Holy Grail: 1964 Volkswagen Transporter 21 Window Samba – Sold?

December 28, 2021 Update – While this 21-Window Transporter “Classifind” expired recently, given the seller’s past history we suspect may not actually be sold yet.  For now, we’re labeling this ride “Sold?” However, we will keep an eye out for an updated listing. In the interim, please reach out either by email or call Rudy directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

November 22, 2021 Update – The Internet and GuysWithRides.com never forget a great ride. Our latest example is this rusty 1964 Volkswagen 21 Window bus we first featured in April 2020 before its original ad expired. Despite the ad moving from the Jersey shore to Brooklyn, the use of the same pictures has us believing the same private seller elected to ride out the pandemic before trying to sell their bus again. Still just as rusty, this time around they are now asking $35,000 or reasonable offer.

June 1, 2020 Update – We just confirmed the listing for this “Classifind” expired, so with no replacement found we’re assuming this ride “Sold?” unless we come across a new listing for this ride.

The current caretaker of this 1964 Volkswagen 21 Window, oversize sunroof equipped “Samba” originally listed in April 2020 on Craigslist in Ocean Township, New Jersey is right:  his Transporter’s body style is the holy grail of VW T2s.   Prices over the past ten years have reflected that even in rusty, pop-riveted-repair panel “Rat Rod” versions such as this one.  It’s hard to believe the seller is currently is now asking $35,000 (the original ask was $38,500) for their holy grail, however, when you check the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool, it confirms he has his rare VW priced between the current #3 “Good” appraisal of $57,900 and the #4 “Fair” (Daily Driver) estimate of $39,300.  We note that those estimates have increased by about ten percent since we first featured this bus eighteen months ago.

Jay Leno and fellow comedian (and avid VW enthusiast) Gabriel Iglesias provide a great overview and test drive of a similar 1966 model:

There was a time not that long ago that a VW Transporter in this condition would be lucky to get $1,000. That said, with replacement body panels readily available, if you can get this example restored to like-new condition, you could easily make your money back with a handsome profit even if you farm the body and paint work out.  Concours restored examples consistently fetch in excess of $100,000 and if you can’t find a buyer at that level here in the states, start advertising it in Germany and see what happens.  Good luck with the purchase!

Here’s the seller’s current listing description:

“A real 21 window VW bus! I have The birth certificate! Needs cosmetic work but I drive this around frequently. Runs and drives. Hard to find one of these. Great winter project or drive around some patina. The original color is red! Halo headlights. Lowered in the front the right way. Limo seating in the rear.

$35k or reasonable offer

Will trade or partial trade with cash
No junk, boats, or motorcycles
Has to be worth my asking price
I don’t have to sell.”

Here’s the seller’s original description:

“A Real 21 window “holy grail” VW bus

I have a birth certificate from Germany

Lowered. Rusty. Rat rod. Limo seat.
Safari windows

Runs and drives good!

Will consider trade or trades.

Serious inquires only please!

$38,500″

Do you have a VW 21 Window Samba story you’d like to share?  Comment below and let us know!