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, different body styles were introduced in the Type 2 line and known as the Transporter, Kombi or Microbus, 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. Body 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 2’s 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 year of production Samba bus.

This seven-seater example was manufactured in November of 1967, making it one of the last 21-Window examples produced—and exported from Germany to either Baltimore or Philadelphia, according to its vehicle identification number. It left the factory finished in two-tone Titian Red and Beige Grey with a Mesh Platinum/Platinum Silver 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, sealed-beam headlamps and red taillight lenses, right-side cargo doors, left-hand drive layout, full middle seat, and synthetic resin paint finish.

Sometime after finding its way to California as described, this Deluxe version underwent a full body-off restoration done to factory correct standards and finished in its original color combination, prior to being sold to the current owner in 2012. Having accumulated just over 210 miles since restoration, this Microbus still presents beautifully throughout and is accompanied by a spare tire, jack, and tools. Representing the end of an era when Volkswagen functionality was surpassed only by the degree of style and fun a 21-Window Samba bus offers, this example is ready for a new caretaker to discover its next adventure.