1970 Volkswagen EPC Hustler Beach Buggy

Highlights

Genuine period conversion, constructed in 1970 using a British EPC Hustler kit
Post-conversion old-style logbook (dated 1970) accompanies the car along with the current UK V5C and a collection of old MOT test certificates
Glorious period colour scheme and age-commensurate patina
Dry-stored and used exclusively in dry conditions during present ownership (since 2021)

The Appeal

We’ve really fallen for this beach buggy.

It’s not some modern Meyers Manx rip-off. This buggy was built in period using a British-made EPC Hustler kit which made use of a short-wheelbase ‘60s Beetle floor pan. VW anoraks will doubtless have spotted that it utilises the early-type king and link pin beam up front and a narrow axle gearbox which allows the fitment of large rear wheels with the early Beetle 205 stud pattern.

Technical details aside, this is without a doubt one of the most original surviving period conversions we’ve ever encountered. Those enormous rear wheels and protruding headlamps, with vintage KC Daylighter covers, bring to mind retro Tamiya RC models. It’s the sort of vehicle that can’t help but make us smile, and we’re assured that it’s an absolute hoot to drive.

We love the time-earned patina on the oh-so-’70s metallic bronze paintwork, and the interior remains refreshingly simple: period bucket seats, a Mountney sports steering wheel, and very little else besides!

The vendor has owned the buggy since 2021 and it had stood idle for some years prior to their acquisition. Now recommissioned and reportedly running very well indeed, it’s reluctantly offered for sale since the vendor has begun a classic Porsche project. It’s not often that these come up for sale, let alone in such well-preserved condition.

The History and Paperwork

Built in 1970
Re-registered in 1980, with two former registered keepers since then
1970 old-style logbook accompanies the car
Current V5C
Collection of old MOT test certificates
Exempt from road tax and MOT
Dry stored throughout present ownership and only used in dry conditions
Body built by Essex-based firm EPC
Right-hand drive

The Condition

Short-wheelbase ‘60s Beetle floor pan
Fibreglass bodywork in very good condition for its age with no obvious splits or signs of notable crazing under the paint
The paint features a heavy metal flake and ‘E.P.C. Hustler’ vinyls
Pleasingly patinated inside and out
Equipped with a rollover hoop
Hella headlamps on stalks with vintage KC Daylighter covers
Volkswagen rear lamps fitted sideways
Le Mans-type fuel filler
Flat screen with windscreen wipers
British Montney sports steering wheel
Very basic dashboard with only one instrument - the speedometer
No carpets or mats fitted - revealing the floor pan to be in very good condition with only light signs of surface corrosion
The underside of the floor pan presents well and appears to have been protected with underseal
Period bucket seats with no obvious tears to the upholstery
Equipped with a rear seat which presents very well
VW-branded lap belts for front and rear passengers

The Mechanics

1.6-litre ‘single-port’ air-cooled flat-four
Twin-carb conversion: Weber carburettors with aftermarket cone air filters
Big Buggy Cano exhaust system - very loud
Four-speed manual gearbox
Chrome tinware and pulley guard
The buggy had been standing for a while when the vendor bought it so they have since gone through the mechanicals
We’re informed that it starts readily, runs superbly, and drives very well indeed
We’re not informed of any known faults

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand.. If requested, we may refer you to a third-party shipping company who can help. For more details and to speak to the team, email [email protected]

Please see our FAQs here and our Terms & Conditions here