Finding yourself with too many projects and selling one with the finish line in sight can be difficult. However, that is the decision the owner of this 1961 Volkswagen Samba Deluxe 23-Window Bus faced. With the panels and paint returned to a pristine state, it needs a new owner to add the finishing touches in time for a spot of summer fun. The seller includes parts to help the new owner down the road to completion. If you feel ready to admit a desirable project into your life, the owner has listed the Volkswagen exclusively at Barn Finds Auctions.
For enthusiasts unwilling or unable to tackle panel and paint restoration, this Samba offers a winning deal. The seller has replaced any suspect steel to ensure the vehicle is rust-free. They completed the process by applying a combination of Turquoise Green and Black paint, with the former shade carried over to the vehicle’s underside. There isn’t a spot of corrosion to cause sleepless nights, and the panels are as straight as an arrow and clean as you could hope to find. The trim looks excellent for a classic of this vintage, with the bumpers and nose badge finished in the same shade of Black that graces the panels. It is a distinctive look that helps to accentuate sparkling items like the door handles and hubcaps. The glass is intact and in good condition, as are the seals. Overall, this VW has no panel of paint needs, meaning the successful bidder’s grinder and welder can stay hidden in the cupboard.
Volkswagen hit upon a winning combination with its iconic drivetrain combination. Adopting a rear-engine platform in its vehicles from this era moved much of the noise and smell as far from the occupants as possible. It also meant vehicles like the Samba received a flat floor that maximized load-carrying capacity and allowed easier passenger access. This VW features an 1,192cc air-cooled flat-four that sends 40hp and 64 ft/lbs of torque to the road via a four-speed manual transaxle. Although neither figure sounds impressive, the Samba is a surprisingly versatile people mover that will cruise comfortably at 60mph. This one’s drivetrain is in excellent health and has no mechanical needs before returning to active service.
This Volkswagen’s interior is a work in progress, leaving the buyer to add the finishing touches. Unlike the exterior, the inside features older paint. It generally presents well for its age, although refreshing it before proceeding further should be straightforward and inexpensive. The front seat features new vinyl upholstery, while the rear seat has no cover. Front seat occupants receive a rubber floor mat, and those in the rear receive painted steel. However, a mat to match the one in front will be easy to find and a worthwhile investment considering this classic’s potential value. The door trims are present but aren’t installed. The gauge cluster is intact, although the successful bidder needs to source a radio and clock to complete the dash. If the new owner isn’t focused on originality, slotting a retro-style stereo into the radio’s spot would improve comfort on long journeys.
There was a time during the 1970s and early 1980s when the 1961 Volkswagen 23-Window Bus had fallen out of favor with the buying public. The Woodstock era was a distant memory, and manufacturers offered potential buyers vehicles with a similar carrying capacity but with significant improvements in comfort and refinement. However, you can’t keep a good classic down, and these beauties have developed a strong following that sees pristine examples command impressive prices that regularly stray into six-figure territory. This one is an unfinished build, but the end is in sight for the successful bidder. Could that person be you?
- Location: Tuckahoe, New York
- Mileage: 42,006 Shown, TMU
- Engine: 1.2-liter flat-four
- Transmission: Manual
- VIN: 704535
- Title Status: Clean
Bid On This Auction
- PapaVW bid $35,000.00 2023-03-13 10:04:21
- GMoney bid $33,500.00 2023-03-13 10:03:48
- PapaVW bid $33,000.00 2023-03-13 10:00:33
- GMoney bid $30,500.00 2023-03-13 10:00:06
- PapaVW bid $30,000.00 2023-03-13 09:57:39
- GMoney bid $29,000.00 2023-03-13 09:57:18
- hcrealtor1 bid $28,500.00 2023-03-13 09:53:01
- PapaVW bid $25,000.00 2023-03-13 09:48:50
- Steve Bullows bid $24,000.00 2023-03-13 09:47:58
- PapaVW bid $23,000.00 2023-03-13 09:45:22
- GMoney bid $20,500.00 2023-03-13 09:40:44
- Cory bid $20,250.00 2023-03-13 09:18:29
- PapaVW bid $19,995.00 2023-03-13 09:02:47
- Cory bid $16,250.00 2023-03-13 08:05:44
- Steve Bullows bid $16,000.00 2023-03-13 05:38:46
- Cory bid $14,250.00 2023-03-12 17:41:38
- GMoney bid $13,850.00 2023-03-12 13:22:27
- Steve Bullows bid $13,600.00 2023-03-11 06:10:14
- Gregorio bid $13,333.00 2023-03-08 23:15:18
- AUTOMANRUSS bid $12,000.00 2023-03-05 09:59:23
- Pwh bid $8,000.00 2023-03-05 09:55:21
- Rjp418 bid $5,000.00 2023-03-04 11:02:00
- ET bid $101.89 2023-03-04 10:53:00
Curiosity gets the best of me, but where is the lid to this classic? Did I miss any mention of it in the story?
It certainly looks and sounds great. And the work that has been put in to it, impressive. Some ‘ol Hippy will be getting to go back in time in style. I love older vehicles much more than new ones. New ones might have all the chimes and bells, but don’t hold a candle to the classics. Good luck on your sale.
Nice work on this one but that green and black sure doesn’t fit the old van’s personality.
One sold on Bring a Trailer on 3/3/2023 for $138k. It was in superlative condition even though the “Experts” in the comments section pointed out several areas that weren’t absolutely authentic and would need a bit of work to get it back to original. I don’t think this VW will sell on the BF auction site unless the offer goes up considerably.
some I like rest0, some mod. This one (is it called “22 window”?) I like a full parimiter (even if not on oe) of ‘top lites’ and the same w/’moon roof’ (I’d have a snap on tenue w/clips for a full doghouse, 6.5 ft interior. Last? (naw, U dont wanna no) a 6 cyl subie hopped up so I could pull my 16 ft car trailer… the windshield could have the push out bottom & no other windows but the drivers, passengers & 1st in the 2nd passenger’s door (not any in 3rd dor or round back – lift gate, anywhere but the 3, mig em up w/panels.). 8 dors would B perfect but U cant have any but whats there over the engine. So add 2 to rd side. The sleepin 1/4s would B in the bed, all doors open a tent to L & R – one kitchen, 1 recreation & temp wrkshop. I can go on nother 200 wrds but no, it’s my fantasy, I’ve burdened U enuff.
Short answr? All a dream anyway. Thnx BF for lettin me in for a ride~
I had a ’61 and unless the engine has been modified, the top speed as stated in the owner’s manual, was 59 mph. It was great fun to own and took me across the country several times…at a leisurely pace. They’re unsafe on so many levels but rewarding to own.
I can appreciate what sellers want for their cars I do wish they would quit wasting people time and just list it for your reserve price because it will sell for that or it won’t
@Troy – Sometimes sellers adjust their reserves at the last minute. Have you ever been to a live auction?
Is it possible to inspect the bus in person this weekend? Does it come with the side and bumper trim?
It would be very helpful to see a list of what is included in the auction.
Does the sale include the sunroof assy?
Rear seats? Ect, ect……….
Here’s what the seller just sent me in terms of included parts:
Roof top frame appears to be complete other than the soft parts
Side windows with new frames
Heating parts for ceiling
New gaskets for windows
Extra rear curved window
Two top windows with gaskets
Lots of old parts to many to list everything goes with the bus
Also the engine is new it’s a 1600 duel port with 2 miles on it
can you please post a picture of the Mplate/vin by the top air vent, on the passenger side? was this bus originally a 23 window? the chassis number that is shown by the engine does not tell the whole story.
Not for 65K. Prices have come down my friend.
BATrailer had a 1965 VW 21 window that was bid up to $85k so even if it wasn’t sold some people were very willing to get to that figure so this one could easily fetch $65k.
You won’t believe what they pay for this bully in Germany.
There is a lot to like about the body work that so far has been done on this bus with the exception of the upper body color.
There is at least $15k worth of missing parts that will take a year minimum to source plus a fair amount of labor to finish the whole job.
The pictures were woefully inadequate for any vehicle auction much less a 23 window. I am surprised BF let that happen.
The seller did not provide enough proof that it was a German made bus, not a Brazilian made.
Pretty much a waste of everybody’s time.
The seller now has a documented failed auction stigma on his bus.
Poor sales presentation by seller gets the expected result.