Vehicle Description
This eye-catching 1964 Volkswagen Dune Buggy is a perfect example
of when the automobile is distilled into 100% pure fun. Sure, it's
actual transportation that can go from A to B, but the reason this
car was built was to put a big grin on your face - and not much
else. With a great-running 1600cc Flat 4, a quick-shifting 4-speed
manual, and loads of style in its bright orange package, this
little troublemaker is ready to tear up the beach and provide the
next owner with loads of fond memories.
We can all but guarantee you'll be the only person tooling around
in one of these, even though the look is instantly familiar to
anyone that's ever been on a beach vacation. Unlike, say, the
T-Bucket, this is not just some 2-seater that can only go in a
straight line. No, this open-air beauty hauls four people and can
handle itself in sand, mud, asphalt, and maybe even a little water
if you keep the exhaust clear (think deep puddles or the ocean's
shore for some killer rooster tails, not the bottom of a lake).
There's not much to the lightweight fiberglass body, but what you
get is pretty darn awesome - sharp front fenders, a squared-off
deck in back, and an exposed bottom bucket and suspension - and the
whole design is very professional and was well-executed years back
so nothing looks sub-standard. Repainted long ago and showing its
fair share of imperfections throughout, it still presents really
well in bright orange paint with a nice soft shine, and the
fiberglass is in good condition with no cracks, splintering, or any
structural issues to worry about. This is motoring down to its
barest essence, so there isn't much chrome save for the bull nose
push bumper and bug-eyed headlights up front, and that big, upright
windshield. The protruding roll bar adds to the look and the
overall safety of the Buggy, and out back the VW Beetle engine
becomes an integral part of the overall look with the serpentine
exhaust exiting upwards and stealing the show.
More minimalism inside where simple pleated black vinyl looks good,
wears well, and is weather-resistant enough for its alfresco
duties. The front buckets are sporty and provide more support than
you usually find in a Buggy, while out back the rear bench will fit
four of your more diminutive friends in a pinch. Hop over the side
of the tub and it's easy to settle in behind the 3-spoke steering
wheel, where you'll find that the driving position is more early
British roadster than German economy car, and with those big
pontoon fenders out there, you can clip apexes more easily than you
ever thought possible. Creature comforts are few and that's
entirely the point here; anything that wasn't necessary for the job
of having fun was omitted. That means no windshield wipers, no
heater, not even a radio, simply because you'll be blasting along
having too much fun to need to worry about additional
entertainment. The VW's original gauge pod was neatly installed in
the dash and the blacked-out shifter jutting out from the floor
falls easily into the driver's hand. Floor coverings are
institutional and easy to maintain, which is this car's mantra, and
the rear seat lifts up to reveal the battery.
VW's air-cooled flat four needs no introduction, and this 1600cc
unit provides plenty of power for the flyweight dune buggy. Dressed
neatly with lots of chrome and with signs of maintenance
throughout, the engine is equipped with the usual hop-up parts,
including a bigger carburetor, and an exotic headers and an EMPI
exhaust that as much of a styling element as noise suppression
system. The Beetle's 4-speed manual transmission and floor pan made
the transition intact and with the low center of gravity, handling
is adept, even in the loose stuff out on the beach. Obviously, this
was never someone's winter beater, so the underside remains in very
good order with no glaring trouble spots. Finned aluminum helps
with the air-cooled engine at seed and you'll undoubtedly find that
this car loves to play. Aftermarket smoothie race wheels bolt right
on and carry the classic staggered look with 175/70/14 front and
205/60/15 rear tires that look positively gigantic on the tiny
car's frame.
If you've ever driven one of these, then we just wasted our time
attempting to espouse the car's virtues in print because it's
impossible to capture in words how incredibly fun a Dube Buggy
really is. This one has all the right ingredients, including a
strong air-cooled motor and a vivid presentation. With warm weather
right around the corner, this baby hit the market just in time.
Call today!
