One-of-a-kind VW Type 3 'Squarerra' for sale
Type 3 wagon would have left the factory with around 50hp; now, thanks to a GT2 engine, it has nearly 10 times that
Probably we’re all guilty of using the ‘labour of love’ phrase when it comes to our cars. Maybe we’ve spent a little longer detailing this weekend, upgraded the suspension again because the last setup wasn’t quite right, or changed the oil just one more time this year, to be sure. Labour of love, see, because our cars mean so much.
But that sort of commitment is nothing, really, compared to the dedication and time (and money) that’s been poured into this classic VW. Once upon a time, it was a Volkswagen Type 3, back when a Beetle was a Type 1 and the Type 2 was the original Transporter. Across bodystyles from two-door notchback to van, VW made more than 2.5m Type 3s across just 12 years. But you’ve never, ever seen one like this.
The Squarerra (Squareback, as the estate was known, with Carrera, for a clue) story begins in 1996, when it was imported from the USA. From there its owner embarked upon a mission to make the old VW a bit more, well, Porschey. Which we’ve all seen in the air-cooled cars, because of the undeniable association, and is most obviously demonstrated here with some Turbo wheels. But there’s way more Porsche to this Type 3 than that.
Because in the boot there’s a GT2 engine. That’s a good sentence to write. 3.6-litres, six horizontally-opposed cylinders, and in the region of 480hp; what once sat in the back of the ultimate 993 now resides in a 1967 VW Type 3 estate with a wheelbase about the length of Peter Crouch. It’s the very best kind of crazy classic car.
In total, it’s said to have taken eight years and £100,000 to get the VW complete, which is understandable when you see the rest of it. There’s carbon fibre absolutely everywhere; it’s glossy and neat, too, especially given it’s more than 20 years old. Some effort was clearly invested in the centre console and speaker setup as well (this was the '00s, after all). While it’s evidently pretty barren in the Squarerra, what is there has been executed really nicely.
It’s the engine swap that represents the crux of the VW’s appeal, though. To make it mildly less terrifying to drive, there are ballast tanks up front to even out the weight distribution a tad, and there are four-piston brakes fitted as well. Apparently the suspension is also from Porsche, and is adjustable.
Despite all that and plenty more besides (there’s a considerable Squarrera rabbit hole online if you’re interested), including a custom chassis and body panels, the VW wasn’t used much upon completion. Maybe it was too intimidating to drive, maybe it was simply too nicely done to use in anger. Whatever the case, it’s been driven just 4,000 miles since 2004, and spent a lot of that time in a collection.
Only now the Squarerra is ready to be enjoyed and appreciated all over again, just as it was during the '00s, for sale at Dunt Barn for £40,000. Currently it’s owned by a member of staff, who’ll be perfectly placed to talk you through its idiosyncrasies; plus it’s going to a Porsche specialist ahead of sale to make sure everything mechanical is tickety boo. Imagine the looks on their faces when this rolls in. While it’s clearly a lot of money for something that’ll only be used occasionally, there’s simply no way of repeating what was achieved with this Type 3.
Moreover, if the bills totalled £100,000 in the years to 2004, the cost would be fearsome now - where, for example, are you going to get a GT2 engine now all the 993s are worth so much? All to make something that’s already been done. Sometimes the original really is the best, and labours of love have never looked quite so cool as the VW Squarerra.
What was a 993 GT2 worth in 2000 - maybe £60k?
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Agree about the narrow front end, never been my thing really, but has been a very popular mod in the aircooled VW world for many years.
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