You’ve seen Beetles before, but not like this. This 1973 Volkswagen Beetle German-Look build doesn’t play by the rules. It’s a chopped, widened, and reimagined air-cooled outlaw that blends Porsche engineering with street-racer attitude. From the silver finish to the carbon-fiber accents, this car tells a story of bold choices and obsessive detail.
2,316cc Flat-Four Power from Raby’s Aircooled Technology
At the heart of this Beetle sits a 2,316cc Type IV flat-four built by Raby’s Aircooled Technology. It uses a Porsche 2.0L case, SCAT H-beam rods, JE pistons, and revised cylinder heads. The DTM cooling system keeps things in check while dual Dellorto carbs feed the beast. A Sidewinder-style exhaust and HyFire ignition round out the setup. This engine doesn’t just run, it roars.
High-Performance Transmission and Porsche Drivetrain
Power flows through a Kennedy clutch with a 1,700-lb pressure plate and a billet flywheel. The four-speed manual transaxle features a 4.12:1 ring and pinion. Porsche axles help transfer torque to the rear wheels. It’s a drivetrain built for serious fun, not casual cruising.
Porsche Suspension and Braking Setup
Handling gets a major upgrade thanks to Porsche 944 Turbo trailing arms and hubs. The front beam is adjustable, with drop spindles and a sway bar for added control. Koni dampers smooth out the ride. Braking comes from Porsche 944 Turbo calipers over 911 Carrera rotors up front and matching calipers in the rear. A Porsche master cylinder ties it all together.
Exterior Mods That Redefine the Beetle
The roof was chopped and the trim shaved before the car was refinished in Porsche silver. Bumper deletes, widened fiberglass fenders, and Speedster-style headlight buckets give it a low, aggressive stance. Smoked markers, aero mirrors, and carbon-fiber running boards add edge. The rear features a lip spoiler, mesh grille, and smoked taillights.
Porsche Wheels and WRX Seats, A Wild Combo
The 17” alloy wheels come from a Porsche Boxster and wear Yokohama ES100 tires. Inside, WRX STi bucket seats and G-Force harnesses hold you tight. A Bug-Tech short shifter, billet pedal covers, and carbon-fiber door panels complete the cockpit. Porsche SC handles and aluminum cranks add flair.
Alpine Sound System and VDO Gauges
An Alpine stereo powers MOMO and Polk Audio speakers, with a custom subwoofer enclosure in the rear. The suede-wrapped MOMO steering wheel frames VDO gauges, including a 7k-rpm tach and 150-mph speedo. Additional gauges monitor oil temp, pressure, voltage, and cylinder head temps.
Not Just a Beetle, A Statement
This 1973 Volkswagen Beetle German-Look build isn’t about nostalgia. It’s about pushing boundaries. It mixes air-cooled heritage with modern performance and style. Every part tells a story, from the Porsche brakes to the WRX seats.
Summary
This 1973 Volkswagen Beetle German-Look build blends Porsche engineering, WRX comfort, and air-cooled attitude. With a 2,316cc flat-four and a chopped silver shell, it’s a bold reimagining of a classic icon. It’s not just a Beetle, it’s a rebellion on wheels.
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Source & Details: bringatrailer.com