You might know the classic Volkswagen Beetle (VW) for its legendary design and nostalgic charm, but did you know it’s not just a beloved classic car? It’s also a powerhouse for many rides. Let’s look at 15 vehicles that swapped out their engines for the legendary VW Beetle engine.

Volkswagen Type 2 (Bus) 

You’ve seen those retro VW buses around, but did you know a Beetle engine powers them? Known as the Type 2, this van became an icon of the ’60s and ’70s. Thanks to the reliable Beetle engine, it transported countless adventurers across highways and campgrounds worldwide.

Karmann Ghia 

A stylish and sporty ride, the VW Karmann Ghia had a Beetle engine hiding under its elegant frame. Designed for those who wanted something a little more glamorous, this car still relied on the same trusted engine and made it a popular choice for car lovers who wanted both beauty and reliability.

Myers Manx

This beach buggy of your dreams was powered by the same engine as the VW Beetle! The fun and funky dune buggy became famous for its lightweight design and ability to cruise over sand. With the Beetle’s engine, it had the perfect balance of power and simplicity.

Porsche 914 

The Porsche 914 wasn’t your typical sports car; a VW Beetle engine powered it! Designed as a collaboration between VW and Porsche, this mid-engine car offered affordability with a sporty twist. It showed how the Beetle engine could be tuned for high performance while keeping things reliable.

VW Thing 

While it might look boxy, its engine was anything but ordinary. Powered by the same trusty engine as the Beetle, this army-style vehicle brought the fun to off-roading adventures. The VW 181, known as the Thing, proved that Beetle power could tackle any terrain.

Puma GTE 

The Puma GTE may not be well-known, but this sleek sports car from Brazil was powered by, you guessed it; a VW Beetle engine! It combined the classic engine with a lightweight body for a nimble and sporty ride which showed just how versatile the Beetle engine really was.

VW Fridolin 

Beetle’s engine could handle all kinds of jobs, even mail duty! The VW Fridolin was the go-to van for German mail carriers, zipping around with a reliable Beetle engine. It made delivering mail quick and easy. Collectors now love it for its quirky look and dependable performance, and it is a real conversation starter.

Baja Bug 

Modified with lifted suspension and oversized tires, these cars are tough and ready to tackle dunes or dirt tracks with ease. They’re customized to stand out, so no two are exactly alike. The Beetle engine gives it durability, and each custom build makes these buggies one-of-a-kind adventure machines.

VW Kübelwagen 

The VW Kübelwagen was initially built for army use during WWII. It was proved to be a rugged, reliable vehicle powered by a Beetle engine that could handle harsh environments and tough terrain with ease. Though it’s a relic of the past, its role in shaping Volkswagen’s reputation for durability remains significant.

Bradley GT 

This rare sports car was built on a Volkswagen Beetle chassis from 1978 to 1982. With a distinctive fiberglass body and futuristic design, it offers reliable performance and agile handling. Limited production has made the Bradley GT a valuable collector’s item and a true head-turner.

Iltis (Volkswagen Type 183)

Designed for army use, the VW Iltis took lessons from the Kübelwagen and the Thing to create a rugged off-roader with a reliable Beetle engine. Though less known than its predecessors, it became famous for its toughness, even inspiring later models like the Audi Quattro. 

Porsche 356 

Did you know that the Porsche 356, one of the world’s first sports cars, shared its engine with the VW Beetle? That’s right! The earliest Porsche models had Beetle power under the hood, giving this sleek ride a surprisingly familiar roar. It was a match made in car heaven, which blended style and performance.

Porsche 550 Spyder 

The Porsche 550 Spyder is a thrill seeker’s dream. It started with a simple Beetle engine but became famous on the racetracks for its speed and agility. Owning one is like holding a piece of racing lore that still turns heads today. This car remains an iconic piece of racing history.

VW Schwimmwagen 

Believe it or not, the Schwimmwagen was a car that could float on water! This amphibious vehicle, used during WWII, was powered by a VW Beetle engine. It showed just how adaptable the Beetle’s engine could be, as it helped this vehicle conquer both land and water.

Hebmüller Roadster 

As a stylish, limited-edition convertible, it shared its engine with the Beetle. The sleek two-seater combined beauty and power, offering a fun open-top ride while keeping the same reliable engine that made the Beetle famous. Quickly, it became a classic collector’s car for fans of vintage design.