Volkswagen-Powered Dune Buggy

Description

Utah-based Welch Fun Cars, Inc. was one of many companies that sprang up during the beach buggy craze of the 1960s and 70s. This hot new trend led to countless Volkswagens having their bodies tossed aside in favor of an open-air fiberglass unit affixed to their chassis, which had to be shortened to fit the new body. This modification drastically reduced the vehicles’ turning radius and helped keep them from getting hung while cresting sand dunes. Additionally, traction was greatly increased due to the driver's and passengers' weight being positioned closer to the rear wheels.

This Welch Fun Car started as a Volkswagen Beetle sedan but was turned into a dune buggy under previous ownership, reportedly in the 1980s. The body is finished in metallic maroon and features a hinged engine access panel, two soft tops, Dietz-style headlights, and round taillights. A roll hoop is also equipped, along with tubular bumpers, a storage chest, a fire extinguisher, and a Kenwood head unit. Power comes from a 1.6L air-cooled flat-four engine that features a 009-style distributor, bolt-on valve covers, and an off-road exhaust system.

This Volkswagen-powered dune buggy is now offered with spare parts, two soft tops, and a clean New Mexico title describing it as a 1985 KITV WELCH FUN CAR.

Highlights

• Fiberglass bodywork

• 1.6L air-cooled flat-four engine

• Four-speed manual transaxle

• Tan soft top with side curtains

• Black Bimini top

• Factory VW cabin heater

• Kenwood head unit

• Rechargeable dome lights attached to roll bar

Equipment

• Ball joint front suspension

• IRS rear suspension

• Tubular bumpers

• 15” steel wheels

• Off-road exhaust system

• Fiberglass bodywork

• 1.6L air-cooled flat-four engine

• Four-speed manual transaxle

• Tan soft top with side curtains

• Black Bimini top

Servicing & Documentation

The seller notes the tires, air filter, and belt were replaced, and a tune-up was performed within the last three years. Work performed recently reportedly included repairing exterior light wiring, installing a Bluetooth-capable Kenwood head unit, and replacing the spark plugs and wires, fuel filters, heater tubes, and wiper blades. Work performed in preparation for the sale is said to have included performing an oil change with 20w50 Valvoline VR1 oil.

Known Imperfections

• Tears in tan soft top

• Scratches on body sides at cabin entry points

• Gas gauge does not read accurately

Ownership History

The vehicle was turned into a dune buggy in the 1980s and was acquired by the seller in June 2023.

Included Items

• Tan soft top

• Black Bimini top

• Spare parts

Additional Information

• The car is titled in New Mexico as a 1985 KITV Welch Fun Car using the serial number 85AB2054, which is listed on a plate affixed to the dashboard