1972 VW Beach Buggy GP1

Highlights 

• Iconic VW Beach Buggy

• Bold, head-turning example

• Built to a high standard

• 1300cc twin port engine with EMPI exhaust

• Many new parts 

• Low miles

• Registered as an historic vehicle

Overview

When he wasn't tearing up the streets of San Francisco in that iconic Ford Mustang GT 390 in Bullitt or jumping fences to escape the Nazis on a Triumph TR6 Trophy dressed to look like a BMW R75, Steve McQueen was also known for going full send in a VW-based Beach Buggy as the titular character in 1968's The Thomas Crown Affair. Having been consecrated by pop culture's most legit petrolhead all three vehicles have since been imbued with a certain reverence that still rings true today, with the Beach Buggy being arguably the most exciting of the bunch.

It's certainly true that any self-respecting motoring enthusiast would be proud to own the Mustang or the Triumph but when it comes to sheer smiles per gallon we reckon the Buggy takes the biscuit. Based on VW underpinnings the original Myers Manx Dune Buggy – a fibre glass-bodied kit car designed to be used with the chassis and mechanicals of a Volkswagen Beetle – was inspired by '60s surf culture and quickly cemented itself as an icon of unabated freedom and off-road adventure.

Many imitators followed and a number of different engines have been fitted to VW Beach Buggies over the years with this particular 1972 GP1 model being furnished with a 1300cc twin port motor. Built by a race engineer to an incredibly high standard as reported by the vendor this bright pink Volkswagen Beach Buggy is not for the faint of heart, but therein lies part of its inherent charm. 

Registered as an historic vehicle and in excellent condition throughout with plenty of new parts, including seats and carpets, this Buggy is reportedly in rude health and ready to hit the dunes so if you're hankering after some fun and adventure in 2026 then this could very well be the car for you. To the beach!

History and documentation

• 1972 model year

• V5C present and correct

• In current ownership since 12 Sep 2024

• Registered as a Volkswagen convertible historic vehicle

• First registered 01 Mar 1972

• Tax and MOT exempt

• HPI clear

• London ULEZ compliant

• 66,658 indicated miles

Interior

• In great condition overall

• Grant steering wheel with Wolfrace centre cap

• EMPI gearstick

• New bucket seats 

• New custom mats made by Fat Bob's Emporium

• Perspex wind deflectors

• Floor, window frame and roll over bar finished in black flecked paint

• Canvas top looks to be in fine shape with no signs of any damage or repairs

• The vendor reports that everything works as it should

Exterior

• The fibreglass bodywork is in good condition with no evidence of any major damage

• Free from any significant dents or scratches but there is a single, noticeable chip hidden underneath the rear matt

• No sign of any corrosion issues

• Side pods moulded to the body

• Front spotlights are finished in black flecked paint and in good condition

• Small Pink Panther sticker to the front end

• Historic style number plates in good shape

• Deep dish steel wheels are in good condition but there are  some small marks to note

• Chrome hub caps present well

• Tyres are a mix of Remington XT-120 CTR models on the back and new Comforser CF510s on the front

• The underneath is very clean and the chassis rails appear solid

• Additional box sections added for strength

Mechanical

• 1300cc twin port flat-four air-cooled engine 

• Four-speed manual gearbox

• Rear-wheel drive

• EMPI exhaust system

• New shocks all round with new 2” drop spindles as reported by the vendor

• All visible mechanical parts look to be in fine fettle

• No mechanical issues to report aside from a slight oil weep from the valve cover

• The vendor informs us that the car runs well, stops as it should and sounds great with EMPI exhaust system

Summary

Not only is this Volkswagen Beach Buggy a fine example that has clearly been built to a high standard but it's also a statement piece that's guaranteed to get you noticed. In great shape throughout and reportedly in excellent mechanical health it's a car that begs to be used as Bruce F. Meyers originally intended, so channel your inner Steve McQueen, grab your Faye Dunaway and head to the coast because you're certain to have a blast every time you get behind the wheel.

To arrange a viewing, click the 'Book Viewing' button located under the 'Place Bid' button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to 'Contact Seller' for further enquiries. This seller is located in Colchester, Essex.