1965 VW Type 2 Samba

Description

1965 VW Type 2 Samba

This incredible 21 window Samba is a fully restored camper van which has been subject to a JD Classics 'Special Commission' 5000 hour programme of restoration and bespoke upgrading. With numerous special features it must surely be one of the most remarkable examples of this iconic VW in the world.

Starting life as a LHD Type 2 Samba, this VW was constructed in late April 1965 and delivered to its first owner in May of 1965 who seems to have lived in Salzburg, Austria. A copy of the original German registration document shows two further owners in the Salzburg area up to 1993. By 2002 the Samba had found its way to the UK by which time it had been painted Blue and given an age related registration plate. At this time the vehicle was in a very solid, if rather tired, condition and it was eventually offered for sale in 2004 when it was acquired by JD Classics on behalf of a long-term customer with instructions to undertake a full concours standard restoration and extensive program of bespoke customisation. The restoration work involved a complete strip down to the bare shell, which was bead blasted, and refurbishment or replacement of every single component. The customisation was truly wide ranging and the final specification is simply breath-taking and too extensive to document in detail here. In summary it includes:

• A 2 litre fast road specification engine with all synchromesh 4 speed gearbox, all round disc brakes (vented at the front) and engine oil cooler

• Air suspension with adjustable ride height, incorporating individual wheel by wheel adjustment for optimal vehicle levelling when camping on slopes / uneven ground.

• Chromed wide rim sports wheels

• Bare metal repaint and total custom interior installation by “Interiormotive” incorporating re-trim in the finest materials

• Front seats fitted with integral head restraints, captain’s chair style armrests and reclining with fore, aft and side adjustment. Passenger seat rotates through 180 degrees

• Insert for optional bench style front seat to accommodate 3 passengers up front if required.

• Full panoramic sun roof in fire retardant material

• Roof integrated solar panels for battery charging

• Safari opening front screens, pop out side windows, with opening windows throughout.

• Correct wooden base roof rack

• Pull out double bed with air inflatable mattress providing additional width over the standard Rock’n’Roll style bed

• Vacuum cleaner

• Electrically raised cooker and sink

• Period look dashboard mounted FM/MW/ MP3 Radio and separate rear compartment radio unit with amplifier, woofer, fader and balance control for numerous surround sound effect high output speakers. Separate USB port

• Satellite navigation

• Electrically raised pop up LCD / LED Television with remote control and Digital Alpine Media Receiver with Alpine DVD / Video DVD CD / CD Multi-changer

• Integral fridge with external vents and extra capacity on-board water tanks for fresh water and grey water with level indicators and cut off valves. Grey water has electrically operated discharge system for ease of emptying into drains etc. Bespoke side hatch for re-filling fresh water.

• 240 V / 12 V internal power sockets.

• Numerous concealed-opening wood covered compartments fulfilling various functions including large capacity gas cylinder cupboard.

The attention to detail during the build was incredible, requiring more than 5000 hours, and would cost in excess of half a million pounds today. Such was the scope and standard of the customisation work that the van was extensively featured in an edition of VolksWorld magazine. Following completion of the work in 2013 the camper has seen minimal use and has been meticulously maintained by JD Classics ever since. As such it presents in 'as new' condition and presents a unique opportunity to acquire one of, if not the, best VW camper van in the world. It comes with a full photographic record of the work involved, a JD Classics handbook outlining how to use all the special features and a good history file. SOLD