Smyth Performance sells conversion kits for building a Beetle Ute. It’s also surprisingly affordable.
Utes weren’t very popular in the United States even though the Chevrolet El Camino and Ford Ranchero were sold there. Two-seater pickup trucks were able to fill the role of cargo-bed-equipped two-seaters. This was ironically only American. The car-based cargo hauler may not have taken off because of this, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t Ute enthusiasts looking for something new. Enter Smyth performance. This Ute creation is, among many others, close to having its pickup-infused Volkswagen Beetle ready for action. is very close, as in only a few weeks.
Update:
According to the company’s website, the MkIV Beetle Stepside Kit will be available in April. Mark Smith from Smyth Performance confirmed this in a phone conversation with Motor1.com. Smith also said that 50 kits had been ordered. The upgrade is not expensive. Only 100 of the initial 100 orders will be available at a special launch price, $2,750. This includes all parts needed to build a Beetle pickup.
You will still need a donor vehicle. If you aren’t confident about cutting the car yourself, a shop can help you with installation. Smith reminds us that part of the fun in building this car is not buying it.
Smyth Performance offers conversion kits for many vehicles, including the Subaru Impreza and VW Jetta. The Audi kit can also be used for the S4. If you require V8 power, the conversion is available for the 2005-2010 Dodge Charger.
A two-seater VW Beetle Ute, which could be built for less than $10,000 in total, is a great way to get into Cars & Coffee. We are eager to see the final product. Once the initial build is completed, we will post a follow up to share the first Beetle pickup.