This Beetle-Based Truck In Denver Has Captured My Attention, Forcefully

I’m very fortunate to be friends with Emily Velasco, one of our contributors and, more importantly, someone who has proven herself to be very reliable about sending me any interesting cars she comes across. This is important not just to me, but, as is my understanding, society as a whole. Today she sent me a picture of a truck that was sent to her by a friend in Denver. So, you’re receiving this information fourthhand, just so you know. This truck is notable because it’s based on an old, air-cooled Volkswagen Beetle.

Now, I’ve seen Beetle-based pickup trucks before, but never one quite like this, and I’ll admit, I’m pretty fascinated. I better explain.

You see, most Beetle-based pickup trucks tend to be made more for fun than strict utility; while some very early ones were built for actual work, soon VW developed the Type 2, which took the basic rear-engined Beetle formula and adapted it into an actual work vehicle.

Beetle-based pickup truck kits, on the other hand, tended to emphasize looks and leisure, though they could also be used for truck-like work, like the hilariously-named Brasilian Fusck Up, based on the VW of Brazil Fusca (Beetle):

These are close to what I usually see on Beetle-based trucks: a short, high bed over the engine. But let’s look again at what was spotted in Denver, this time in a side shot:

That’s a much bigger bed than what is usually seen. At first I thought perhaps a Beetle body had been grafted onto some actual pick-up’s frame, but then I noticed the VW’s distinctive rear suspension setup with the transverse torsion bar tube. This does seem to be built on a Beetle’s chassis! Just, I think, lengthened significantly?

I think I can see some of the engine behind the rear wheel there, but it’s hard to tell. And what is that silvery tube that looks kind of like it’s wrapped in tinfoil? I’m not sure.

What I can see of the body from the side shows what look to be unmodified doors, but the body behind it has not just been truncated, but the area where the rear side windows would have started have been filled in, too.

Up front, we have more unusual details. For whatever reason, the front fenders have had their headlight buckets removed and the headlights are now mounted high on the fender, not fully faired into the bodywork. The rest of the front bodywork looks surprisingly stock. It’s hard to tell what year Beetle this may have started as, but based on the bodywork I can see, I’d guess maybe a ’73 standard (non-Super) Beetle? It’s hard to say.

I’m hoping one of our Autopians around the Denver area may recognize this hardworking Beetle-based truck, because I’d love to know more about it. Was the chassis extended? What engine is in there? It looks like it’s used as a work truck; is it?

Someone must know, right?