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—known variously as the Transporter, Kombi or Microbus—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 was its “forward control” layout, which placed the driver over the front wheels. Though not necessarily the first to use such a format, the Volkswagen Type 2 helped popularize it.

The Type 2’s rear-drive, rear-engine chassis was derived from the Beetle, along with its horizontally opposed air-cooled four-cylinder engine. Styles included various commercial-oriented panel vans and flat-bed pickups. But perhaps the most iconic version is the passenger-oriented Microbus Deluxe, or Samba, featuring a quaint pop-out split windshield and eight large skylight windows flanking a retractable fabric roof. The first-generation Type 2s were produced from 1951 through the end of 1967, with earlier versions of the Microbus Deluxe having been dubbed “23-Window” models accounting for all of the window panes present. 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.

This seven-seater example was manufactured in May of 1964 and exported from Germany to the San Francisco Port. It left the factory finished in two-tone Turquoise and Blue-White with a Como Green interior. The M-plate, or trim tag, indicates the following features were included from the factory: seat belts and mounting points, six pop-out side windows, cargo doors right, short middle seat, US-specification bumpers, and synthetic resin paint finish.

Purchased by the seller in 2006, this beautifully presented bus now sports a blue and white exterior paint scheme over a parchment interior. This respray is believed to have occurred roughly 25 years ago, and since then, the bus has been well cared-for. Out back, the original engine has been replaced by a larger unit displacing 1.7 liters, a feature that will no doubt aid in traversing steep uphill grades. This Volkswagen further features suite of modern speakers installed in cabinets under the seats.

Nicely cared-for and effortlessly stylish, this Deluxe Bus is an ideal beach cruiser well suited for hauling all of your friends.