In March of 1950, Volkswagen introduced the Type 2 Microbus as a follow-up to their hugely successful first production model, the well-loved Type 1 Beetle. Originally designed with the commercial market in mind, the Type 2 was built in a wide range of body styles, with each offering an innovative way to transport cargo and passengers in a convenient, car-sized package. Key to this versatility was the model’s “forward control” layout, which placed the driver over the front wheels.

The first-generation Type 2s were produced from 1951 through the end of 1967, with earlier versions of the Microbus De Luxe having been dubbed “23-Window” models. A wider rear door incorporated in 1964 necessitated removing the two curved, rear-corner windows, thus originating the moniker “21-Window” that applies to this last iteration of first-generation Microbus production.

Type 2 body styles included various commercial-oriented panel vans and flat-bed pickups, but perhaps the most iconic version is the passenger-oriented Microbus Sunroof De Luxe, or Samba, featuring a quaint pop-out split windshield and eight large skylight windows flanking a retractable fabric roof. Instead of a sliding door at the side, the Samba body style had two conventional pivot doors. Volkswagen’s advertising embraced the idea of using the Samba to make long continental journeys across the American heartland—a gamble which only served to further cement the model’s genuinely iconic legacy in popular culture.

This fantastically restored 1967 Type 2 Sunroof Del Luxe Microbus was delivered new on 14 November 1966 to Portland, Oregon. Under recent ownership, the car has returned to the Pacific Northwest and in 2018 was treated to a complete restoration by marque specialist Volksfab of Gig Harbor, Washington. This attractive Type 2 derives its power from an air-cooled, 1,776-cubic-centimeter four-cylinder engine which reportedly produces 72 horsepower. Following its restoration, this bus was purchased by the consignor in August 2019.

The accompanying Volkswagen Production Certificate illustrates a full complement of US-market equipment including twin reverse lights, a speedometer in miles, sealed-beam headlights, hazard warning lights, safety belts, a laminated windscreen, ram protection, and the dual-circuit brake system.

As presented today, this Sunroof De Luxe wears its original color combination of Titian Red and White paintwork over a neatly trimmed cabin upholstered with Platinum Silver leatherette and Beige Grey cloth. Alongside its Safari pop-out windshield and six additional pop-out windows, this Type 2 sports a sliding ragtop in the roof, as well as a side entry door, dash clock, eight skylights, and a pair of front bucket seats to complete its desirable and rare “walk-through” configuration.

Riding smartly on wide whitewall radial tires, this stunning 1967 Type 2 is perfectly suited for club events, exhibitions, or pleasure drives with the soft roof open, with room for your friends to share in the fun.