The Volkswagen Beetle, the German manufacturer's most famous model and arguably one of the most iconic small cars in automotive history, is known for its compact, quirky design that has inspired many concept and production vehicles throughout the years. The classic car has also seen many transformations to date, and though a camper conversion might be the last thing that comes to mind when you think of it, the sky is the limit for human creativity, so here is the Holzhaus Beetle, a wood cabin on wheels crafted by a team of deft Swiss craftsmen.
We're accustomed to seeing vans, buses, and even ambulances being converted into comfortable homes on wheels, but a cabin based on such a compact car is definitely an unusual, unexpected design and a novelty for many.
The donor car for the Holzhaus Beetle is a standard 1970 VW Beetle 1302 that was used in its conventional configuration until 1995 when a group of craftsmen from Switzerland with a lot of imagination and ingenuity turned it into a traditional Swiss chalet-style cabin with a chimney, a kitchenette, a sofa, and opening windows.
"Holzhaus" is a German word used to designate a "timber house," and it perfectly describes what this unconventional Beetle is. While the team responsible for the rebuild kept the original chassis of the VW Beetle 1302, the central part of the original bodywork was replaced with a solid wood house-shaped structure, albeit a miniature one considering the dimensions of the donor vehicle. The front and rear of the Beetle, as well as the 1600cc VW engine, remained in place during the conversion process.
Photo: Catawiki
Just a glance at the photos of the Beetle Holzhaus is enough to realize this is a work of passion and love, with plenty of attention to detail noticeable in its intricate finishes. The cabin structure was completely made from carved and hand-painted solid wood. And though almost 30 years have passed since it was completed, it remains in excellent condition, which proves the level of craftsmanship and dedication put into it.
Before going into the details of the conversion, let's remember some things about the VW Beetle 1302. Arguably the most refined Beetle of all time, the 1302 model was smoother and quieter than its predecessors and brought on some significant changes, the most notable being the substantial increase in luggage capacity. This model offered nearly 43% more space thanks to its 260-liter (9.2 cu ft) front luggage compartment, a huge increase from 140 liters (4.9 cu ft) on the previous model.
The underpinning of the Beetle also suffered important upgrades, including the installation of a new MacPherson strut suspension at the front, hence the more bulbous hood, and a wider track width that helped optimize cargo space by allowing the spare tire to be placed flat under the trunk floor.
The Holzhaus Beetle takes advantage of these features to accommodate a dining table at the back with plenty of seating space and a mini-kitchenette with a working chimney.
Photo: Catawiki
The entire bodywork of the woodie cabin is in good condition, while the original platform chassis underneath is also intact. On the outside, the front and rear portions are painted with beautiful Alpine vistas, and the wheel covers boast matching artwork. To further highlight the cabin look, the front and rear bumpers have been painted to make them look like they're made of wood.
A functioning external water gutter system, insulating tiles on the roof, and a tow bar that allows it to haul small trailers complete the exterior of this unique Beetle cabin.
The solid wood interior is hand-carved and custom-made, with the walls adorned with paintings and a cuckoo clock. Traditional red and white striped curtains enhance the rustic vibe.
Photo: Catawiki
At the front, the steering wheel boasts a wood rim and is complemented by an upturned wooden table leg that functions as the gear lever. The driver and passenger seats also match the rustic tone of the interior, featuring wooden slats on top of steel frames, and they are fitted with comfy cushions. Beige carpeting front and back ties everything together.
The Holzhaus Beetle has been used extensively during its lifetime, serving as the Alpine Club's base during rallies, parties, and festivals. It was also used as a mobile bar and a ticket office at various Volkswagen rallies, and its quirky design granted it a spot on the pages of various newspapers and magazines in Europe.
Now, the charming Holzhaus Beetle chalet on wheels has been put up for sale with a price guide of €20,000 – €30,000, which translates to approximately $22,500 – $33,700 USD at current exchange rates. It has 73,219 km (45,496 miles) on the clock and is offered with Italian registration.
According to the listing, the engine has recently been restarted, and it's said to run smoothly. The future owner of this unique build will have to run routine maintenance, though, to ensure everything is in working order before using it on the streets.
After spending a few years as a copy editor, Ancuta decided to put down the eraser and pick up the writer's pencil. Her favorites subjects are unusual car designs, travel trailers and everything related to the great outdoors. Full profile
Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?
Google News