The 70s were a strange time.
While we have covered many creative and quirky RVs in the past, the Volkswagen Super Bugger is our favorite. In the 1970s, a California-based company decided it would be a good idea to convert the VW Beetle into an RV while keeping the chassis intact. The VW Super Bugger was born, which is a mix of bug and camper.
This 1969 VW has been restored to its original glory over the past decade. It includes paint, bodywork and engine tuning. There are not many original VW Super Buggers, but there are blueprints that you can use to make your own. This is not a DYI project.
While many parts of the VW are original, like the wheels, the windshield wipers, are not. These were not offered by the California company. They had to be retrofitted onto the Super Bugger by a mechanic in order for it to be legal for the road. However, it seems like there were some regulatory hurdles that had to be cleared before it could take its first cruise.
The camper’s original steering wheels and a VW dashboard are found inside. The 1.6-liter four cylinder engine at the rear produces 60 horsepower (45 megawatts). A four-speed manual gearbox is paired with it. Even though it is small, this camper has a lot to offer. The camper has seating for four, a small stove, a sink, and a table with a dining table. The table can be lowered to create a two-person bed.
Although it doesn’t have a shower or toilet, it packs a lot into its small footprint. It is amazing to think that the Super Bugger was built around the original car’s chassis. It’s super cute to see the small opening in the rear that allows you to access your engine. It’s rare to find one, so if you see one out and about, make sure to ask if it’s an original. This could be the Beetle hybrid VW that we will eventually offer.