Rare 1957 23-window VW Microbus Deluxe Samba @ Car & Classic auction

Only lightly restored
Previous record-setting American, European, Australian and British sales: between $143,347 (£91,100) and $236,639 (£193,862)
Topical: own a piece of VW history at a time when new electric model has just been launched

Quirky? You bet. Rare? Absolutely. Charming? As only the ultimate iconic Volkswagen Microbus with “every seat is a window seat” can be.

The 23-window Samba model currently up for auction via leading online classic and niche vehicle auction site Car & Classic may be forgiven for not being electric like the marque’s latest model, launched this month, but it is certainly original.

The Samba’s background: US-spec Microbus sold new in USA (LHD), dry-stored for over thirty years, then shipped to the UK where it has undergone a light restoration, leaving most of it in its original state.

Current condition: the interior is mostly untouched, with even the same floor mats it had when it came out of the factory. It is on steel wheels, and whitewall cross-ply tyres.

The Samba’s 1200cc engine, rebuilt to period specs, is not the original but mated with original transmission.   
    

“As it is so often the case, Car & Classic’s auction platform was chosen to offer yet another unusual classic vehicle, close to the heart of many British enthusiasts and collectors,” says Car & Classic Head of Editorial Chris Pollitt. “At a time when Volkswagen has just announced the launch of its 2022 ID Buzz microbus propelled by the (nowadays) ubiquitous electric power, if you want to experience the real thing it may be hard to choose between the modern, retro design, and this 1957 Samba, which is clearly increasing in value, desirability and rarity.”