1967 Volkswagen Vans

To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys Arizona event, 24 January 2025.
Offered Without Reserve $120,000 - $140,000 USD

• Last year of the highly desirable 21-Window Sunroof De Luxe configuration
• Finished in its original color combination of Titian Red and White paintwork over Platinum Silver leatherette with Beige Grey cloth
• Benefits from an outstanding restoration by marque specialist Volksfab in factory-correct color combination
• Sports rare and desirable walk-through seating configuration, and 1.8-liter air-cooled four-cylinder engine
• Accompanied by Volkswagen Production Certificate

In March of 1950, Volkswagen introduced the Type 2 Microbus as a follow-up to their hugely successful first production model, the well-loved Type 1 Beetle. Originally designed with the commercial market in mind, the Type 2 was built in a wide range of body styles, with each offering an innovative way to transport cargo and passengers in a convenient, car-sized package. Key to this versatility was the models forward control layout, which placed the driver over the front wheels.

The first-generation Type 2s were produced from 1951 through the end of 1967, with earlier versions of the Microbus De Luxe having been dubbed 23-Window models. A wider rear door incorporated in 1964 necessitated removing the two curved, rear-corner windows, thus originating the moniker 21-Window that applies to this last iteration of first-generation Microbus production.

Type 2 body styles included various commercial-oriented panel vans and flat-bed pickups, but perhaps the most iconic version is the passenger-oriented Microbus Sunroof De Luxe, or Samba, featuring a quaint pop-out split windshield and eight large skylight windows flanking a retractable fabric roof. Instead of a sliding door at the side, the Samba body style had two conventional pivot doors. Volkswagens advertising embraced the idea of using the Samba to make long continental journeys across the American heartland a gamble which only served to further cement the models genuinely iconic legacy in popular culture.

This fantastically restored 1967 Type 2 Sunroof De Luxe Microbus was delivered new on 14 November 1966 to Portland, Oregon. Under recent ownership, the car has returned to the Pacific Northwest and in 2018 was treated to a complete restoration by marque specialist Volksfab of Gig Harbor, Washington. This attractive Type 2 derives its power from an air-cooled, 1,776-cubic-centimeter four-cylinder engine which reportedly produces 72 horsepower. Following its restoration, this bus was purchased by the consignor in August 2019.

The accompanying Volkswagen Production Certificate illustrates a full complement of US-market equipment including twin reverse lights, a speedometer in miles, sealed-beam headlights, hazard warning lights, safety belts, a laminated windscreen, ram protection, and the dual-circuit brake system.

As presented today, this Sunroof De Luxe wears its original color combination of Titian Red and White paintwork over a neatly trimmed cabin upholstered with Platinum Silver leatherette and Beige Grey cloth. Alongside its Safari pop-out windshield and six additional pop-out windows, this Type 2 sports a sliding ragtop in the roof, as well as a side entry door, dash clock, eight skylights, and a pair of front bucket seats to complete its desirable and rare walk-through configuration.

Riding smartly on wide whitewall radial tires, this stunning 1967 Type 2 is perfectly suited for club events, exhibitions, or pleasure drives with the soft roof open, with room for your friends to share in the fun.To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/auctions/az25/.