Volkswagen Apal L Buggy (1976)

Vehicle description

VW Buggy is the most widely used variant of the so-called kit car. The futuristic vehicles emerged in the early 1960s as a status symbol of the surfer and hippie generation and were mainly used as mobile stationary vehicles. The idea came from Bruce Meyers, who built his own vehicles based on the VW Beetle, which caused a sensation as sports and fun vehicles first in California and soon in Europe. Many vehicles were self-made from so-called kits (kits), but companies such as Kühn, Karmann and Apal also offered finished models.

In this auction is bid on a VW buggy, which was originally launched in 1976 by Belgian manufacturer Apal as Model L. The eye-catching fun car used a boxer engine at the time, which produced about 45 hp with a 4-speed gearbox. The first registration took place in April of the same year, how long the vehicle made how many owners happy, is unfortunately no longer known. At the latest at the end of the 1990s, the VW Buggy came to Germany and was extensively revised on behalf of the Autostadt Wolfsburg. The appearance of the vehicle remained in its basic features, many components such as engine, axles and seats were replaced. It is therefore unique today in two respects a kit car in this constellation. The car with the vehicle ID TP94PP76026 has a registration as a road vehicle, has almost two years of TÜV and is ready to drive without restrictions. Due to the rebuilding, there are neither matching numbers nor H license plates, but it has remained accident-free to this day. Numerous documents prove the recent history of the vehicle, which is handed over to the new owner with 2 keys.

The body has been preserved in its original look, but has been rebuilt from spare parts. The professionally prepared vehicle then received a fresh paint finish, so that it now shines in a friendly violet metallic. The exterior of the revised and rarely driven vehicle is in good condition. There are no dents, paint damage and corrosion could only be detected to a small extent. A special feature is the partially open engine compartment, which allows a view of the technology from a lateral perspective.

Widened rims from Lennerz are mounted on the car, which are also painted violet. New Uniroyal Rainsport 5 wheels are mounted on the front axle, bridgestone Steel Belted 60 tyres in good condition provide an excellent visual impression on the rear axle. The chassis was revised as part of the revision and an adjustable front axle of the Porsche 914 was installed. Drum brakes from the VW Beetle were integrated and the vehicle was upgraded by red Bilstein dampers. The vehicle was only slightly moved, so that no defects in these components were found during the last service.

The VW Buggy has the typical simple equipment inside. On the well-preserved dashboard, in addition to the steering wheel, controls and speedometer, a radio can be found, the boxes installed in the rear provide the extra portion of good mood. Folding sports seats of a Porsche 924 were used, which are covered with black imitation leather and checked fabric and are in good general condition. A tailor-made vinyl roof in dark grey protects against sudden rain. Piping rails and snap fasteners are available for fastening, and there are also button-in doors whose vinyl window panes allow a clear view.

The vehicle has driven 3,500 kilometers so far after the restoration, but has covered 63,000 km, according to the speedometer display. In any case, this is due to the fact that the vehicle was built from many individual components. In principle, no information can be given about the exact history and stress of the individual parts, but the functionality of all instruments is ensured.

The vehicle is equipped with a VW Beetle-based engine, which probably comes from a Formula V car of the early 1970s. The 1.6 liter machine was provided like other parts of VW Classics, the missing stamp, the special 4-speed transmission and the steel plate in the area of the front axle at least suggest the assumption of an earlier racing use. The vehicle also delivers the usual 65-70 hp at the time, the top speed should be about 150km/h due to the low weight. Damage to the engine and the technology could not be detected during the last service, apart from some corrosion discoloration, the underbody is in good condition.

In June 2022, the axle joints were submerged and thus the only detectable damage was repaired. Further repairs are currently not necessary according to the protocol. The future owner acquires a fully functional VW buggy in Apal L optics, which was assembled from various components in 2000. Only experts from Volkswagen Classic were involved in the completion, as the vehicle was originally intended as an exhibit for the VW history section in Wolfsburg's Autostadt. The vehicle is thus part of the history of Europe's largest car manufacturer and as an absolute unique piece a real rarity not only for buggy fans.

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