Vehicle Description
Looking to get behind the wheel of a ride with maximum visual
impact? Look no further. Imagine the double takes you'll get when
you're seen coming over the horizon in this 1976 Volkswagen Beetle
Volksrod. Its niche is all about transforming an otherwise
non-descript vintage car into a no-holds-barred, bespoke creation
the likes of which has never been seen. This unique expression of
the builder's fever-dream vision has been expertly executed, and
with a jaw-dropping custom interior, a purpose-built sports
suspension, and powerful 5.7L HEMI V8 powertrain, this uber-unique
Bug (if you can still call it that) delivers as one of the coolest
builds we've ever seen. In a world filled with thousands of
'me-too' plastic streetrods and carbon-copy Beetles, this
work-of-art on wheels stands out.
While it's not too hard to find someone who can handle air tools
and a welder, the skillfully executed modifications this Bug
features from end-to-end are far beyond the realm of all but true
automotive artists. Almost everything on this Beetle is hand-built
and fabricated, and even the mere concept of a an altered 'Kafer'
is an extremely bold proposition on its own. Initially, the pros at
Lucky Gunner Garage set-off to really challenge themselves by
attempting to chop one of the most notoriously difficult vehicles
to chop, the VW Beetle. There's a reason you just don't see them
done this way - the work is extremely difficult and labor intensive
- so what started off as a cheap, budget-build trifle embarked upon
on a lark, quickly developed into a complete, nut-and-bolt build
that took six full-time months to complete. Boasting a 6-inch chop,
7-inch section, and 4-inch channel, this Bug sits lower and cruises
just above the ground, with a widened and elongated stance that
gives it an identity all its own. Removed fender-flares allow those
oversized wheels-and-tires to steal the show while giving the car a
predatory crouch, deleted bumpers and reworked fenders and quarters
highlight the aerodynamic curves of the original Beetle design, and
the giant HEMI V8 block sticking out from the hood simply terrifies
children. Primer-style paints are all the rage these days and have
always been a mainstay of the ratrod movement, although the slick
Nardo Gray finish that adorns this Bug is far nicer than what you'd
typically see on a hotrod. Borrowed from Audi's color chart, it's
incredibly uniform, deep, and very shiny thanks to several coats of
clearcoat laid down on top of slick basecoat, and although it's not
a perfect paint job (there are a couple minor signs of use) it
still looks incredibly fresh and is definitely worthy of showing
off. Carbon fiber accents on the hood/door handles, engine cover,
side mirrors, gas-filler neck, and license plate hood add a bit
modern flash, while the black decal graphics promote the builder's
shop, tattoo parlor, and other related businesses. The exposed
chassis and suspension were powdercoated bright green to contrast
the gray and black theme - a fine choice that really draws the eye
in toward this Beetle's impressive hardware underneath. LED
lighting all-around illuminates the way, the glass was smoke-tinted
to add a bit of mystery, and the giant exhaust tips out back are
the perfect counter balance to the big engine up front.
One look at the flashy interior will also tell you it's no mere
well-executed curiosity either - this car is built to drive.
20-gauge, bright-white steel was bead-rolled for the floorboards
and massive transmission hump, shiny aluminum sheetmetal was
bead-rolled and embossed with VW emblems for the door panels and
dash, a set of aluminum bomber seats were fabricated atop steel
rails and lined with diamond-cut black vinyl seat bottoms. There's
also a full roll cage that's welded into the tube chassis to
stiffen the body and add safety, along with a custom aluminum
center console that houses a high-mounted shifter that manages the
NAG1 5-speed automatic transmission below. A Racepak IQS3 CAN
digital dash monitors the drivetrain, LED lighting illuminates the
cabin, and the combination of the quick-detach steering wheel and
Chase Bays drift-style handbrake instantly make the driver's heart
race. Black VW floormats match the vinyl seat pads, a JBL soundbar
provides the entertainment, and even the custom-built aluminum fuel
cell behind the seats perfectly matches the theme of this wild
build.
A recently installed 5.7L V8 HEMI Chrysler long-block powers this
2450-pound Beetle, resulting in an UNGODLY power-to-weight ratio.
The power is immense, adeptly managed by the matching NAG1 5-speed
automatic transmission, meaning it doesn't take a professional to
drive this beefed-up Bug. To make it user-friendly, lots of thought
and huge money went into the custom-fabricated tube chassis and
sports suspension, including A-arms front-and-rear featuring
massive lower controls arms boasting 1.25" uniballs and upper
control arms with 5/8" heims. QA1 coilovers are at all four
corners, 4-wheel disc brakes feature 14-inch rotors (Corvette Z06
set-up in the front; Dodge Charger in the rear), and the locked
Getrag independent rear differential can easily handle anything you
put it through. A giant aluminum radiator with dual electric fans
keeps temperatures at bay while the massive soundtrack is delivered
via a custom-bent dual exhaust system with Magnaflow mufflers. It
rides with undeniable presence on a set of 18" Bravado wheels
outfitted with 295/35/18 Mickey Thompson Street Comp meats pushed
out at the corners.
This incredibly well-executed, custom 1976 Volksrod is sure to draw
admiring glances and make strong impressions wherever it goes. So
much time, money, and ingenuity went into this build - call us so
we can share its story with you. Call today!
