1966 Volkswagen Deluxe ’21-Window’ Microbus
Dutch importer Ben Pon’s 1947 sketch inspired the creation of one of the most recognizable vehicles in automotive history. The 21-window Deluxe Microbus was the most luxurious variant of Volkswagen’s Type 2 Transporter, often described as the “Cadillac” of the VW lineup.
The United States first received the Microbus in 1950, where it faced no real competition in a market unfamiliar with such a versatile vehicle. Its boxy design and abundance of glass created an airy, spacious interior that appealed to families, campers, and later became an icon of the counterculture movement.
Volkswagen’s engineering philosophy emphasized practicality and reliability. By 1966, the 21-Window Deluxe was powered by a 1,493cc air-cooled flat-four producing 53 horsepower, paired with a four-speed manual transmission. Sharing many components with the Beetle, it was easy to maintain and inexpensive to run.
The 21 windows (including the split windshield, rear window, eight skylights, and curved corner glass) provided exceptional visibility and natural lighting throughout the passenger compartment. This complex bodywork made the Deluxe more costly to produce, contributing to its rarity and high desirability among collectors today.
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