Highlights of this particular Motorcar:
Stunning concours condition after full restoration by marque experts
Ultimate specification - 244 De Luxe Microbus 23 window Samba
Super rare in RHD - the majority of the 1956 production made in LHD
Comes from one of the best early VW collections in existence
Unused since restoration and not seen in public for nearly 16 years
Exact Description of this Specific Motorcar
The earliest history known of this bus was that in the 1960's it was believed to have been used by a Church in Sweden to ferry kids about. In 1970 it was deemed to be too costly to maintain and therefore was stored untill 1990 when a guy from Oxford imported it into the UK. It then came into the hands of a serial VW collector Khal in Manchester (who helped with this early history - thanks Khal!). Kal was taken by the amazingly original condition of the body that was structurally sound and commissioned Steve Gilbert to restore the bus back to original condition. Kal felt strongly that this bus should be restored to as it left the factory - against the prevailing enthusiasm for custom builds which were all the rage at the time.
Speaking to Khal, he reminisced driving the bus after the restoration - at which time it was featured in the January 2004 edition of Volksworld magazine with some of his other special VWs. Khal sold the bus in 2008 and ultimately in 2012 it came into the ownership of a serial early VW collector - with one of the finest private VW collections.
A fabulous example of one of the rarest and most desirable split screen VW Sambas made. Fresh from a highly significant private collection of early VW - this concours contender has benefited from a full restoration by Steve Gilbert of One on One and has barely been used since. Sensitively mechanically upgraded with period parts to make it a fun to drive and a spirited performer on today's roads, this 244 De Luxe microbus has not been seen in public during the last owner's 16 year ownership.
Faultless attention to detail during the restoration, this bus was subject to a complete nut and bolt concours restoration by Steve Gilbert of One on One restorations.
SUSPENSION: The original Link Pin and Kingpin have been replaced with new components together with all brake lines and hoses.
WHEELS & TYRES: Original solid steel wheels with genuine hub caps and beauty rings, the wheels are shod in new BF Goodrich white wall tyres.
BRAKES: Drum brakes in rear and disk brake conversion on front - to safely cope with the extra urge of the stronger performing engine
INTERIOR: This is the original interior. The seats have been re-padded and the original covers re-installed. the cab and passenger floor mat are original blackrubber in excellent order. A new cloth head liner has been professionally installed together with a fully restored full length sliding fabric roof.
BODY: The bus has been subject to a 100 point concourse restoration, the shell has been taken down to bare metal prior to painting and zinc chromate prior to application of correct and original two tone paint finish. The quality of paint and panel fit are excellent. All new old rubber seals have been used throughout. Sealing wax red (Code: L53)and Chestnut brown (Code: L73)
The 30 hp engine was replaced by a custom built 2 litre engine by Daz Chandler - so that actually driving it on modern roads is feasible!
Engine: 2 Litre (Built by Daz Chandler)
VW A541 Crankcase
CB Performance Forged Cromoly Crank
CB Performance Forged Unitech Conrods
Webcam 110 Camshaft
Scat Bolt On Alloy Cam Drive Wheel
Scat Cam Followers
CB Performance Forged Cromoly 13ld Flywheel
CB Performance Cromoly Gland Nut
Mahle Forged Barrels and Pistons
CB Performance Cyl. Heads 40 x 35 S/S Valves
HD Valve Springs & Cromoly Retainers
Bolt Up Rocker Shaft Kit
Manton Cromoly push Rods
Kennedy Stage one Clutch Cover
Daiken HD Drive Plate
Comp Ratio = 8.5:1
General description of Make and/or Model of this Motorcar:
The first generation of these versatile vehicles, named the T1, were produced with distinctive split-screens from 1950 until 1967. From 1950 to 1956, the T1 was built in Wolfsburg; from 1956 they were built at a new factory in Hanover.
Only two models were originally offered, the Kombi and the Commercial. The Microbus was added in May 1950, joined by the Samba (or Deluxe Microbus) in June 1951. The Samba was the most luxurious version of the microbus body-style. This model had 23 windows including eight panoramic windows in the roof, two pivot doors (instead of a sliding door) and a fabric sunroof. At that time Volkswagen marketed the idea of using the Samba to make tourist trips through the Alps.
The early Sambas, built between 1951 and 1955, were often called the "Barn-door", owing to the vast rear engine cover.
From 1956 to 1958 introduction of the 'post Barn Door models'. The main changes were, the introduction of a full-width dashboard, spare wheel moved to behind the front seats, fuel tank is moved to over the gearbox and of course the introduction of the peak over the front windscreens. The other changes included the smaller 15" wheels.
In 1956 2072 examples were made.
