Known as "Smurple," this 1962 Volkswagen dune buggy utilizes a

　　Desert Fox buggy body built on a shortened 1962 VW bug chassis. The

　　buggy was built with a high level of detail and has approximately

　　1,500 miles on it since completion. The chassis is a 1962

　　swing-axle Beetle pan that has had the stock floors replaced with

　　custom flat pan halves. The frame horns and engine support were

　　reinforced for added strength under torque. The front beam is stock

　　but has had the leaves softened for a better ride since the front

　　of a buggy is lighter. There are front disc brakes for safety and

　　175/55R15 tires. In the rear is a stock 4-speed manual swing-axle

　　transmission with a Kennedy Stage 1 clutch mated to a 1904cc

　　4-cylinder engine, sporting an 8-dowl crank, dual Weber 40 IDF

　　carburetors and a Bugpack ceramic exhaust. It also features an

　　alternator with a serpentine belt kit, SCAT valve covers, full flow

　　spin-on oil filter and clean chrome tins. The rear end has stock

　　drum brakes and 235/60R15 tires. All four corners sport KYB gas

　　shocks. The underside of the body and the chassis have been

　　Raptor-lined for durability. Freehand pinstriping was added by

　　well-known artist John Ybarra. The sliding adjustable front seats

　　are from a Fiero GT and have been re-covered in custom gray and

　　Charcoal vinyl with dark piping matched to Vetter-style side panels

　　and Deist 4-point seat belts. Under the dash and throughout the

　　buggy is a custom-built detailed wiring harness and fuse block. The

　　dash is laid out nicely with AutoMeter gauges to monitor all the

　　engine details like temps, pressure and fuel. A tach for RPMs has

　　been added to the Silver Metallic powder-coated roll cage. In the

　　same powder coat is the rear engine cage, complete with hidden

　　license plate lighting. On the dash are switches for the lights,

　　warning lights and a horn button.