To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION WITHOUT RESERVE at RM Sothebys' Arizona event, 24 January 2025.

• 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 its hugely successful first production model, the well-loved Type 1 Beetle. Originally intended for the commercial market, the Type 2 was built in a wide range of body styles, with each offering an innovative way to transport cargo or passengers in a convenient, car-sized package. Key to this versatility was the model’s “forward control” layout, which placed the driver over the front wheels.

The first-generation Type 2 was 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 had two conventional pivoting doors. Volkswagen’s 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 model’s genuinely iconic legacy in popular culture.

This fantastically restored 1967 Type 2 "21-Window" De Luxe Sunroof Microbus was delivered new on 14 November 1966 to Portland, Oregon. Under recent ownership, the car 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 power from an air-cooled, 1,776-cubic-centimeter four-cylinder engine, which reportedly produces 72 horsepower. Following its restoration, it 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 De Luxe Sunroof Microbus 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 roof open to the sky and room for many 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/.