Photo: Hammacher Schlemmer
It was the most luxurious version of the Volkswagen Transporter T1, and while it passed as the Sunroof Deluxe in the US, its original name was Samba. The Germans started making them back in 1951, which means it had about a decade to turn into the famous hippie bus. This cooler pays tribute to the legendary camper.
Because, what’s cooler than being cool? Staying cool; which, in this case, has at least two meanings. The Volkswagen Panel Van Cooler faithfully reproduces the same trim details of an early Samba model that later became the symbol of the free spirit lifestyle. It comes with the original eight panoramic roof windows, fabric sunroof, and two-colored paint scheme.
Getting back to the classic van, there are a couple of other features we find quite noteworthy. For instance, did you know that initially Volkswagen vans were classified according to the number of windows they had? Moreover, instead of a sliding door at the side, the Samba, in particular, had two pivot doors.
Then there’s the so-called hat, which was like an extension of the roof at the front of the van that was meant to block the sun for the driver. The windows had chrome tables, as the model was specially designed for tourists trips through the Alps. Volkswagen stopped producing the Sunroof Deluxe once the T2 replaced it on the assembly line. That way, its design became the stuff of legend amongst post-war vehicles.
Therefore, a collectable issue like the cooler Hammacher Schlemmer that is currently selling online, may as well be seen as an excellent scale model. However, as opposed to the actual van, an overhanging “hat” runs around the cooler’s entire top, providing a comfortable grip for retrieving one’s preferred beverage. On the inside, things remain quite spacious, with enough room for up to 24 16-oz bottles and ice.
Made from pressed steel, the cooler has a telescoping 24-inch long handle that you can use to pull it along on its 8-inch diameter rubber tires. Therefore, you can steer the cooler’s front wheels into just the right spot next to a lawn blanket. This thing will set you back at $500, which is not quite cheap, but may turn out to be worth it.
Getting back to the classic van, there are a couple of other features we find quite noteworthy. For instance, did you know that initially Volkswagen vans were classified according to the number of windows they had? Moreover, instead of a sliding door at the side, the Samba, in particular, had two pivot doors.
Then there’s the so-called hat, which was like an extension of the roof at the front of the van that was meant to block the sun for the driver. The windows had chrome tables, as the model was specially designed for tourists trips through the Alps. Volkswagen stopped producing the Sunroof Deluxe once the T2 replaced it on the assembly line. That way, its design became the stuff of legend amongst post-war vehicles.
Therefore, a collectable issue like the cooler Hammacher Schlemmer that is currently selling online, may as well be seen as an excellent scale model. However, as opposed to the actual van, an overhanging “hat” runs around the cooler’s entire top, providing a comfortable grip for retrieving one’s preferred beverage. On the inside, things remain quite spacious, with enough room for up to 24 16-oz bottles and ice.
Made from pressed steel, the cooler has a telescoping 24-inch long handle that you can use to pull it along on its 8-inch diameter rubber tires. Therefore, you can steer the cooler’s front wheels into just the right spot next to a lawn blanket. This thing will set you back at $500, which is not quite cheap, but may turn out to be worth it.
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