1962 15 Window Deluxe Microbus for Restoration

This is a Rare, Classic German Built 1962 Deluxe VW Bus!

Originally Mouse Grey, Walk-Through, Curved Rear Windows, VIN Present, A Collector's Dream!

This is a very rare 1962 VW 15 Window Deluxe Microbus. Most everyone is aware of the 23 Window Deluxe, and this model has the same number of windows around the perimeter of the Bus without the skylights or sunroof. I have often heard from VW Bus owners, "I want more windows!". I can speak from experience as I had a '59 7 Door Panel but sold it to search for a Bus with more visibility. The 23 Window Buses are extremely rare, but there were even fewer of these "skylight delete" models made. You can enjoy the rear corner windows without risking sunburn every sunny day of driving. The corner windows and other 13 windows are really fun to see the World through. Plus this configuration of windows really excites collectors. "A VW Bus is always surrounded by smiles, so it's nice to be able to see 'em!" writes John Snell in real time while thinking of windows and preparing a description for this 1962 15 Window VW Bus.

VW offered just three color options for below the belt line on Deluxe Buses in 1962: Sealing Wax Red, Turkis, and the most rare Mouse Gray. The walk through front seat configuration on this model enables the driver to walk through the bus to the rear without going outside. The walk-through version is almost always accompanied by a short middle seat.

Unlike the 13 (and 21 Window) the rear corner glass curves to follow the rear body, and the windows are protected by curving "jail bars" to make sure your luggage doesn't crack any glass while it jostles around back there. The Deluxe Models all had a clock in the dash and chrome trim along the interior panels. Other deluxe only items include belt line trim and rocker spears. Deluxe trim on the front and rear bumper and a large, chrome front VW emblem complete the deluxe trim treatment.

This VW Bus obviously needs an extensive restoration. I have it awaiting restoration but it is several back in line. I have a shortened 15 Window in Sealing Wax Red / Beige Gray that will make a beautiful paring with this Mouse Gray example once they are both finished. I have this '62 on wheels now. I have all the doors for it including the original '63 and older deluxe-only rear hatch as shown in the photos.

The suspension is there and I have a photo of the wheel wells in the gallery below and it doesn't look any worse than most other VW Bus restoration projects I've seen. I have a '67 Deluxe VW Bus restoration done through metal work and if I was to start over I would have started with this Bus. My '67 needed a frame as well as the metal this 15 Window needs, but of course a 15 window should be worth more restored. (Everyone loves those rear curved corner windows!)

The rarity and desirability of the 15 Window is hard to understate. And as you would expect investing in restoring a less desirable VW Bus model wouldn't yield the same high value as would putting that money into more valuable model like this one. The 15 Windows are second only to the 23 and 21 Window Samba models regarding to value and desirability.

Like the 21 and 23 windows, The 15 window (& 13 window) Buses are Type 24 or 25 which is the designation for Samba. The M Plate on a non sunroof/skylight version will include Code 130 for roof window and sunroof delete. Lower production numbers mean there are even fewer 15 windows than the ultra-rare 21 and 23 Window Buses.

The sunroof and skylight models are great (if you don't mind the $60k asking price for a project) but not everyone likes the additional windows. I will repeat what I have heard from several adults who traveled the USA as children in a 23 Window by sharing they did not enjoy it. They said it was very hot and they couldn't escape the sun.

The reasons for preferring a Samba with a sunroof / skylight delete vary I suppose, but with so few ordered back in the day the rarity of the 15 Window makes for a challenge to VW Bus collectors seeking one.

Even unrestored this is quite remarkable looking but a full restoration is what it deserves. The frame on this Bus looks solid so that is a huge plus. Replacement frame rails can be purchased but they come from England so they are obviously expensive to ship.

The replacement panels needed for this Bus are available in the USA and are made by a company called Gerson. They make reproduction panels that are the same gauge as the original panels. Every panel this Bus needs is sold through distributors of Gerson metal (also known as "funky green panels"). So if you are good at putting together a metal "puzzle", this could be a great investment opportunity. (Thankfully unlike a puzzle all pieces are different and it's clear where they go. Plus many panels are large (like the one piece reproduction cargo floor, for example) so it's possible to make big gains without investing an excessive amount of time.

This is an opportunity that does not come around often. I was able to uncover one for sale last month (for $90k) but that ad is now gone so it likely sold. A restored example can bring that or more if done well.

A 15 Window VW Deluxe Bus is an exciting an crucial rare bus to complete or ad to any collection! More pictures of this 1962 VW Deluxe Bus are in the Galleries below. Thanks for visiting! –John Snell 612-805-2428