Vehicle Description
This 1970 Volkswagen Dune Buggy is the automobile distilled into
pure, unadulterated fun. Sure, it's still transportation, but this
car was built to put a big grin on your face and pretty much
nothing else. Offering a sturdy fiberglass body covered in bright
orange paint, room for more than just two inside (in a pinch at
least), and a tried-and-true VW drivetrain that's more than capable
of carving the beach up or getting you home before cocktail hour.
Want to be the coolest beach boy on the block? Here's a head
start...
We can all but guarantee you'll be the only guy tooling around in
one of these, as the look is even rather unfamiliar in the Dune
Buggy world. Looking like a cross between a Meyers Manx SR-2 (which
is likely what this body started as) and a Dearborn Deserter GT, we
don't exactly know what this little car is, other than the funnest
thing on four wheels. Unlike, say, the traditional Myers Manx one
might think of when they picture a Dune Buggy, this body is
elongated (anyone else getting smushed Porsche 928 vibes from that
front end?) and not a strict 2-seater, giving it unique proportions
that look great. Long, flowing fenders contrast with the
squared-off deck in back, but the whole design is very professional
and well-executed. Painted to a higher driver-quality level that's
actually quite surprising for a beach cruiser, the fiberglass is in
great condition with no major signs of age and a nice gloss that's
quite appropriate to something of this vintage. This is motoring
down to its barest essence, so there isn't much chrome save for the
bug-eyed headlights, taillight surrounds, and that big, upright
windshield. In back, the VW Beetle engine is hidden behind a cool
Ford GT-style tailpanel (Ok, that might be a bit of stretch) that
features dual taillights at each side of the license plate, and a
horned dual exhaust exits underneath.
More minimalism inside where simple pleated yellow vinyl looks good
on the racy front buckets and matching rear bench seat. There's not
a ton of padding in the seats, but the yellow upholstery wears
well, and is weather-resistant enough for its alfresco duties. Hop
over the side of the tub like in a T-bucket and it's easy to settle
in behind the Wega wheel and 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 (although with that downspout
front nose, be careful out on the dunes). 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. An all-in-one gauge in the center of the
dash was installed inside a machine-turned panel, and it monitors
speed, fuel level, odometer, and a series of 'idiot' lights, while
below you'll find switches for the headlights and emergency
blinkers. The black floor is institutional and easy to maintain,
which is this car's mantra, and while there's no trunk I'd think
that a small luggage rack could fit on the rear panel if you wanted
strap down a boogie board or two.
VW's air-cooled flat four needs no introduction, and this 1600 cc
unit provides plenty of power for the flyweight dune buggy. Neatly
detailed but not overly dressed, the engine is equipped with the
usual hop-up parts, including a single carburetor, a modern
alternator, and exotic exhaust headers with chrome tips that are as
much 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.
Obviously, this was never someone's winter beater, so the underside
remains in good order with no glaring trouble spots short of a few
very minor surface area rust abrasions. Lots of finned aluminum
helps with the air-cooled engine at seed and you'll undoubtedly
find that this car loves to play. Porsche Fuchs style wheels bolt
right on and now carry beefy radials that look positively gigantic
on the tiny car's frame.
Turn-key and ready for the beach, this Dune Buggy offers a unique
spin on the open-air classic. At this price point, we dare you to
find more fun on four wheels. Call today!
