What If?
What about a 1979 Volkswagen 4-door 1303S with a full length sliding ragtop? What if in the late 70s a couple of VW engineers decided to build the Ultimate Super Beetle. Based on the Rommetsch Taxi of the early 50s, this 80s interpretation is bigger, faster, and safer. Taking a box-stock Euro-spec 1303S, they custom engineered the four doors exclusively using original parts. They intentionally updated the engine to add more muscle for the extra weight. Unfortunately, the time was nearly over for factory air-cooled cars, so the idea was never considered.
The story might not be true but you can start on your own RagRod4 with a sad and neglected Volkswagen 1303. While still plentiful, the recent interest in them have been driving up prices on solid examples. The four-door conversion itself takes careful planning but only require another set of doors and a skilled bodyman.
Unconstrained with factory directives, this new millenium example goes to the extreme. Only the VW body was used. Thoroughly disassembled from top to bottom, the body shell was reinforced with racing strut braces. A full-length sliding sunroof was custom-engineered to complement the additional doors. Paying homage to the rollback KDF cars, this sliding ragtop extends to below the rear glass area giving the open air atmosphere of a genuine convertible while offering additional structural rigidity required by the planned drivetrain.
A parade of Porsche parts come next. Porsche 911 Carrera Struts and ceramic disk brakes tie the front end together. Reworked rear torsion bars, Porsche 944 rear disk brakes, control arms, and koni shocks lower the rear end. 17" front and 19" Gas Burner rear with Michelin radials provide extreme grip and traction with a little sacrifice in ride comfort.
The twin turbocharged 3-liter Type4 is kept quiet by custom built, and very Porsche-like stainless, dual-tipped exhausts. Dual CB Performance 52mm fuel injection system provide more than adequate fuel to the big 103mm pistons.
GunMetal Grey RagRod4 is roomy and comfortable. . . AND wickedly fast! The recovered Recaros replace the original VW seats. Matching cappuccino custom door panels follow the original VW style. Everything else, even the steering wheel , gauges and switches were sourced from a contemporary Porsche.
