Fantasy Junction

Description

1966 Volkswagen Deluxe 21 Window Type 2 Bus

Chassis No. – 256069313
Engine No. – AE799237
Exterior Color – Two-Tone Turquoise and White
Interior Color – Turquoise and White Vinyl
Engine – 1.6 Liter Air-Cooled Flat Four Cylinder
Transmission – 4-Speed Manual
Mileage –90,684 miles TMU
Current owner – Purchased in 2013

Highlights of This Car

-Tastefully restored factory 21 window DeLuxe Sunroof Microbus
-Robust 1600 cc engine upgraded to 1900 cc

General History

Few vehicles have become ubiquitous to the world landscape like the VW Bus. Depending on when you were born, chances are you’ve either owned, driven, or been a passenger in a VW bus. Known as the Transporter, Kombi, Microbus, or Samba, the Type 2 bus was the seminal vehicle that ushered in the genre of modern vans and delivery vehicles. By the 1960s, US built vans would appear from all American manufacturers, but the VW bus was first. Though the earliest Type 2 buses were used primarily for commercial purposes, they developed a dedicated following among anti-establishment counterculture in the 1960s, embodying the free spirit of the 1960s and adventurous lifestyle associated with camping, exploring, and living “off the grid”. Even VW caught on offering family oriented camper variants with additional aftermarket features including a roof-mounted boat, pop-out tent, and interior convenience appliances. Among the most desirable, 21 window (including the roof windows) and 23 window variants have today become the most sought after of all the early series buses.

Over the years, individuals have customized their Microbuses with personal touches or as faithfully restored examples. Today the VW bus remains an important and desirable cultural icon of freedom, independence, and lifestyle, transcending the category of automobile into a whole new lifestyle brand. Collectors frequently will spend upwards of six figures for the right early series Split-Screen Deluxe Samba, particularly the multi-window variants, making these early generation transporters highly desirable for enthusiasts who enjoy driving and showing their unique and historically relevant VW buses.

History of This Bus

This original Split-Screen Deluxe Microbus has benefited from a tasteful combination of upgrades and restoration work performed on the exterior and interior with attention to the drivetrain, mechanical systems, and cosmetics. The restoration was completed in 2013 under current ownership and reportedly was based on a solid, drivable bus with generally good cosmetics. The corresponding chassis number and data plates affixed in the correct locations reflect the original factory build as a 21 window Type 2. M codes on the tags indicate:

425 – Seat belts installed in mounting sockets
002 – US sealed beam headlights
081 – Walk-thru front seats in LHD (Microbus and Deluxe)
114 – Six pop-out side windows (export market)

The body shell was stripped and painted in Turquoise and White. Bumpers and trim were restored, and the interior restored using quality vinyl materials and finishes reflective of original specifications. The 1600cc engine was upgraded to 1,920cc specs and now runs a 12V system for improved electrical function. Fewer than 100 miles have been added by the current owner since the restoration was completed in 2013 with ongoing services in 2014 and 2016 with regular fluid changes performed as needed.

Current Condition

Today this Deluxe Microbus presents as a handsome combination of restored and updated features reflective of factory specifications when delivered new with modest upgrades that retain the original character of the 1966 design. The two-tone paint is glossy throughout and properly applied with smooth coverage on the exterior surfaces. The light turquoise color has a nice vintage tint which matches with the antique white creating a charming combination repeated on the interior. The fit and finish is generally good overall for the front and barn doors, rear window hatch, and engine lid. Various painted trim is quite good though some areas around the painted window edges are showing signs of age. The rubber gaskets and various trim reflect thoughtful attention to detail inside and out combining original details with newer replacements as needed. The overall condition of the lighting, lenses, and emblems is excellent. The glass is in very good condition throughout, bearing the Sekurit glass and VW branding imprint on the glass panels including the rare roof windows which account for the 21-window series. The sunroof opens and latches properly, sliding back to reveal a panoramic opening. The front and rear bumpers have been painted body color, blending nicely into the body. Both front and rear bumpers feature rubber and polished aluminum corner guards. A set of matching steel wheels are paired with polished wheel covers wearing Michelin 185/75 R14 narrow-band whitewall radial tires.

The interior has been restored using two-tone upholstery and nice use of dark grey carpeting and material accents finishing off the side panels of the interior to a very pleasing level. The “pass-through” front seats are fitted with black seat belts and chrome buckles. The headliner appears to be the original material showing signs of aging, while the various details on the stock dashboard remain original with a few exceptions including helpful aftermarket fuel and oil-temperature gauges. The louvered dashboard retains an original steering wheel and original speedometer along with various correct knobs and desirable features including a Bendix Sapphire AM radio, chrome ashtray, and Deluxe rectangular clock. With the passenger side barn doors open, the matching two-tone rear bench seats are easily accessible and fitted with black seat belts and chrome buckles. The upper rear shelf is covered with matching dark grey carpet and the six pop-out windows feature chrome latches for easy opening. A matching steel wheel spare tire is wrapped with a protective turquoise vinyl cover and mounted sideways above the engine compartment.

The engine compartment is both cosmetically and mechanically tidy with very good finishes and sorted mechanicals. The engine is stamped with the AE series prefix, indicating 1600 series August 1970-September 1971 build date which, according to the owner, was uprated to 1920cc during the restoration. The engine compartment features a combination of generally authentic finishes with a few hardware enhancements, 12-volt system, dual carburetors, and correct corrugated aluminum ducting to finish off the engine compartment. The undercarriage is representative of a generally clean and sound example with consistent floors, undercoating, and correct suspension mounts. Though some areas show signs of age typical for buses of this vintage there are no visual signs of structural compromise to the floor or suspension mounts.

This Deluxe bus starts easily, idles smoothly, and runs very well. Throttle response is rewarding from the 1920 cc engine especially for those familiar with the originally under-motivated 54hp engine. The power is very progressive through all four speeds with excellent acceleration and passing power. Braking and suspension are in keeping with the spirit of the original which encourages beach-level Samba driving manners indicative of Jerry Garcia and Jimmy Buffet arrival times.

This is an excellent opportunity to acquire a nicely prepared Deluxe 21-Window Microbus. Part of the iconic 1960s pre-digital era of peace and love, the VW Bus continues to excite collectors and enthusiasts today for the same enticing adventurous spirit it offered more than half a century ago.

Included with this Microbus

This Microbus comes with a bus cover, a set of four spare wheel covers, a set of four bumper overriders, an overrider bumper bar, misc. hardware and spare parts, and a wicker basket with matching colored towels.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608