Vehicle Description
You don't mistake a vehicle like this 1971 Volkswagen Rail Buggy
for anything else out there. It has a purpose-built full setup to
be a terrific off-road machine. And it has the upgraded motor,
four-wheel disc brakes, and handling to be an absolute blast. Plus,
as you look over the full package, you'll see it has the right
pieces to be street legal in most places.
This is titled as a Volkswagen because that's the vehicle that
donated the most parts, but this sand rail is really a lightweight
custom build. It's a professionally built frame (i.e. not a
homemade creation) that is strong and lightweight. While a proper
rail is made with minimal mass, that doesn't mean it misses out on
style. The front is painted with a hot rod style flame package. It
burns all the way up into the floor cage until it melts into the
kind of bright yellow that really lets people see you out on the
dunes. It looks like a hot one, and the total package lets you
prove it out on your favorite terrain. It's built with the right
pieces, including the dash and roof made from diamond plate steel;
the windshield is a removable plexiglass; and you can hook up a
full set of KC light if you want to lead the way in the dark.
The interior is exposed but secure. That means racing-style bucket
seats with a bright yellow covering to match the cage, and PRP
four-point padded harnesses to keep you locked-in. There's a
removable Grant sports steering wheel, tilt column, and crisp VDO
gauges. That's all great for the off-road racing lifestyle. But
unlike other builds, this has proper LED headlights, and taillights
that makes this street legal in many areas. If you've ever enjoyed
a sand rail before, you know secured storage is essential. That's
why there's a locking glovebox, a toolbox in the front foot well,
and a flat panel with securing bars behind the seats. A machine
like this is all about fun, and so you also get to choose the ideal
music with an AM/FM/CD/XM stereo with USB and Bluetooth.
The Volkswagen flat-four has always been an ideal pairing for this
application thanks to its robust nature and air cooling. So that
makes for a great base in this build. The 1600cc was rebuilt in
2013, and it was upgraded to 1641cc with Mahle pistons. Plus, there
are Mahle bearings, an 8-dowel crankshaft, lightened flywheel, a
Scat Performance cam, and Tri-Mil headers. It's supported by the
right pieces, including steel braided hoses, AN fittings, MST
anodized serpentine belt system, and a spun aluminum fuel tank. You
are in firm control over this enhanced and fortified powerhouse
thanks to the four-speed manual transmission and four-wheel disc
brakes. The rear-mounted engine means you have the ideal weight on
the driving wheels for excellent traction, and there's plenty of
travel in the suspension with coilovers at each wheel.
This is the purpose-built machine that was made, strong, powerful,
and done right for all-around fun. So if you want to hit the dunes
tomorrow, you need to call today!