FOR SALE VIA PUBLIC AUCTION
Sunday 27 June, 2.30pm

ASB Showgrounds, Auckland
All lots are subject to a buyer’s premium of 15%+GST

Further info available on our website.

The vintage Volkswagen Kombi holds a special place in the heart of many kiwis. Once loved by hippies, surfers, travellers and backpackers, the iconic vehicle often sparks happy memories and takes people back to a simpler, more carefree time. The Kombi, officially known as the Volkswagen Type 2 Transporter, was introduced in 1950. It picked up numerous nicknames including "microbus" and "minibus", and was exceedingly popular during the 1960s, hippie era.

The first model was the Commercial (a van) and the Kombi (with side windows and seats) but variants such as the Microbus, Deluxe Microbus and ambulance were soon added. A single cab ute was available from 1952. From 1955 it received a tailgate. Engines started with the Beetle's 18kW 1.1-litre air-cooled flat-four. In 1953 this was upgraded to a 22kW 1.2-litre version and to 30kW in 1959. The 1963 model introduced a 38kW 1.5-litre engine, upped to 40kW from 1967.

The Type 2, along with the 1947 Citroen H Van, are among the first forward-control vans in which the driver was placed above the front wheels, a configuration that soon started a trend in Europe.

The paintwork is finished in a two-tone blue expression of “France Express Blau” and “Olympia Blau” with “Cool White” thrown in. This is a beautiful example of a 15 window Kombi from 1975. Built in Brazil, thus left hand drive, the vehicle spent a lot of its life there before moving to the US. It arrived in New Zealand and was registered here on 2 April 2019. Whilst in the US, it is known to have had one owner for 35 years. On account of its originality, that owner sold it to a VW restoration shop, who produced the end result. We have here a close to concours condition example. This is typified by the fact that all windows bear the Factory stamp, a roof rack is present, as too a roof ladder and Blaupunkt radio – all correct for the era. Additionally, the original handbook and folder are to hand. From this we know that Auto Braz Ltd sold the car to Jose Kubaski of Irati on 11 September 1975. Accompanying the book is the bill of sale effected by Mr. Kubaski – both of which are in Portuguese. The 1500cc motor coupled to electronic ignition looks and runs like new. Speedo reading shows 48,853 kilometres. The car underside is pristine.

The vendor has assured Webb’s that the vehicle is mechanically A1, and has been serviced regularly by independent specialists familiar with the marque. There is no rust.

We understand that this example is one of the few 15 window micro buses existing in New Zealand today, therefore representing pronounced investment potential both locally and internationally.