A 1955 VW Type 2 Samba, believed to be the first Type 2 imported into the UK will go under the hammer at Silverstone Auctions’ Race Retro Sale in February.

SILVERS TON AUCTIONS has estimated the Type 2 Samba at between £70,000 and £75,000 (up to $140,000). Certified as the first right-hand drive bus, built at the original VW factory in Wolfsburg, Germany, it was delivered new into the UK on the 21st November 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.

Commenting on the vehicle, managing director at Silverstone Auctions, Nick Whale, said: “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.”

According to Silverstone Auctions, “In 1992 ‘SGP 62’ was rediscovered in the West Country after 30 years in storage. It has been professionally restored over the last 18 months as a faithful reproduction of its condition as used by the Colborne-Baber family. ‘SGP 62’ has been restored, as much as possible, to original specification with a few additional safety and convenience features, whilst retaining its completely original appearance.

“A new bespoke period-correct Devon interior, modelled on the design that was enjoyed by the Colborne family, was created by VW expert Kevin Morgan including a correct Osokool fridge and Dudley stove. These rare items were sourced specially for this bus and are in mint condition. The vehicle also comes with a certificate of authenticity from the Stiftung Auto Museum Volkswagen as well as a personal letter from the son of Colborne-Baber regarding the bus.”