Description
The VW 1969 Superbugger For sale: Volkswagen Super Bugger 1969 – The stranger camper based on a VW Beetle Here is a true classic unique in its own right – the Volkswagen Super Bugger 1969, perhaps the most oddly named vehicle in automotive history. Although this strange camper doesn’t appear on the market often, it has earned a special place in automotive folklore, regularly appearing 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, turning them into these remarkable campers. Unfortunately, the company had a brief existence and disappeared a few years later, leaving behind a rare heritage 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 surrounding car modifications. However, Beetles converted during the initial production period have no trouble renewing their registration.
Why the Beetle? Due to the popularity and low cost of the Volkswagen Type 2 (Bus), it is hard to understand why the original designers of the Super Bugger chose to base a camper conversion on the Beetle, rather than the Type 2, which had already been a popular choice for camper conversions for more than 20 years. Anyway, the designers of the Super Bugger managed to create a surprisingly capable little camper that could reach highway speeds and accommodate two people. Despite adding only about 250 lbs to the Beetle’s weight, thanks to a lightweight timber and fibreglass structure, it remains a truly functional vehicle. The design required substantial modifications, removing a large portion of the original Beetle body, leaving only the front end and the steel chassis. The camper body was then placed on top.
Volkswagen Beetle Super Bugger: Facts in brief A truly unique camper: The Super Bugger is a camper conversion of the iconic Volkswagen Beetle – a real talking point for any car enthusiast. Notable example: This particular 1969 model is one of the best-known Super Buggers, having been featured in Mechanix Illustrated in 1977. Surprisingly capable: Despite its unconventional appearance, the Super Bugger can reach highway 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 a growing number of Beetle camper conversions. Many people often confuse the two designs.
The interior of the camper: The interior of the Super Bugger was cleverly designed to maximise the use of its compact space. It can accommodate two people 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 kitchen with a gas stove and a sink, designed to be used both indoors and outdoors. A side porthole allows outdoor cooking, thus avoiding smoking the interior.
The Super Bugger shown here: The example shown here is an era 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 build: 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 modified suspension to suit the camper conversion Interior: Original interior faithful to the era, with radio **/ FM CB, 70s carpeting, matching curtains and crank windows for ventilation during hot summer nights The Super Bugger shown here: The example shown here is an era conversion based on a 1969 Volkswagen Beetle. Impressive fact, the vehicle was purchased from its original owner, the initiator of the project, who has owned it for 52 years.
Mileage and performance: Capable of highway speeds with around 27 mpg...
