Description
This car is Lot 108 to be auctioned by Bonhams|Cars at The Quail Auction on Friday August 15, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Public Viewing:
Available Wednesday August 13 from 09:00 until 18:00, Thursday 14 August from 09:00 until 18:00, and Friday 15 August from 08:30 onwards, at The Quail Lodge.
Lot 108
1957 Volkswagen General Purpose Buggy
Registration no.
Chassis no. DRF65571
1192cc Air-Cooled OHV Flat 4-Cylinder Engine
Single Carburetor
36bhp at 3700rpm
4-Speed Manual Gearbox
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Hydraulic Drum Brakes
* A true piece of Westcoast early off-roading history.
* Capable and assembled in period using a truly brilliant combination of parts
* Recently awoken and ready for any and all 4-wheeling adventures.
THE DUNE BUGGY
After World War II, when many G. I.'s who had been stationed overseas with use of a Ford or Willys General purpose vehicle, they got the knack or bug for trying to get their vehicle across what would seem like an impossible stretch of road or terrain. Upon returning home they kept wanting to pursue this and this led to a boom of both store-bought and home-made off-roaders. Folks would take everything from Ford Model A's to Volkswagen's to modify into off-roading rigs. Many of them not even having 4-wheel drive, just light enough and powerful enough to cut through terrain. As the Volkswagen line of products also had the advantage of the power unit being very compact, easily adaptable, and cheap it found a home in many of such home built buggy. Additionally with all of the weight over the rear wheels it provided much superior grip in loose surfaces such as sand. Many companies would rise to meet this need, such as the iconic Meyers Manx with their psychedelic gelcoats on their fiberglass bodies. They'd look at home on the dunes as well as the Sunset Strip. Empi who also produced all manner performance VW parts in the period and still thrive today who's parts are often seen on almost every dune buggy the world.
THE CAR OFFERED
This 1957 Buggy is a true enthusiast's assemblage; an execution of all the tips and tricks that one would have read in Rod & Custom or Dune Buggies and Hot VWs in the 1960s. The Buggy utilizes the portal axles and suspension from a 1956-57 Volkswagen Type 2 Van. Which allow for much taller ground clearance then using the similar suspension from a more pedestrian Volkswagen Type 1 "Beetle". Additionally, the entire chassis has been custom built and welded from sheet steel and tubbing along the very similar lines to the Empi "Sportster" but several differences truly remark this as a one-off machine. After having been acquired in Southern California and recommissioned by a Porsche Marque specialist with considerable international off-roading experience, this Buggy will be sure to take you in whatever direction you point its headlights.
All lots are sold 'as is/ where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams|Cars website for all pertinent auction information.
