Two Rare and Collectible 'Kombis' to excite enthusiasts in Shannons Sydney Late Autumn Auction
• Restored '21-Window' Microbus with rare period factory options
• Rare RHD split-screen ‘Windowless’ Panel Van
With once-humble Volkswagen Kombi busses and commercial vehicles currently setting record prices at auction, with Australia setting the world pace.
A restored VW 23-window ‘Samba’ Microbus sold for a remarkable $202,000 at Shannons Melbourne Late summer auction in February, while last year a restored VW Campervan sold at auction for $74,000 and a ‘barnfind’ Kombi in need of a full restoration made $30,000.
With this interest, VW ‘Kombi’ enthusiasts and collectors around the world will closely be following Shannons Sydney Late Autumn Classic Auction on May 18 the outcome keenly when two fully-restored 1960s VW commercials face the gavel.
The model that has attracted the most interest to date is a rare, original factory right hand drive 1966 Volkswagen De Luxe ’21 Window’ Samba Microbus mechanically and cosmetically upgraded to show standards.
Making it even more collectible, the Microbus s fitted with the rare factory right hand drive M164 Sliding Door option and s registered to seat nine people.
Volkswagen's archives confirm that this 1966 Deluxe Microbus was built to right-hand drive specification and left the Hannover, Germany factory on April that year in Tiziano Red with a Beige Grey roof and platinum upholstery.
The Samba was equipped with two factory-fitted options: the steering/ignition lock (M056) and extremely rare sliding door (M164).
The current owner has carried out an extensive nut and bolt restoration of the vehicle in recent years, incorporating numerous mechanical and cosmetic upgrades and repainting the Microbus in very attractive period-style white over blue.
Some of these upgrades include a disc brake front end, independent rear suspension, a dual-port 1641cc engine and rack and pinion steering, transforming the Transporter's on-road liveability.
The interior has been completely re-trimmed to a high standard in matching full blue leather.
Because of its collectible rarity and superb presentation, Shannons expect the Samba Microbus to sell in the $100,000-$130,000 range on May 18.
Just as appealing to serious VW commercial vehicle collectors in the auction is a very desirable right hand drive split-screen 1962 Volkswagen Kombi ‘Windowless’ Panel Van that has been professionally restored and rebuilt with a high degree of authenticity.
Discovered under a tree on a property in Miles, QLD where it is reputed to have been sitting in largely complete and substantially original condition for approximately 25 years.
After its purchase by the current owners four years ago, the Volkswagen underwent a comprehensive restoration by Senko Auto Restorations that saw the bodywork and all mechanical components stripped and rebuilt as necessary, including is original 1200cc air cooled engine and four-speed manual transmission.
Now finished in a period two-tone colour scheme of cream over grey, with contrasting grey and red upholstery, the Kombi looks stunning, with Shannons expecting it to find willing bidders in the $60,000-$70,000 range.
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