The Bulli with the big mouth
Apparently, only 11 of these 1955 ‘barn-door’ buses with DeLuxe facilities remain in existence. These late first-series vehicles inherited the nickname due to the large rear door, which provides access to the engine and spare wheel compartment. According to the accompanying history file, this 9-seat, 23-window bus was delivered to Austria on March 7 1955; it has covered a mere 10,305km since.
You’ll pay handsomely for the rarity and originality, as the estimate is set at €192,000 to €240,000 – but the included tidbits such as the Austrian delivery papers and Samsonite leather suitcase might make it worthwhile.
A more reasonably priced pair
Two later Type 2 buses join this rare example, thankfully with easier-to-swallow estimates: the first is a 1967 VW T1 DeLuxe ‘restoration project’, estimated to sell for €40,000–€50,000. Meanwhile, a ‘Double-Door’ Samba model from the same year is estimated at €64,000–€80,000, resplendent in silver but in need of a new interior.
Buses in Berlin
Several other interesting classics will join this trio in the lotlist for Auctionata’s November 28 sale in Berlin.
