Highlights

Rare build based on a 1303 Super Beetle chassis with McPherson strut front suspension
Comprehensive ground-up rebuild over several years, described by the vendor as virtually a new build
Current ownership since March 2016
Retains its original age-related numberplate, not a Q plate
DVLA-inspected with a re-issued V5 document; road-legal and tax-exempt
MOT valid until October 2026

The Appeal

Sandrails built on the later VW 1303 Super Beetle chassis are notably rare. The 1303's McPherson strut front suspension offers a vastly improved ride over the earlier beam-axle setup, making it a far more capable and comfortable platform, yet very few builders have used one as the basis for a project of this nature.

This particular example has been built over several years on an unmodified long-wheelbase 1972 1303 chassis, paired with a Dreamshack frame. The vendor describes it as a no-expense-spared build, and the specification supports that claim: power comes from a rebuilt Kawasaki ZZR 1100 engine, historically the fastest production motorcycle engine in the world, mated to a six-speed sequential gearbox. Braking and wheel components are sourced from Porsche, and the chassis was fully stripped and refinished throughout. Every bushing, bearing, CV joint, and seal has reportedly been replaced.

Crucially, this Sandrail retains its original age-related numberplate and has been inspected by the DVLA, who confirmed no IVA was required and re-issued the V5 with an updated vehicle description. It is road-legal, tax-exempt, and MOT'd. With only 121 miles recorded since the build was completed, this is a rare opportunity to acquire a carefully engineered Sandrail that is ready to enjoy.

Key Information

Mileage: 121 miles covered since build completion
Country of registration: United Kingdom
Technical inspection status: MOT valid until October 2026
Technical specs: 1,100cc Kawasaki ZZR inline-four, six-speed sequential manual
Paperwork: V5 present, re-issued by the DVLA following inspection
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The Detail

Chassis stripped to bare metal and fitted with newly welded floor pans
Entire underside and chassis primed and painted in UPOL Raptor coating
Dreamshack frame finished in UPOL Raptor Kawasaki Green
All hardware upgraded to stainless steel or high-tensile bolts
Kawasaki ZZR 1100 engine rebuilt and repainted with stick coil conversion
Carburettors ultrasonically cleaned and tuned with a Dynojet kit
Custom 4-2-1 exhaust system, stainless steel fuel tank, and Coolex radiator fitted
Rear differential stripped and rebuilt; clutch upgraded with heavy-duty springs
Hydraulic master and slave cylinders rebuilt
Driveshafts stripped and fitted with new CV joints and gaiters
New shock absorbers all round; front uses 1303 McPherson struts
Steering rack stripped, regreased, painted, and fitted with new track rods and rubbers
Brakes upgraded to rebuilt Porsche 944 callipers and master cylinder with new front discs and brake lines
All bushings and bearings replaced with polyurethane components
Refurbished Porsche Boxster alloy wheels with new tyres, mounted on Porsche 944 hubs with new FAG bearings
Bucket seats with adjustable backrests and four-point harnesses
Digital main dash display with separate water and oil temperature gauges
Push/pull sequential gear shifter
MOT passed in November 2025; all advisories reportedly rectified except slight pitting to rear discs
The vendor describes the interior as being in very good condition
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BEFORE YOU BUY

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