{"id":67747,"date":"2021-04-21T15:24:18","date_gmt":"2021-04-21T15:24:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.secret-classics.com\/?p=67747"},"modified":"2021-04-26T07:01:02","modified_gmt":"2021-04-26T07:01:02","slug":"70-years-of-volkswagen-t1-samba","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.secret-classics.com\/en\/70-years-of-volkswagen-t1-samba\/","title":{"rendered":"70 Years of Volkswagen T1 Samba"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The first post-war IAA (Frankfurt Motor Show) opened its doors on April 19, 1951. Among other things, Volkswagen presented itself there for the first time at a European car show. The stand had an area of 1,350 square meters and somewhat recreated the production line of the Beetle. There was also a light installation on a scale, which had never been seen before. Overall, this appearance was quickly nicknamed the ‘Temple of Volkswagen’. In addition to the classic Beetle in various colors, the Wolfsburg-based brand also presented an eight-seater luxury version of their Type 2 T1 here. Officially, the name was simply ‘Kleinbus Sonderausf\u00fchrung’ (small bus special version), while the US version appeared in the price lists as ‘Microbus Deluxe’. On the German market, the designation changed to ‘Sondermodell’ (special model) the following year. Compared to the normal eight-seater, this variant initially cost an extra DM 3,000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where does the name Samba come from?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For this money, the customer received a noble two-tone paint finish, aluminium decorative trim, a front bumper and a special roof. Four skylights on each side were taken over from the buses and coaches of the time. A large fabric sliding roof was also added. Inside, there were also new side panels, a mechanial clock and chrome decor and, for an additional charge, a tube radio in the dashboard. This made the T1 a luxurious touring vehicle for groups or large families. In customer circles, the nickname ‘Samba’ soon circulated, the exact basis of which can no longer be reconstructed. We would like to point out three possibilities. Two of them are simply abbreviations for ‘S<\/strong>onder-A<\/strong>usf\u00fchrung m<\/strong>it b<\/strong>esonderer A<\/strong>usstattung’ (special version with special equipment) or for ‘S<\/strong>onnendach-A<\/strong>usf\u00fchrung m<\/strong>it b<\/strong>esonderem A<\/strong>rmaturenbrett’ (sunroof version with special dashboard). In addition, in the 1950s, the Bundesbahn in Germany had special samba cars on long-distance trains in which people could dance.<\/p>\n\n\n

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