Description
The VW 1969 Superbugger For sale: Volkswagen Super Bugger 1969 – the strangest camper based on a VW Beetle Here is a genuine one-off classic – the Volkswagen Super Bugger 1969, perhaps the most peculiarly named vehicle in automotive history. Although this strange camper doesn’t appear on the market very often, it has earned a special place in automotive folklore, regularly popping up on obscure car forums as a curiosity (and not without a healthy dose of humour). A bit of 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, transforming them into these remarkable campers. Unfortunately, the company had a short life 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 into the 1980s and perhaps beyond. It is likely that today, creating such a conversion would be illegal in most jurisdictions due to increasingly strict technical requirements regarding car modifications. However, Beetles converted during the initial production period have no trouble renewing their registrations. Why the Beetle? Because of the popularity and low cost of the Volkswagen Type 2 (Bus), it’s hard to understand why the original designers of the Super Bugger chose to use the Beetle as the base for a camper conversion, rather than the Type 2, which had already been a popular choice for camper conversions for over 20 years. In any case, the designers of the Super Bugger managed to create a small, surprisingly capable camper that could reach highway speeds and accommodate two people. Despite adding only around 250 lbs to the Beetle’s weight, thanks to a lightweight wooden and fibreglass structure, it remains a truly functional vehicle. The design required substantial modifications, removing a large portion of the original Beetle bodywork, leaving only the front end and the steel chassis. The camper body was then mounted over it. Volkswagen Beetle Super Bugger: Summary Facts A truly unique camper: The Super Bugger is a camper conversion of the iconic Volkswagen Beetle – a genuine talking point for any petrolhead. Famous example: This specific 1969 model is one of the best known Super Buggers, having been featured in Mechanix Illustrated in 1977. Remarkably capable: Despite its unconventional looks, the Super Bugger can reach highway speeds and comfortably sleep two for overnight stays. Misunderstood heritage: In 1977, Mechanix Illustrated published plans for a similar vehicle called the “Minihome”, which led to a growing number of Beetles being converted into campers. Many people often confuse the two designs. Interior of the camper: The interior of the Super Bugger was cleverly designed to maximise the use of its compact space. It can sleep two and includes the following features: Two single beds A dining table for two and two chairs Two front seats for the driver and passenger A small kitchenette with a gas stove and a sink, designed for use both indoors and outdoors. A porthole on the side allows outdoor cooking, thus avoiding smoking out the interior. The Super Bugger shown here: The example shown here is a period conversion based on a 1969 Volkswagen Beetle. Impressive fact, the vehicle was purchased from its original owner, the project initiator, 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 more stability, and revised suspension to accommodate the camper conversion Interior: Original interior faithful to the era, with AM/ FM CB radio, 70s carpet, matching curtains and wind-out windows for ventilation on hot summer nights. Awards and recognition: The car has won numerous prizes at local Illinois car shows and was featured in Mechanix Illustrated in 1977, as well as in the Freeport, Illinois local newspaper. Mileage and performance: Capable of highway speeds with around 27 mpg...
