Guides

This guide has been drafted for the 23-window Volkswagen Deluxe Microbus, often referred to as the “Samba” bus or “Alpine” bus (depending on the market). For simplicity, this vehicle will be referred to as the “Samba” or "Deluxe Microbus" throughout this guide. The guide outlines the features of the Samba from March 1955 – July 1958, which among enthusiasts is regarded as a series which embodies several changes distinct from the pre-March 1955 “Barn-door” bus, and subsequent changes from August 1958 onward. Follow this link for information on the pre-March 1955 Samba bus. Although the 1955 – 1958 vehicles are

This guide has been created to assist people with the identification of the 1951 - 1955 Volkswagen Deluxe Microbus (otherwise called the Samba Bus or Sunroof Deluxe). For information on the later model 1955 - 1958 Samba Bus, follow this link. The VW Deluxe Microbus was based on the T1, Type 2 body, which features the famous split front window, which was adapted to several other body styles. The Deluxe Microbus entered production a full year later than the standard 1950 Microbus, and has become particularly desirable due to its unique feature and low production numbers. As the Deluxe buses