,000 for the Samba as a 'bit of fun' for use with his family, he found that it was underpowered and knowing how important it was, decided to give it the restoration it deserved. Having been recommended to contact Andy 'Spike' Fitch of Spike’s Vintage Restoration, the hefty restoration began from the ground up with fabrication works by Irv's Restoration, with later works by Air-Cooled Auto Electrics and Type 2 performance specialist Mark Prosser of Auto Technics who added a set of CSP disc brakes. It was decided to go for a Prosser-built 1,776 engine with Eagle 110 cam and a pair of Weber 40IDF with CB manifolds and linkage, with electronic ignition for improved reliability. Finished in a beautiful combination of Sand Green and Palm Green with re-chromed original handles and strike plates and a retrimmed interior, the VW presents superbly - simply outstanding. The odometer reading at the time of cataloguing read 22,507km.Despite an investment of c.£100,000, this fabulous Type 2 will be presented to auction without reserve, with all sale proceeds, including our buyer’s premium, generously donated to the Great Ormond Street Hospital and Charity for the benefit of gravely ill children.