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22.1.15
Wheelsology
The vehicle, estimated at between £70,000 and
£75,000, is the first, and thought to be the only surviving, VW Type 2 Samba Microbus imported into the UK. The right-hand drive bus, built at the original VW factory in Wolfsburg, was delivered new into the UK on the November 21, 1955 by John Colborne-Barber, the Founder of the first ever VW dealership in the UK. Sambas were never officially imported new into the UK, and as such 'SGP 62' is thought to be the only surviving example of the few Wolfsburg-built Type 2s in the country.
Colborne-Baber's long association with Volkswagen started as a result of John being approached by former army officer George La-Haye. After the end of the Second World War, La-Haye, who was stationed in Germany, purchased three new Volkswagen Beetles, the last of which he returned to the UK with. Colborne-Baber showed an immediate interest in the Beetle and made George an offer on a part-exchange for a Wolseley 6/80, which he accepted. Colborne-Baber was so impressed with the Beetle he’d acquired, that he then approached Volkswagen in Germany and began importing Volkswagen vehicles into the UK in 1949.
"This is a fantastic piece of Volkswagen history and as such we expect a lot of interest when it comes up for auction. These vehicles are hugely popular around the globe and collectors are now paying some incredibly sums for them," said Nick Whale, MD, Silverstone Auctions.
"This is a beautiful and rare Samba Microbus, historically important in terms of its VW legacy in the UK. It's ready to be appreciated and enjoyed and I hope the new owner will love it just as much as the Colborne family did."
Posted in: Auction,Britain,Bus/Coach,Classic/Vintage,Europe,Nick Whale,Silverstone Auctions,Volkswagen,Warwickshire
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