"Also known in the United States as the Sunroof Deluxe, the Volkswagen Samba was the most luxurious version of the T1. Volkswagen started producing Sambas in 1951 and in the USA Volkswagen vans were informally classified according to the number of windows they had. This particular model had 23 and later 21 windows including eight panoramic ones in the roof. To distinguish it from the normal Volkswagen van the name Samba was coined.Instead of a sliding door at the side the Samba had two pivot doors and also featured a fabric sunroof. At the time Volkswagen advertised with the idea of using the Samba to make tourist trips through the Alps.
Sambas were usually painted as standard in two colours with the upper part being white and the two coloured sections separated by a decorative strip. Furthermore, the bus had a so-called ‘hat’ at the front of the van where the roof was just a little longer than the car itself to block the sun for the driver. The windows had chrome tables and the van had a more comprehensive dashboard than the normal T1. 
An early and desirable 'split-screen' model, this remarkable example of Volkswagen's ever-popular Samba microbus left the Wolfsburg factory and was delivered to its first registered owner in the UK on 1st August 1967. Our vendor purchased this example in 2005 shortly after it had been renovated.  He had been looking for the perfect split-screen camping experience and while searching for just such a bus he stumbled across this particular Samba and it immediately drew his attentiondue to being a UK registered righthand drive 21 Window Microbus/Samba with its original Devon Camper interior;an extremely special vehicle and fantastic for family camping trips. 
At the time of discovery, it was found to have a Porsche 912 engine along-sideupgrades such as stiffer and lower suspension and disc brakes whichvastly improved the van’s handling and stopping capabilities. Other than these aberrations however,the Bus was very original and had maintained its original paint and bodyshell which was in good condition.Upon sale, the previous owner removed the Porsche engine and refitted the original engine, however, after taking the vehicle back to London it was decided that a two litre flat-four would be used in place of the original engine to give a bit more power and usability on the country roads and to keep up with modern-day traffic. 
This vehicle has been used and brought fun for many years and has proved to be very reliable, consistently serviced by Jacks Garage in Notting Hill from where many receipts can be shown for work carried out.In 2016 the bus underwent a bare metal restoration to get rid of all the normal rust issues and was given a fresh lick of paint to bring it back to great condition. This was a major undertaking and no expense was spared. At the same time it was decided that a few upgrades would be included which consisted of all new electrics, replacement roof and power steering which has vastly improved the driving experience of a 51-year-old bus.
Specification for this example including these subtle upgrades consist of but are not limited to upgraded suspension and brakes, a 2.0 litre flat four engine with BugPack performance parts and filters, power steering, Geneberg short gear changerand oil temperaturegauge. Leisure specifications include iPod connection, a leisure battery, modern heating module, a full original Devon Camper interior with retractable roof, interior lights and worktop/table with ample storage. All of the above ensures this classic bus is usable in modern traffic and still looks the part at festivals, camping and weekend trips.  These Split Screen Samba campervans make such a statementwherever they are parked up and remainone of the most timeless and desirable campers.  The example on offer today is iconic, collectable, rare and, in righthand drive with upgrades, incredibly usable, with a sensible estimate.  Viewing is highly recommended.
 
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