
Imagine picking your kids up from school in this: a classic 1962 VW T1 van that’s been souped-up with lightweight carbon fiber and a turbocharged 558-hp Porsche motor. The “Bulli” can hit up to 143 miles per hour, making for a joy ride like no other. Want to see it in action? We’ve got a video enclosed just for you. Check it out below!
From the outside, one would never guess that this vintage van packed such massive levels of power. Aside from a few racing graphics that’ve been stamped on the side, the T1 Race Taxi (its official name) appears to be a well-maintained but ordinary van. However, this is a case in which you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover.
Fred Bernhard, a Swiss vehicle customizer, worked on this van endlessly for six years and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles recently showcased it publicly at the GTI-Treffen. In addition to using a Porsche engine and carbon fiber, which drops the van’s weight by 3,300 pounds, Bernhard also threw in slick three-piece BBS alloy racing wheels, 235/35/18 front tires, 285/30/18 rear tires, a six-speed manual Type 996 GT3 with control cable, Bilstein struts and other upgrades. Click play now to see this puppy fly!