1961 Volkswagen Split-Window Bus

This 1961 Volkswagen Bus is a Deluxe Samba model that underwent refurbishment prior to being acquired by the selling dealer in 2023. Work included disassembling the bus and refinishing the body in red and white, reupholstering the interior in gray vinyl, and overhauling the air-cooled flat-four. Equipment includes a four-speed manual transaxle, 15″ steel wheels, a sliding fabric sunroof, eight skylight windows, six pop-out side windows, three rows of bench seats, and a 12-volt electrical system. This Type 2 is now offered by the selling dealer in New York with a Volkswagen AutoMuseum Certificate and a bonded Texas title. The 23-window body was factory-finished in Sealing Wax Red (L53) and Beige Grey (L472) and was repainted as part of the refurbishment. The bullet-style front indicators have been removed, and additional exterior details include a sliding fabric sunroof, eight skylight windows, six pop-out side windows, dual side mirrors, and white-painted bumpers with overriders. A scratch is present on a rear bumper overrider. Body-color 15″ steel wheels feature VW-stamped hubcaps and are mounted with 155-series Firestone F-560 tires. Braking is handled by drums on all four wheels. The front cabin houses a bench seat trimmed in gray vinyl upholstery with white piping along with color-coordinated door and side panels. A black rubber floor mat lines the footwells, and additional appointments include sliding front windows, an analog clock, and an overhead ventilation unit. The two-spoke steering wheel features a Wolfsburg-crest center cap and fronts an 80-mph ISP West speedometer. The six-digit mechanical odometer shows 7 miles, and true mileage is unknown. Dual swing-out doors on the right provide access to two rows of bench seating trimmed in matching upholstery. Jail bars are fitted in the rear cargo area. The air-cooled 1.6L flat-four is equipped with dual-port cylinder heads and a 12-volt electrical system. Power is delivered to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual transaxle equipped with gear-reduction boxes. Photos documenting various stages of the refurbishment work can be viewed in the gallery. The Volkswagen AutoMuseum Certificate lists factory colors, equipment, and a build date of November 2, 1960. Filed under: vw