The modern-day crossover boom has given birth to a whole bunch of models, creating new niches and tapping into new segments at the same time. Nearly every major player out there has at least one such proposal in its lineup, and the list also includes supercar makers and luxury vehicle manufacturers.
Nevertheless, most people will never need the higher ground clearance compared to a regular sedan, a station wagon, or a minivan, let alone an all-wheel drive system. Car makers are aware of it, so if you are into overlanding and exploring new territories that are far from the traditional beaten path, then there aren’t that many options.
Moreover, should you get something like a G-Wagen from the three-pointed star brand or a Defender from Land Rover, then you should know that it would need some proper all-terrain tires on its feet to aid traction. A lift kit would also be a welcomed upgrade, alongside maybe a snorkel to improve its wading depth and additional lights to turn night into day at the push of a button, among others.
But what if you cannot be bothered by searching the web for the right parts and finding a shop to upgrade your machine? Then this is where the used car market comes in handy. There are countless off-roaders on sale at any given moment, some more exciting than others. And there are also a few proposals that are still potent off the lit path, though they didn’t exactly start life with this goal in mind.
Photo: Garage Kept Motors
Case in point, meet one bad Volkswagen Beetle. A true Baja Bug, it is a 1970 model that boasts multiple upgrades. From the custom suspension, new axle, and full roll cage to keep the occupants safe if it decides to go belly up to the 32-inch tires, new fuel pump, oil cooler, electric power steering and others, it is a true beast. And it is one that packs a 2.2-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine under the hood, which is mated to a manual transmission with four gears.
The interior is all about racing, as it features a very Spartan layout, with a pair of bucket seats up front, a new steering wheel, lots of buttons and gauges, and a few other things. There is also an intercom system on deck complete with Bluetooth headsets that allow the driver to communicate with their navigator, as this build is all about exploring the off-road at high speeds.
The ad on Garage Kept Motors claims that this car has zero miles under its belt, and you are looking at $36,900 to make it yours. Kind of beats getting a Bronco or a Wrangler if you’re into this kind of stuff, doesn’t it?
After a series of unfortunate events put an end to Cristian's dream of entering a custom built & tuned old-school Dacia into a rally competition, he moved on to drive press cars and write for a living. He's worked for several automotive online journals and now he's back at autoevolution after his first tour in the mid-2000s. Full profile
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