UK tuner transforms VW Beetle into a hardcore off-roader

Baja builds of the classic Volkswagen Beetle – particularly the famous Meyers Manx – were all the rage in the USA and Mexico in the late ‘60s. UK-based tuner Twisted wanted to pay homage to those lightweight and durable buggies, so it started its own project called the TBug.

With flared and cut fenders, the TBug is immediately recognized as an off-roader. It features a shortened hood and a pair of headlights installed close to each other, mimicking the source of inspiration. The engine bay at the rear is exposed and while it still houses the Beetle’s original flat-four, Twisted claims the output is twice as good as stock. That means 79 PS (78 hp / 39 kW) at the driver’s disposal.

An all-custom interior rounds off the list. The demo example eschews modern displays in favor of retro buttons and knobs, and otherwise looks like a veritable time capsule. We don’t know how much is needed for the conversion, but the company has similar Land Rover Defender builds listed on its website starting from £150,000, which translates to U.S. $202,000.