The Sand Rail "dune buggy" offered here is built around a
purposefully compact 85-inch wheelbase chassis constructed from
1�-inch steel tubing, giving it a lightweight, rigid foundation
ideal for both on-road cruising and off-road play. Finished in
black, the chassis is complemented by a diamond plate steel floor
and striking red aluminum body panels accented by a white center
stripe and rear spoiler.
Believed to have been originally constructed in 1982 using key
components sourced from a 1960s Volkswagen, this buggy is now
offered with a clean Missouri State title and a Missouri Department
of Revenue-assigned VIN. A plexiglass windshield provides just
enough protection while maintaining the raw, open-air driving
experience these machines are known for.
A mechanical and cosmetic refresh reportedly carried out in the
early 2010s is evident throughout with thoughtful details such as
chrome acorn fasteners securing the aluminum panels and billet
brackets mounting the rear spoiler. Additional exterior equipment
includes roof-mounted Marchal fog lights, while 15" steel wheels
are fitted with 31" BFGoodrich rear tires and P195/65R15 front
tires. All four tires display 2005 date codes.
Inside, the buggy balances rugged functionality with driver-focused
simplicity. Padded bucket seats are equipped with 5-point
harnesses, while a rear cargo net and an army-spec ammo box provide
practical storage solutions. A central switch panel controls
ignition and lighting functions, though it should be noted that the
vehicle is not equipped with a traditional speedometer or odometer.
A passenger grab handle-appropriately labeled-adds both humor and
practicality-quickly becoming less of a novelty and more of a
necessity for anyone riding shotgun when the terrain (or throttle
input) gets ambitious.
Power comes from an upgraded air-cooled flat-four engine,
reportedly displacing 1835cc. Enhancements include a full-flow oil
system with remote filtration, a roof-mounted oil cooler, an EMPI
HPMX dual-barrel carburetor, and a Bosch 009 distributor fitted
with a PerTronix ignition module. Exhaust is routed through twin
chrome "J-pipes," producing an aggressive, unmistakable tone that
perfectly suits the buggy's personality.
Suspension consists of Volkswagen's proven front torsion bar setup
with supplemental gas-charged shocks, while the rear retains the
earlier swing-axle design-favored by many enthusiasts for its
strength while being further enhanced with coil-over shocks. The
transaxle is additionally secured with a reinforced chain mount,
and both front and rear skid plates are fitted to protect vital
components when venturing off the beaten path.
Adding a uniquely local touch, the buggy is adorned with decals
from St. Louis rock radio institution KSHE-95 and even bears the
signature of longtime D.J. Mark Klose, giving it a distinctive,
one-of-one character that ties it directly to the region's
enthusiast culture.
Dubbed the "Intimidator" by IT'S ALIVE! staff, this VW-powered sand
rail delivers exactly what its name suggests-an unapologetically
raw, loud, and engaging driving experience. Whether cruising local
roads or kicking up sand, it delivers a raw, unfiltered driving
experience that modern vehicles simply can't replicate.
If you are the next caretaker of this unique machine, contact us at
314-710-6600 ext. 140 or email
[email protected].
Please note: This vehicle is being sold as-is, where-is. It was
previously registered as a Missouri Historic Vehicle; Missouri
buyers may need to complete additional steps for standard road
registration.
