Specifications

It belonged to a Trotskyist, a Maoist, a Democrat and a Republican without ever changing owners – Volkswagen T1 Samba

The 1950s; A time of a booming economy, the time of reconstruction and the first hash-smoking hippies. But also a piece of German-Dutch history; The Volkswagen T1. After the Second World War, few countries wanted anything to do with Germany. Fortunately, Ben Pon saw things differently and maintained good relations with the Volkswagen concern. When he drove to Wolfsburg one day to discuss the new purchasing numbers and figures for the Beetle, he picked up a draft sheet. That notepad later became at least as iconic as the Beetle. Why? Simple according to Uncle Ben!

The car market needed lots of practical space, wanted to transport things and above all, it had to be at least as technically simple as the Beetle. So Mr Pon sketched, based on a Beetle chassis, a big, lovable bus. Little did he know…

Most T1s faithfully served the plumber, baker or milkman and were thus mostly frugal. Ours was the most luxurious version, advertised and conceived for the explorer. The Volkswagen T1 Samba was very popular in California. The Samba driver can be distinguished by its safari windows and large sunroof. So besides the famous trucker arm in summer, you can recognise the Samba driver by a permanently burnt crown!

There is a special story behind our Volkswagen T1 Samba De Luxe.
In 1966, the T1 samba was born as a 251 model. A 7-seater with pass-through between the front seats and the two bench seats. Rich in as many as 21 windows, 6 of which can open side windows (optional!). After its birth, immediately moved to the sunny part of San Francisco. With many enjoyable drives in California, the Volkswagen T1 Samba caught the attention of a Japanese VW vintage specialist. In 2003, the van was fully restored. The restoration process was a task in itself and required a lot of effort, butrr the result is worth it. The 1960s splashes from it again with the pearly white roof combined with the velvet green, He-all finished!

2009 is the year it made its first Dutch marks. Today in more than top condition and ready for many smiling faces again. With a run-up that is, because you shouldn’t be in a hurry. The 42 horses will always take you where you need to be. “Turn on, tune in, and drop out!