Guess Where The Engine Is In This VW Super Beetle

The original VW Beetle holds a place in automotive history that’s hard to top, with over 21.5 million units rolling off production lines between 1938 and 2003. That staggering figure means there’s no shortage of modified Beetles, and some stand out more than others. Take this Super Beetle, for example, which has an extended nose and a two-seater configuration that’s anything but ordinary.

This particular creation was built by a VW mechanic who trained in Germany during the 1950s and later moved to the US in the 1960s. The base car is a 1973 Super Beetle from the 1303 series, easily identified by its curved windshield and distinctive “elephant-foot” taillights. But this one is far from stock, with significant modifications made to both the appearance and chassis.

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The most noticeable change is the dramatically lengthened nose, which gives the car the proportions of a classic Bentley or Bugatti coupe. The extended front end creates a striking visual, with a noticeable distance between the hood and windshield. This gives the car a dash-to-axle ratio that’s unlike anything you’d see on a regular Beetle. Overall, the model looks more like a clown shoe than the BMW Z3 Coupe.

The builder didn’t stop with just the nose. The wheelbase was extended, and the cabin was chopped down into a two-seater coupe. In an unusual decision, the driver and passenger now sit on the rear bench, as the original front seats have been removed. Surprisingly, the rear end of the car remains unchanged and still blends well with the new design

While you might expect the elongated front to house a relocated engine, that’s not the case here. The original 1.6-liter flat-four boxer remains in the rear, as in all classic Beetles. This means that all the extra space up front serves as a massive frunk.

There’s no mention of performance upgrades, so the engine likely still produces around 50 hp (37 kW) and 106 Nm (78 lb-ft) of torque, driving the rear wheels. With approximately 60,000 miles (96,500 km) on the odometer, it’s a relatively low-mileage example for a 52-year-old VW.

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The long-nose Beetle is currently up for sale on ebay. According to the seller, it spend the past 40 years with the family, and runs smoothly. The photos reveal a few rust bubbles on the bodywork, but nothing too serious. It also comes with new tires and fresh window rubbers.

At the time of writing and with plenty of time left in the online auction, the highest bid for the long-nose Beetle was $1,000. Whether this head-turning creation will catch the eye of VW collectors remains to be seen, but it’s certainly a conversation starter wherever it goes.

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