Nothing tops a 23-window Samba unless you find an even rarer Double-door model in perfect condition
If this Double-door Samba doesn’t do it for you, you might want to call the Camper&Bus helpline! But somehow I think the lines will be pretty quiet because for many Split lovers this is the Holy Grail. It’s got Deluxe trim, tons of glass, a ragtop, is fully restored with a cracking stance and doors on both sides.
Sambas top most people’s wish list. They were the top of the range back in the day and not cheap, hence not many were sold in comparison to the other models and we all know what that does to the prices today. But let’s focus on this particularly rare, immaculately restored Samba owned by Peter Sinclair. When he bought this Samba, he knew without doubt it was the Bus for him. His only problem was persuading its owner of that fact.
Peter had scoured the internet for many months looking for the perfect Samba when one day he spotted this beauty for sale. But the timing was all wrong because just as the owner was thinking of selling it he went to the Leeds VW Festival, had second thoughts and decided to keep it, leaving Peter back at square one.
His search continued but after the sale of another 23-Window Samba from the US fell through he really began to think he’d never find one. Then he spotted this Bus up for sale again. This time he wasn’t taking any chances and contacted the seller immediately.
It turned out the seller was after a 23-Window Barndoor and needed to sell the Double-door, so a deal was done and within a few weeks Peter had been to view the Bus again, finalised the deal and driven it home.
The Bus is a rare Double-door 23-Window Samba dating from 1959 and was in great condition, having been restored previously. Originally an Australian Bus, it had been well cared for and been restored by the previous owners, who used it for family days out. In fact, Peter has a disc of photos from its time in Oz, showing the family enjoying the Bus at the beach. In 2003, the Bus was shipped to the UK by the previous owner who decided to upgrade it with an IRS conversion.
A high-torque rebuilt gearbox was installed followed by the big 2007cc motor. With the back of the Bus seeing the ground a little closer thanks to that IRS conversion, adjustable spring plates were fitted along with coilover shocks all round. Up front, a narrowed and adjustable beam and dropped spindles made it four inches lower before the CSP disc brakes were fitted.
The interior was kept stock, albeit freshened up with new upholstery and rubber mats. The Banjo steering wheel, white painted speedo and Blaupunkt CD changer and Pioneer speakers are the only deviation from standard, but when you’re parked up with the Safari windows ajar, roof back and the double doors open, it’s nice to listen to some favourite tunes as well.
That’s basically how Peter got the Bus and he was quite happy to use it as it was for a year, though he always had a few plans in mind, so in January 2008 he sent it off for some ‘light bodywork’ which should have taken no more than a few months.
Fifteen months later the Bus rolled out looking as it does now. So what happened in that period? Well, a complete stripdown and rebuild is what, but not because of excessive rust or anything of that nature. No, the rebuild was carried out because Peter had a vision, and a few small rust bubbles didn’t fit that vision.
Work began and the engine was removed, as was the exterior and interior trim, the Australian spec twin rear light/indicator panel was removed and replaced with single lights, and the rusted areas around the front arches, cargo doors and rear corners were repaired. There wasn’t much rot, but Peter wanted to nip any rust in the bud, so the lower front panel was replaced and the aerial holes filled in too.
The final job was to prep the body for paint in the original Sealing Wax Red under Biege Grey, inside and out. The refit was quick and easy as the parts going back on were in excellent condition and had been labelled and safely stored away during the restoration.
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