Race Retro Classic & Competition Car Sale 2023 24th - 25th February 2023

169 + buyers premium of 12.5% plus VAT (15% incl VAT) on the first £300,000 of the hammer and 10% plus VAT (12% incl VAT) thereafter Lot 468 1964 Volkswagen Type 2 (T1) Microbus Deluxe 21-window ‘Samba’ - RHD Presented here is a German-manufactured 1964 VW Microbus Deluxe 21-window Samba (with a correct corresponding chassis number: 1 262 608). It was manufactured on the 3rd March 1964 for the UK-market and in right-hand drive and was assigned from new the distinctive registration of 845 XJ, which it still wears today. In addition, its all-important M-code plate is present and correct for the model type (‘396’: prepared for GB, STVZ0, amber indicators and RHD; ‘216’: 1500cc engine (until Oct 1964), ‘543’: without seats in passenger area; ‘EN’: England; ‘244/3’: Cargo door left, RHD, full middle seat, paint finish; ‘45/44/75’: Sealing Wax Red, Beige Grey paintwork, Silver Beige/Basalt Grey upholstery). This Samba’s story is an interesting one; supplied new to the UK and bought by its original owner, a Mr Raymond Brown, it was the recipient of a beautiful yet functional oak wood Devon Conversions interior. It was used for many years by Raymond as a family touring/camping vehicle (an original Monte Carlo sticker remains in a window) and was fitted with a towbar. After many years of faithful service, the Samba was eventually parked up in 1986, going on to live under a tarpaulin on a farm in Manchester. After years of determination not to sell, but with a move to France on the horizon, Raymond contacted Keith at the SSVC who bought it, but quickly sold it on to Martin, who in turn (in 2006) sold it to a young couple (who discovered the Samba for sale on eBay whilst on a snowboarding holiday in the US!) with the determination to fully restore it. Being just the 3rd owners, the couple set about saving this special bus, removing all of its lovely original features before restoring it from the ground up over the next few years (garage space and finances permitting). The attention to detail was commendable, using the correct original paint colours, authentic trim and curtain material. The Devon Conversions wooden interior was almost complete, but what required replacement or fabricating was authentically and lovingly crafted (one half of the couple was a trained carpenter who used to fit-out the interiors of 75ft yachts) in the correct wood and matched to the same patterns as the original pieces. The original 1,500cc engine (8 609 969) was removed and mothballed (and will accompany the Samba), with a Laurie Pettit-built 1,776cc utilised instead (*this engine too might now have been updated/ replaced; details TBC). It is coupled to a 1500 Beetle gearbox for motorway cruising, aided by sitting a smidgen closer to the ground thanks to a CB Performance 2-inch narrowed beam with dropped spindles, whilst the steering box is raised by 40mm. When completed, the Samba was taken to the SSVC 2010 AGM where it won a well- deserved 2nd place in Restoration of the Year and a 3rd place in Van of the Year. It was also chosen to feature as the cover story (and full spread inside) in ‘Camper & Bus’ magazine. It has since been garage- stored, well maintained and driven infrequently. This genuine UK RHD Samba is the perfect balance between ‘60s camper-van cool, VW enthusiast credibility and real-life modern drivability. It’s fast enough but not too loud, long-legged and easy to drive, comfortable with good ride quality, and is just waiting for its next trip! Rare surviving, right-hand drive, 21-window Samba, beautifully restored, absolutely on-the-button and ready for any classic event. Registration: 845 XJ Chassis No.: 1262608 Estimate: £55,000 - £65,000 Consignor: Steven Keen Telephone No: 07500 040422 More Details Lot 468 Bid On Lot 468