Shed a tear for the Samba

Top seller at the Mecum auction in Denver this week was a 1970 Plymouth Barracuda that went for a huge $181,500.

Boasting a 528/650 HP aluminum Gen 2 Indy Hemi engine and race-prepped 727 automatic transmission with Pistol Grip shifter, the Barracuda was a real heartbreaker.

But VW watchers would have shed a tear or two to get their hands on this superb 1966, 21-window Samba Bus, with a slick rebuilt 1776cc four banger under the back, complete with twin Webbers.

The show winning Samba brought $118,250 when it went under the hammer, the third highest price paid over the weekend.

Highlights of the restored Volkswagen included:

• Professional rotisserie restoration
• Correct L512 Velvet Green and L87 Pearl White roof
• Safari windows and 6 side pop-out windows
• New beige interior and headliner
• Certificate of authenticity from Volkswagen factory documenting originality of the 21-Window bus, vehicle matches M plate or production plate behind seat
• Rebuilt 1776cc engine with Weber carburetor and dual exhaust
• Freeway Flyer 4-speed manual transmission
• New brakes, Coker tires and shocks
• Restored fuel gauge and sensor, odometer, radio and new clock
• Converted to 12 volt system
• Multiple show winner

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