Description
The 1969 VW Superbugger For Sale : 1969 Volkswagen Super Bugger - The strangest VW Beetle-based camper Here's a true one-off classic - the 1969 Volkswagen Super Bugger, perhaps the most strangely named vehicle in automotive history. Although this strange camper doesn't often appear on the market, it has acquired a special place in motoring folklore, regularly appearing on obscure motoring forums as a curiosity (and not without a good dose of humour). A little history: The Super Bugger was born in the early 1970s, when a small company in Costa Mesa, California, began offering turnkey conversions and kits for VW Beetles, turning them into these remarkable campers. Sadly, the company had a brief existence and disappeared a few years later, leaving behind a rare legacy of these camper conversions. We know that people continued to create their own Super Buggers well into the 1980s and perhaps beyond. It is likely that today the creation of such a conversion would be illegal in most jurisdictions due to the increasingly stringent technical requirements for car modifications. However, Beetles converted during the initial production period have no problems renewing their registration. Why the Beetle? Given the popularity and low cost of the Volkswagen Type 2 (Combi), it's hard to understand why the original designers of the Super Bugger chose to use the Beetle as the basis for a camper conversion, rather than the Type 2, which had already been a popular choice for camper conversions for over 20 years. Be that as it may, the designers of the Super Bugger have succeeded in creating a small camper that is surprisingly capable of motorway speeds and can accommodate two people. Despite adding only around 250 lbs to the Beetle's weight, thanks to a lightweight wood and fibreglass structure, it remains a truly functional vehicle. The design required significant modifications, removing much of the original Beetle bodywork, leaving only the front end and steel chassis. The camper body was then placed on top. Volkswagen Beetle Super Bugger: Quick Facts A truly unique camper: The Super Bugger is a camper conversion of the iconic Volkswagen Beetle - a real talking point for any car enthusiast. Famous example: This specific 1969 model is one of the best-known Super Buggers, having been featured in Mechanix Illustrated magazine in 1977. Surprisingly capable: Despite its unconventional appearance, the Super Bugger can reach motorway speeds and comfortably accommodate two people for overnight stays. Misunderstood heritage: In 1977, Mechanix Illustrated published plans for a similar vehicle called the "Minihome", which led to an increasing number of Beetle-to-camper conversions. Many people often confuse the two designs. Camper interior: The interior of the Super Bugger has been cleverly designed to maximise the use of its small space. It sleeps two people and includes the following features: Two single beds A dining table for two and chairs Two front seats for driver and passenger A small kitchen with gas stove and sink, designed to be used both indoors and outdoors. A porthole in the side allows you to cook outside, avoiding the need to smoke inside. The Super Bugger shown here: The example shown here is a period conversion based on a 1969 Volkswagen Beetle. Impressively, the vehicle was purchased from its original owner, the initiator of the project, who has owned it for 52 years. Key features of this specific Super Bugger: Engine and construction: Built on a 1969 Volkswagen Beetle with a 1500cc H-engine Owner: Same original owner and builder for 52 years Stability and comfort: New Continental tyres, with wider rear tyres for added stability, and modified suspension to suit camper conversion Interior: Original, period-accurate interior with AM/ FM CB radio, '70s carpeting, matching curtains and crank windows for ventilation on hot summer nights Awards and Recognition: The car won numerous awards at local Illinois car shows and was featured in Mechanix Illustrated in 1977, as well as in the local Freeport, Illinois newspaper Mileage and Performance: Capable of reaching highway speeds with approximately 27 mpg...
