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1959 Deluxe Sunroof Bus Price: $147000
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Up for sale is this 1959 VW Sunroof Deluxe bus that has been meticulously brought back to life after undergoing an extensive restoration process. The history of this bus goes back more than 66 years when it was manufactured as a non-sunroof "Samba" the month of March, 1959 and left the German factory in April, 1959 and was delivered to the U.S. city of Baltimore, MD. Once in the U.S., it was driven from the East Coast to the West Coast by a teacher whom made her home in Santa Barbara, California. For many years, the bus was driven daily while enduring the coastal temperatures and sea breeze of this iconic city.
Over time, nature would do what it does best to metal and as the years went by, the bus began to rust. Interestingly enough, the owner of the bus, also an artist, began to decorate the bus both outside and inside with papier-mache, oil based paints, tin foil, and a myriad of other media. The bus clearly stood out because of its unique look and consequently became a well known point of interest. Surprisingly, the bus was still a running bus and was eventually sold in order for the owner to pay off some debt. I bought this unique 15 window and brought it down to Southern California where its fame was put into the spotlight again when hotVWs magazine recorded the "unveiling" on YouTube. In order to find out what was under the layers of art, the peeling process began. In the end, only the floors and frame were the only solid aspects remaining as the decoupage had held together what metal and glass was left. It was clear that the bus would need to either be scrapped or undergo some serious restoration.
Fortunately, the current owner of the bus chose the latter and proceeded to take advantage of the many replacement sheet metal parts available at the time. Little by little, the metal was put together and a new body came to life. This process took a couple of years since not all of the panels had been reproduced at the time and so the waiting process added to the timeframe. Eventually, the "new" body was complete and the base of the "Santa Barbara" bus was ready to be mated to it. Once together and checked over repeatedly for fitment, the bus was painted in its original scheme of Sealing Wax Red and Beige Grey combination which is reflected in the birth certificate.
From this point, it only made sense to obtain as many new components available in order to make the bus as "new" as possible including the seat frames and glass. The seat covers and panels were custom stitched and not "off the shelf". It was professionally installed as well as the headliner. Once the interior panels were in, the assembly process began and was detailed by Vintage Auto Classics in Orange, CA. The bus arrived from Santa Barbara with a "big nut" transmission and a very tired 1600cc engine which were both incorrect for this 1959 bus. Therefore, a period correct transmission was professionally rebuilt and detailed as well as the 36hp engine. The bus is fitted with new 15" bus wheels and are wrapped with Firestone tires that are the correct size. The bumpers boast the correct deluxe trim and match the flawless belt line trim including the engine vent louver spears that came on early deluxe buses. The electrical system is all new and in excellent working order. The speedometer, clock and wiper motor assembly are original VW and well-restored.
This bus is as new as it can get. The investment far exceeds the selling price of this bus, and rather than putting it up for auction, the owner whom has moved out of state would like to see it go to a new, good home and not just the highest bidder. This is a unique bus with a little bit of history. It deserves to be appreciated and most of all, enjoyed. The bus drives flawlessly down the road and stands out everywhere it takes you. With less than 40 miles on the odometer, it's ready for some incredible memories to be made.
Check out this video I did on it. It will give you a great idea of what's it's like.
https://youtu.be/RqgWIzZQ37U?si=u9EUz4hL3yvhcUA-
I personally no longer own this beauty, but I'm helping the current owner find a new home for it. I can answer any question(s) you might have.
Thanks,
Eddy
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Check us out at www.vwvintageparts.com
Informacion y descripciones en Español.
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