1976 Volkswagen Beetle Volksrod

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!