76VWS012 Oxford Diecast VW T1 Samba Bus Sealing Wax

This shade of red was obviously popular as one of the standard two tone colour schemes of the original VW Samba bus and here it is again, teamed up with a rich brown for the latest 1:76 scale release in the series.  The chocolate upper body colour extends to the roof and is separated from the red body colour by a central silver band, extending down in a deep V shape as far as the silver front bumper. Even the wheel centres are treated to a blob of chocolate paint.

 The roof on this release appears with the extra windows rather than with the lift up roof. It also has a canvas sunroof and additional side windows, which add to the light and airy feel of the bus. Another innovation to the original included two pivot doors on the side. Our model, registered KEO 375, also features the very early split windscreen or ‘Splittie’ to those in the know, introduced in 1950 but discontinued in 1967.

The Samba bus was first introduced in 1951 as the first forward control VW produced but it was 1954 before extended distribution was effected.  It was promoted as being the top of the range in its day and as well as the fine detailing mentioned above, also included was a fine coach line along the waist of the bus.  On our model this is detailed in silver within which runs a fine red band . Similarly, the silver bumpers are also enhanced with a fine chocolate line along the centre.  The interior seating/floor and steering wheel on our model are reproduced in a pale beige colour scheme with contrasting red dashboard, mirroring the external body colour.