How would a modern Beetle look?
The days of the Volkswagen Beetle are over, we keep hearing. Although it’s sad to think, sales of the third generation of the popular car haven’t exactly lit the world on fire.
The unfortunate end of the quirky car was almost certain, so Memminger, a small German manufacturer, decided to bring the car back. It’s a remarkable result.
Memminger has been building and restoring Beetles from the original recipe for many years. In the late 1970s, the company was founded as a steel construction firm. Just before the new millennium, it restored its first Beetle and has since made that its core business.
The latest creation of the German firm is the Roadster 2.7. It is a car that it claims is a modern Beetle.
A 2.7-liter, air-cooled boxer engine produces around 210 horsepower. The five-speed gearbox has a 5-speed setting, and the bodywork is made of a welded tubular frame.
The exterior is Beetle-esque, but the interior is a little more modern. However, it is empty. The car’s steel frame is exposed by the lack of door handles and cards. It has the feeling of a racecar from years past. Tartan fabric is used to line the racing bucket seats, giving it a bit of color.
We don’t know the exact price of the Memminger Roadster, or how to get it. However, you will likely need an old Beetle to cannibalize, as well as a lot more money. Boutique restomod cars can be expensive.