454-Powered 1973 Volkswagen Type 3 Squareback
Though instantly recognizable as a VW Type 3, this wicked custom 1973 Volkswagen Type 3 in Deer Park, Texas features custom touches from front to back, not the least of which is the thumping Chevrolet 454 rat motor under the hood! No one will call this unique “Squareback” a sleeper thanks to the rumbling big block, giant hood scoop, and Corvette Z06 wheels. Unlike cute little sport versions of economy-minded vehicles like the Nissan Juke, this custom build sets the Overkill-o-Meter at Maximum Irony. Originally offered as a frugal gas-sipping family vehicle, this Type 3 couldn’t represent a more ridiculous departure from that intent unless maybe it packed a second V8 somewhere in the back. Hmm. Whether or how well it runs or drives is anyone’s guess but it is described as “inspected.” Check out the full listing on Facebook Marketplace, where the sobering and oddly sequential price of $123,456 will put this tricked-out monster in your driveway. If you actually want to sell a vehicle, folks, put a real price on it.
An oval-track style tube chassis underpins the VW body to (hopefully) keep the 454 cid (7.4L) V8 from tearing the car apart when you smack the accelerator. A full roll-cage bolsters the structure and protects occupants in the unsavory event of a rollover. What looks like a Corvette-style brake booster and master cylinder help bring this Deutch-American rocket sled to a stop after angry stabs of throttle input.
Finished interior surfaces soften brutal reminders that you’re strapped into a serious and purposeful machine. If your idea of going crazy is super-sizing your lunch combo, stay in your lane and admire this VW from afar. Potential buyers should be drawn from a pool of those willing to jump off a rock into an unknown lake without checking the depth of the water. A Turbohydramatic 400 three-speed automatic with a 4000 RPM stall converter promises to hit hard and separate the wheat from the chaff among car lovers in your subdivision.
Cadillac tail lights nicely frame the resculpted rear, further exaggerating the vehicle’s height in comparison to its width. Three inch exhaust tips stand ready to foul tailgaters with a pall of toxic carbon dust.
What looks like body-colored over-spray on the tires detracts from an otherwise tidy profile. Though not mentioned in the ad, that looks like an adjustable lower-control arm, possibly part of a three or four-link rear suspension. Hopefully there is some clearance at those rear fenders or the first pot hole will send you to the body shop. Do you have enough crazy on board to pilot this big block VW?
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Comments
Aside from all the potentially negative aspects of this one, somehow it is kind of cool.
No,no,no,give me the72 from yesterday 🚙
It would be fun to drive once or twice, but not to live with for any length of time.
There would not be a twin, cousin or distant relative at the next cars and coffee if you rolled up in this. Different, fun and no thanks!
ironic how the tail lights make it look like a hearse.
looks like fun
Bodywork by Playdoh™
No detailing here,more like wham bam thank you Sam and the price?
Is this price a joke? First the amount, secondly the format 123456?
Since it’s on FB, you can bet it’s not on the level.
Even in this market that’s a “Honey, I tried to sell it but nobody’s buying…” price.
After the owner rear-ends another car, his excuse will be “I couldn’t see over the Vette hood.”
Cool, listed 23 weeks ago.
why……??
Just because you can doesn’t mean you should. 🤪😵💫
Because you can means you should where in America remember God bless
Straight line special and I’ll bet that the motor/ trans weigh more than the rest of the car put together . Good luck selling it.
Jake Hudson a pinstriper from the Ft Worth area had a square back he made into a sedan delivery 25 years ago. The last time I saw it
was 20 years ago while driving north out of Houston on I 45. This could be it
Reminds me of the 84 911 with the Cadillac V8 and the phony luggage set that hid the engine and soundproofed the cab. Scary
useta maintain my GF’s 1600 in the day (early ’70s). Nice rig (a lill small but very useable/maintainable) durable too.
“…to pilot this …”
no, but I appreciate (as in ‘playdo’ comment) how the builder semelessly modded it into the modern (juke-like). As per Wayne, “sure but Y own”?
Now imagine having this rig in it’s home country. o0OP, U could not. Customizing like this means only parade duty (slo, plenty traffic in frnt/behind, no DD or real use) 3X/yr use. As Johnny sez : “god Bless ameriker” (well, Chad in this case).