Description
Volkswagen Beach Buggy – Unique One-Off (Not a Kit Car)
This is a genuinely unique Volkswagen-based beach buggy and importantly not a kit car.
It was originally built in 2015 by a motor engineer with the West Yorkshire Fire Service (which explains the colour) and based on the classic Californian sand rails of the 1960s and 70s. It was clearly built to a very high standard and initially used as a show car.
I understand it then passed through a handful of owners, including spending around three years on display in a car museum, before I acquired it in November 2022. At that point it had covered just 1, 800 miles.
I actually bought it unseen, via the internet, purely on the strength of the photographs and the written description— which perhaps says something about how striking it is.
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Why I Bought It (and What Followed)
I didn’t want a show car. What I wanted was something I could use — something that gave me the open-air feel of a motorcycle (having been a bike owner in my teens), but with the reassurance of four wheels. I also had no interest in another conventional sports car — and certainly not one with a windscreen.
The reality, however, was that years of standing hadn’t been kind to it. Whilst it looked exactly as it did in the photos, it was not running as it should and needed proper attention.
Over the first 18 months of ownership, I set about putting that right — and doing so properly.
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Work Carried Out (All by Specialists)
• Complete professional rewire, including a bespoke fuse system
• Engine rebuild by a classic VW and rally specialist
• Total suspension rebuild again by a classic VW and rally specialist
• Resolution of fuel issues caused by long-term storage
• New bespoke aluminium fuel tank (larger capacity and better positioned)
• Strengthening and redesign of all mudguard supports by a bodywork fabricator
In total, I spent just over £18, 500 over the first 18 months bringing the car to the stability & usability I sought.
None of this work was carried out by me — it was all done by people who know these vehicles properly, and I have invoices for everything, along with a comprehensive photographic record (including images from the original build).
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How It Is Now
Since completing that work, the car has been transformed into something I have been able to use and enjoy with confidence.
• Driven from Worcestershire to John O’Groats in June 2025
• Trips to Pendine Sands and a number of other longer runs
• Current mileage: approx. 5, 800
It will cruise comfortably at 60–70 mph and go beyond that if needed, although it’s far happier on A and B roads, I have covered many miles via motorways.
Range is around 220 miles from its 10-gallon tank, and it is surprisingly comfortable — I’ve often driven it for 3 hours or more without issue.
I have also added a few practical touches along the way, including the two fly screens and a detachable rear travel locker, made possible by the revised fuel tank position. It gave the car more touring practicality.
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Condition
• Excellent mechanical condition
• No rust — underside as good as the top
• Stored carefully (covered in summer, indoors in winter)
• Never put away wet
• MOT for every year of my ownership
It is, as you might expect, a very eye-catching vehicle. Always being photographed whether on the road or stationery and if you stop anywhere, you will almost certainly end up talking to people about it — and when driving it, expect waves, smiles, and the occasional thumbs up (particularly from children).
It’s probably fair to say it’s no longer in true show car condition in the strictest sense — but its very, very good and that was never my intention.
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Engine Specification
• Original 1973 crankcase (fully rebuilt)
• SCAT Volkstroker 1915cc conversion
• 044 cylinder heads (35. 5 x 40mm stainless valves)
• Engle racing camshaft
• Lightened 8-dowel flywheel
• Twin oil pressure relief system
• Weber IDF40 carburettors with CSP/ K&N setup
• Electronic ignition and electric fuel pump
• EMPI dual exhaust system
(Full detail available if required)
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Ownership & Reason for Sale
In total, I have currently around £30, 000 invested in the car, including purchase and subsequent work.
The reason for sale is simply one of timing. I will be 75 this year and, whilst I still thoroughly enjoy using it, I am conscious that getting in and out of it is not going to become easier over time.
I am in no rush and do not need to sell it, but I would like to see it go to someone who will enjoy it as much as I have — assuming, of course, the right offer is made.
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Price
Open to sensible offers. See above
