Historic VW Burro Dune Buggy For Sale
In the early days of VW powered off road cars
the innovation started in the backyards and driveways of enthusiasts
using little more than cut down Beetle chassis and scrap parts.
As the craze started to catch on, enterprising business minded folks
saw an opportunity to improve on the theme and hopefully male a few dollars
selling their buggies to the public.
The first "production" buggy kits started long before Bruce Meyer's "Manx".
The first I am aware of is the Chimp by Scott McKenzie that started in 1959
and hit its strides in 1961 after an article in Popular Hot Rodding magazine.
Right behind McKenzie was the "Burro" of Hilder "Tiny" Thompson in 1963
which took strong hold in the market thanks to its quality and simplicity.
The Burro remained in production for quite a while, even well into he era
of the fiberglass buggies. Today original Burros and those inspired by them
have a strong cult following and often attend the big "Manx Club" events
and gleefully best the climbing abilities of most of the "normal" buggies.
This Arizona based Burro is a ground breaking one in my eyes
due to the quality of its restoration. Many of the Burros in attendance at the events are well
driven and borderline abused originals. This on is the first one I have
seen that has been restored to such a high level.
Its seems blasphemous to mention the word "Concours" and "Dune Buggy"
in the same sentance...but here we are...this thing is really impressive.
Its extremely clean as well as extremely capable.
While it might be trailer queen clean at the moment
it is ready for the most rugged of trail or sand dune.
Personally I can envision this in a museum or high end collection.
Its done at a level that it would fit right in quality wise
and would be a fantastic curiosity to counter-balance other automotive finery.
It also might become one of the most prized in a collection because it
is just so silly-fun to drive!
So fun, so funky.
The restoration was complete and well detailed down to every nut and bolt.
Nice finishes on all parts, period correct parts and details used wherever possible.
Transaxle sourced from the VW Bus with its gear reduction boxes
is one of the key attributes that makes the Burro such an incredible climber.
Powder coated widened VW steel wheels with stock dome hubcaps.
All new aluminum panels fabricated to original spec and beautifully fitted.
Controls and instruments, all cleanly sorted and settled.
This is really nice craftsmanship.
Fuel tank sourced from the VW Bus as well, another correct detail
seen on these early builds.
The end result is perhaps the best Burro Buggy in existence.
Its certainly the nicest one I have ever seen.
Great colors and finishes. Tires have great tread and the car has the perfect stance,
Team Burro graphics were reproduced and applied.
I love the simple dashboard and clean controls.
Period wood shift knob and restored 60's Beetle steering wheel are awesome.
Looking deep into the workings of it all, its all super clean
Dome light
Engine is a well built and tuned 1641cc dual port.
Seats are done in a cool 60's VW mesh vinyl
Handbrake set up to aid in quick turning and traction as needed.
Love those front tires!!
Cool early 60's VW Bus mirror head on simple steel mounts.
Great tread on those rear tires as well
I just love how clean it is in all these spots...very satisfying to look at.
Even the pedal assembly looks awesome.
So cool.
Nice canvas top as well
External oil filter
The KC off road lights are cool as well
Great simple glass pack exhaust sounds just as you would hope they would.
Period proper air cleaner and license plate light.
Even has a tow hitch!
Love those blue and yellow Bilstein shocks.
Such a neat car and so well done.
The color choices and materials used, the period parts and the high level restoration
really make this into a respectable and attractive collectors piece.
It may be cleaner than any of them were back in the day, but the goal of making
a "showroom fresh" example like this deserves some real respect.
Most folks wouldnt get this carried away with a project like this...but I am so glad the owner went there.
I think whoever steps up to add this to their collection will be thankful for the efforts.
Its just sweet as hell.
Asking
$27,500 obo
For more Info...CALL
951 795-1175
Or Email oldbug@earthlink.net