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Updated: 04-June-2026 15:19
Volkswagen Type 2 T1 Samba 21-window Deluxe, 1966 Restoration
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This magnificent and rare 1966 Volkswagen Type 2 T1 Samba 21‑window Deluxe was discovered in California by its Dutch owner. The project was offered for sale by a laid‑back surfer, and it was the owner’s daughters who unearthed the Samba from its sandy resting place, removing countless buckets of sand before the vehicle could be freed. The plastic hula girl that once adorned the dashboard found pride of place in the family home and will be returned to its rightful position in due course. After the Samba Microbus was imported to the Netherlands, a full nut‑and‑bolt restoration commenced. One could say that this very project laid the foundations for the firm S2 Classic Cars: the restoration began years before the company was officially established and was only recently completed. This Volkswagen T1 Samba 21‑window Microbus has been restored to the highest possible standard, with its appearance returned to factory‑original specification. Mechanically, the vehicle has been subtly upgraded to cope with modern traffic and to handle the increased engine output of approximately 90 bhp (up from the original 30 hp). The bodywork has been restored to absolute perfection and finished with a top‑quality paint job. The flanks of the bus are flawlessly straight, reflecting their surroundings like a mirror without the slightest distortion. The special Deluxe interior has been recreated using original‑style materials and trim as used in the 1960s. The colour scheme is also authentic: a wonderful blue paired with a very light mint‑blue shade that appears almost white at first glance. Everything on this Volkswagen T1 Samba 21‑window Deluxe Microbus has been restored or renewed. No time, cost, or effort was spared in the pursuit of perfection.
The Volkswagen Type 2 T1 was introduced in 1950 as Volkswagen’s first dedicated commercial vehicle. Ben Pon, the Dutch Volkswagen importer, is widely regarded as the originator of the Volkswagen T1 bus. During a visit to the Volkswagen factory in 1947, he sketched the idea for a compact and practical van based on Beetle engineering. His simple pencil drawing directly inspired the development of the Type 2, which entered production in 1950 and went on to become one of Volkswagen’s most recognisable models of the twentieth century. The earliest versions were straightforward and functional, designed to transport goods and passengers efficiently. Early versions were simple and utilitarian, designed to transport goods and people efficiently.
In 1951 Volkswagen added the Deluxe Microbus, later known as the Samba, as the top‑of‑the‑range passenger model. The Samba featured a large folding fabric sunroof and distinctive skylight windows set into the roofline. The earliest Deluxe models had 23 windows, including two small rear corner windows. These 23‑window Sambas were produced until 1963 and are now regarded as the earliest and most recognisable versions. In 1964 Volkswagen revised the rear bodywork, removing the corner windows and creating the 21‑window Samba. The 21‑window model retained the panoramic character of the original design while simplifying production. Both versions were intended for comfortable touring and offered a more refined interior than the standard Microbus. The Samba was marketed in the United States as the Sunroof Deluxe, emphasising its leisure‑oriented character. Production of the T1 continued in Germany until 1967, after which the T2 replaced it. Despite this, the T1 remained in production in Brazil for many more years. Over time the Samba became one of the most sought‑after variants of the Type 2. Its combination of characteristic styling and limited production numbers contributed to its desirability. In total around 100.000 Samba Deluxe Microbuses were built (all versions combined). Today, the Samba Deluxe Microbus is regarded as an important part of Volkswagen’s early history.
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