Rare 1955 VW campervan to go under the hammer
Part of VW campervan history
If you like the idea of owning a part of VW campervan history then head for Silverstone Auctions on 22 Feb where an immaculately restored 1955 VW Type 2 Samba Microbus is up for auction. This split-screen, right hand drive camper was the most luxurious version of the Microbus body style and featured eight panoramic windows in the roof, 23 windows in total. It had two pivot doors instead of the more usual sliding door, and a fabric sunroof. The VW marketing in the 50s encouraged buyers to make tourist trips through the Alps.The early Sambas, built between 1951-1955 featured a huge rear engine cover that earned it the nickname, ‘barn-door’. This is a post barn-door model which was delivered new to the UK on 21 November 1955. It was imported by John Colborne-Baber, who founded the first UK VW dealership in the town of Ripley, who used it for his personal transport. After being suitable impressed he contacted VW in Germany and began importing VWs into the UK. The Samba though was never officially imported into the UK, which makes this the only surviving example of the range that crossed the Channel.
In 1959 Mr Colborne-Baber had the interior of the camper converted by Devon Conversions so as to be suitable for family holidays but in 1962 it went into storage for 30 years. It was discovered in 1992 but it was only in the last 18 months that serious restoration work has taken place to take it back to the condition it was in when the Colborne-Baber family used it.
VW expert Kevin Morgan created a period-correct Devon interior complete with a correct Osokool fridge and Dudley stove which were sourced specifically for the restoration and are in perfect condition. More experts such as Trimshack and Smiths VW were used to provide period upholstery, trim and body and paintwork. The camper, registration SGP 62, has been restored as near as possible to the original specification but with addition of a few additional safety and convenience features such as a concealed fuel gauge, iPhone dock, 12v sockets and a treasure chest safe. These could easily be removed to make it completely authentic to the original design.The Samba Microbus has a new 2.0-litre twin-carb engine, dual-circuit brakes, independent rear suspension, radial white-wall tyres,, engine bay fire suppressant system and front and rear seatbelts.
To round things off there is a certificate of authenticity from the Stiftung AutoMuseum Volkswagen and a letter regarding the camper from the son of Mr Colborne-Baber. The estimate is £70,000 to £75,000 but bidding is expected to be fierce. Get the details of the auction from Silverstone Auctions.
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