1963 Volkswagen Type 2 23-Window Deluxe Samba Split-Window Bus

This 1963 Volkswagen Type 2 is a 23-window Deluxe model that was initially built on October 11, 1962, and delivered to Chicago, Illinois. It was refurbished by Rusty Gold Restorations of Phoenix, Arizona, approximately 10 years ago and received multiple awards in 2014 before it was acquired by the current owner in 2018. Finished in gray with a white roof, the bus is powered by a rebuilt 1.2-liter flat-four mated to a four-speed manual transaxle. The walkthrough cab has a sliding fabric sunroof, Safari windows, and eight skylight windows in addition to front bucket seats and two rows of benches trimmed in beige vinyl. Additional features include 15″ steel wheels, polished hubcaps, painted bumpers, an AM radio, an analog clock, and a cabin heater. This 23-window Samba is now offered on dealer consignment with the Volkswagen AutoMuseum Vehicle Identity Certificate, award plaques, and an Arizona title. Finished from the factory in Mouse Grey with a Pearl White roof, the bus was stripped to bare metal and repainted using a single-stage Glasurit paint under prior ownership. Exterior features include painted bumpers, a retractable cloth sunroof, pop-out Safari windows, and dual side-view mirrors. White-painted steel 15″ wheels with polished hubcaps are mounted with Firestone Deluxe tires measuring 6.40-15. Stopping power is provided by drum brakes at all four corners. The walkthrough cab houses front bucket seats upholstered in beige vinyl, and a black covering lines the floors. Appointments include seat belts, an AM radio, an analog clock, and a cabin heater. The rear portion of the cab houses two rows of bench seats that are accessed via cargo doors located on the right side of the bus. Reupholstery work performed in the cab was completed by Miller’s Upholstery and Fabrication. The two-spoke white steering wheel fronts painted metal dash that houses an 80-mph speedometer and a fuel-level gauge. The five-digit odometer shows 165 miles. Total mileage is unknown. The 1.2-liter flat-four was factory equipped with a single downdraft carburetor and is said to have been rebuilt by Frenchy’s Rides, while Arizona Transaxle Exchange in Phoenix, Arizona, rebuilt the four-speed manual transaxle. The factory underbody trays were stripped, re-sealed, and repainted during the refurbishment. The Stiftung AutoMuseum Volkswagen Zertifikat lists production information and options. The current Arizona title carries a “Not Actual Mileage” notation. Filed under: vw