1968 Volkswagen Dune Buggy

Description

This intense-looking off-roader is technically listed as a 1968 Volkswagen, since that's what's providing the motive power, but it's actually a purpose-built chassis that offers fun in the dirt or sand that's pretty much unmatched by anything else we can think of. No, you won't drive it to work every day, but there's probably nothing else on four wheels that can make you smile like this rail job can.

Built by Starwood (a name familiar to those of you used to playing in the sand), this dune buggy offers few creature comforts but a huge helping of fun. Looking like some kind of prop from "Mad Max," it has only the bare minimum for a single driver to go out and make some smiles, but what else do you need? The tan composite body panels are durable and easy to remove for service, plus they never need maintenance beyond a quick wash down now and then, so this will be the easiest car to keep looking good you've ever owned. The black tube frame becomes as much styling element as protective system, with the powdercoated pieces forming a cage around the entire car, including the driver, engine, and front suspension. There's no way of knowing how many miles are on it, but it looks quite fresh and hasn't been neglected or abused and is in just the right condition to enjoy without worries. Plenty of LED lighting, including a big light bar along the roof line, a pair of side pods that double as side mirrors, and a single headlight up front all give it a purposeful look and the ability to light the road like a flamethrower.

Bare-bones describes the interior, but once you're strapped into the form-hugging bucket seat, it's like you and the machine have become one. Just think about turning and the car is already doing it and you can almost feel every single pebble that rolls under the tires, giving you unparalleled control. The cage makes it feel safe and sturdy and you do have protective panels all around, so you're not getting blasted by debris kicked up by the tires. You also get a pretty comprehensive array of gauges to monitor all the important vitals, a shifter just to your right, and a fat steering wheel that's directly connected to the front wheels for instantaneous response. Trunk? Nope. Roof? None. Windows? Are you kidding? Just the basics needed for going fast in the rough.

The engine is a 1600 cc Volkswagen air-cooled flat four with a bunch of upgrades to help it build relatively big power. Of course, in a flyweight vehicle like this, the VW's performance is very energetic and thanks to parts from EMPI such as the exhaust system, intake manifold, and carburetor, there's power on tap at just about any speed. A fuel cell feeds the stout little four cylinder and doesn't worry about spillage in the rough and the 4-speed manual transmission has just the right ratios to make it fun at any speed. The suspension was especially designed for long travel to make the ride remarkably cushy and with its diminutive size, even those modes 215/75/15 tires look gigantic.

This isn't for everyone, we know that. But if you know what you're looking at, it's a radical piece of hardware that's designed for one thing only: fun in the sun. Call today!