For Sale: 1969 Volkswagen Super Bugger – The Quirkiest Camper Conversion

Introducing a truly one-of-a-kind classic – the 1969 Volkswagen Super Bugger, perhaps the most oddly named vehicle in automotive history. While this quirky camper has never been spotted on the market often, it has earned a unique place in automotive lore, popping up on obscure motoring forums, often as an object of curiosity (and not without its fair share of amusement).

A Bit of History:

The Super Bugger was born in the early 1970s when a small company in Costa Mesa, California, started offering turn-key conversions and kits for VW Beetles, transforming them into these eye-catching campers. Unfortunately, the company’s run was short-lived, disappearing just a few years later, leaving behind a rare legacy of these camper conversions.

We know that people were still creating their own Super Buggers well into the 1980s and possibly longer. It’s likely that creating a conversion like this nowadays would be illegal in most jurisdictions due to increasingly stringent engineering requirements on car modifications. However, Beetles converted during the original production period have no issues renewing their registration.

Why the Beetle?

Due to the popularity and the inexpensive nature of the VW Type 2 van, it’s hard to know why the original designers of the Super Bugger chose to use the Beetle as the basis for a camper conversion rather than the Type 2 – which had already been a popular target for camper conversions for over 20 years. Regardless, the Super Bugger designers succeeded in creating a tiny, surprisingly highway-capable camper capable of accommodating two people. Despite adding only around 250 lbs to the Beetle’s weight, thanks to a lightweight structure made of wood and fiberglass, it remains a truly functional vehicle.

The design required significant modifications, cutting away much of the Beetle’s original body, leaving only the front section and steel floorpan. The camper body is then placed on top, though the rigidity of the vehicle likely suffered to some degree after the conversion.

The VW Beetle Super Bugger: Fast Facts

• A Truly Unique Camper: The Super Bugger is a camper conversion of the iconic VW Beetle – a true conversation piece for any car enthusiast.
• Famous Example: This particular 1969 model is one of the most well-known Super Buggers, having been featured in Mechanix Illustrated magazine in 1977.
• Surprisingly Capable: Despite its unconventional look, the Super Bugger can reach highway speeds and comfortably accommodate two people for overnight trips.
• Misunderstood Heritage: In 1977, Mechanix Illustrated published plans for a similar vehicle called the “Minihome,” leading to a surge in Beetle camper conversions. Many people often confuse the two designs.

Inside the Camper:

The interior of the Super Bugger is cleverly designed to make the most of its compact space. It accommodates two people with features such as:

• Two single beds
• A two-seater dining table and chair
• Two forward seats for the driver and passenger
• A small kitchenette with a gas cooker and sink, designed to be used both inside and outside. A hatch on the side allows for outdoor BBQ-style cooking, preventing the interior from becoming smoky.

The Super Bugger Shown Here:

The example you see is a period conversion based on a 1969 Volkswagen Beetle. Impressively, the vehicle is bought from the originalm owner, the original builder, who has owned it for 52 years.

Key features of this specific Super Bugger include:

• Engine & Build: Built on a 1969 Volkswagen Beetle with a 1500cc H engine
• Ownership: Same owner and original builder for 52 years
• Stability & Comfort: New Continental tires, with wider rear tires for stability, and modified suspension to accommodate the camper conversion
• Interior: Original, period-correct interior with AM/FM CB radio, ’70s-style carpeting, matching curtains, and a crank-handle skylight for ventilation
• Awards & Recognition: The car has won numerous local car shows in Illinois and was featured in Mechanix Illustrated in 1977, as well as the local Freeport, Illinois paper
• Mileage & Performance: Highway capable with approximately 27 mpg
• Storage & Maintenance: Always stored inside a heated building, with recent tune-up and oil change.
• Extras: Includes an outdoor stove and propane set-up for camping adventures

If you’re looking for a quirky addition to your collection or simply want to own a piece of Volkswagen’s unconventional past, the 1969 Volkswagen Super Bugger is a rare find. Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of automotive history!

Contact for more details or to schedule a viewing.