1971 Volkswagen Rail Buggy

Description

You don't mistake a vehicle like this 1971 Volkswagen Rail Buggy for anything else out there. It has a purpose-built full setup to be a terrific off-road machine. And it has the upgraded motor, four-wheel disc brakes, and handling to be an absolute blast. Plus, as you look over the full package, you'll see it has the right pieces to be street legal in most places.

This is titled as a Volkswagen because that's the vehicle that donated the most parts, but this sand rail is really a lightweight custom build. It's a professionally built frame (i.e. not a homemade creation) that is strong and lightweight. While a proper rail is made with minimal mass, that doesn't mean it misses out on style. The front is painted with a hot rod style flame package. It burns all the way up into the floor cage until it melts into the kind of bright yellow that really lets people see you out on the dunes. It looks like a hot one, and the total package lets you prove it out on your favorite terrain. It's built with the right pieces, including the dash and roof made from diamond plate steel; the windshield is a removable plexiglass; and you can hook up a full set of KC light if you want to lead the way in the dark.

The interior is exposed but secure. That means racing-style bucket seats with a bright yellow covering to match the cage, and PRP four-point padded harnesses to keep you locked-in. There's a removable Grant sports steering wheel, tilt column, and crisp VDO gauges. That's all great for the off-road racing lifestyle. But unlike other builds, this has proper LED headlights, and taillights that makes this street legal in many areas. If you've ever enjoyed a sand rail before, you know secured storage is essential. That's why there's a locking glovebox, a toolbox in the front foot well, and a flat panel with securing bars behind the seats. A machine like this is all about fun, and so you also get to choose the ideal music with an AM/FM/CD/XM stereo with USB and Bluetooth.

The Volkswagen flat-four has always been an ideal pairing for this application thanks to its robust nature and air cooling. So that makes for a great base in this build. The 1600cc was rebuilt in 2013, and it was upgraded to 1641cc with Mahle pistons. Plus, there are Mahle bearings, an 8-dowel crankshaft, lightened flywheel, a Scat Performance cam, and Tri-Mil headers. It's supported by the right pieces, including steel braided hoses, AN fittings, MST anodized serpentine belt system, and a spun aluminum fuel tank. You are in firm control over this enhanced and fortified powerhouse thanks to the four-speed manual transmission and four-wheel disc brakes. The rear-mounted engine means you have the ideal weight on the driving wheels for excellent traction, and there's plenty of travel in the suspension with coilovers at each wheel.

This is the purpose-built machine that was made, strong, powerful, and done right for all-around fun. So if you want to hit the dunes tomorrow, you need to call today!