- Seller: Don L (Contact)
- Location: Junction City, Kansas
- Mileage: 40 Shown
- Chassis #: KS104034
- Title Status: Clean
- Engine: 1776cc Flat-4
- Transmission: 4-Speed Manual
It never ceases to amaze how versatile the air-cooled VW Beetle platform is. It’s moved millions of people around as basic transportation, been the basis for countless kit cars, and just about everything in between. While it doesn’t use a Beetle floor pan, this custom Sand Rail is powered by a Beetle engine and makes use of more than a few VW parts, and honestly, that’s a good thing! Its previous owner started putting it together in 2017, and after several years of work, it was ready to drive. Unlike most of the Sand Rails we’ve seen, this one has a title and could possibly be driven on the road. It’s now being offered here as a Barn Finds Auction.
After the success of the Meyers Manx and the EMPI Imp, it didn’t take long for the Beetle to become the donor vehicle of choice for a wide range of playthings. While most rode on modified Beetle pans, some builders went to the extreme and created their own chassis. This allowed for a lighter vehicle and endless customization options that were better suited for loose sand. It also meant that most weren’t street-legal and had to be towed to the sand. You probably won’t want to drive a long distance in this one and may have to make a few changes to use it on the street, but if you live close to some dunes, you wouldn’t need a trailer to get there!
So, there’s really not much distinction here between the interior and the exterior, since it’s wide open. And of course, with something like this, the goal is to keep it light and simple. We have a pair of fixed-back bucket seats, 4-point harnesses, an oil pressure gauge, an ammeter gauge, a tilt steering column, and a turn signal switch. Since it is open, we get a good look at the frame. The previous owner didn’t tell the seller whether they built or purchased the frame, but it looks professionally done with clean welds and nicely bent tubes, plus it’s titled as a 1987.
One of the more unusual aspects of the Beetle was its rear-mounted engine, which lends itself well to a sandrail. Traction in sand is obviously critical and hard to come by. Having the engine in the back allows for more weight to be distributed to the rear wheels, and when paired with the right tires, it maximizes the available traction. You also need a decent amount of power to move the off-road tires. A built 1776cc Beetle engine powers this one. It’s equipped with an Engle 110 camshaft, a Weber downdraft carburetor, and all your typical go-fast Beetle parts. The previous owner had the engine built in 2017 and is paired to a 1960s Beetle transaxle. It has only seen about 40 miles since it was completed, but was recently tuned up and had a new battery installed, so it’s ready to drive.
Dune buggies and sandrails can be a blast to drive, but they tend to have limited use. We wouldn’t recommend driving this one in heavy traffic or on the highway, but it would actually be a fun vehicle for quick trips around town. We would add a 3rd brake light, front brakes, and a roof rack for a little extra room to haul a cooler for grocery runs and trips out to the sand dunes, but what about you? If you’re interested in purchasing it, please submit your highest bid below and include any questions you may have for the seller in the comment section.
Bid On This Auction
paulwilsonkc bid $2,000.00 2025-07-01 08:46:43
Walter bid $1,000.00 2025-06-26 13:04:59
Most states make you have front brakes on the street.
You need front brakes anyway because that’s where braking is most effective.
Okay, a sand rail in Kansas,,,by golly, I remember a lot of corn, not much sand though. Sand rails are really neat, I think traction is a big problem, and I can assure you, that motor will look like a sugar cookie, sand gets in everywhere. Not sure about “street legal”, its missing many things like fenders, windshield, speedometer, and such, but what this would be ideal for, is some of the ATV trails up nort’, be a blast on abandoned RR right of ways. Someone did a nice job, for sure, but more ATV on steroids than sand rail.
Saw a wicked old Yamaha 490 with a paddle tire at the dunes in Oregon. Looked alot of fun. But Howard is 💯 right that sand gets absolutely everywhere. Tough on the vehicles.
Back in the late 90’s, I was visiting my good friend in Eugene OR. We decided for an adventure we’d go to the coast in Florence OR and check out the Dunes and the Sand Rails.
We ended up with a driver and a 4-seater Rail and had so-much-fun! The driver didn’t hold back….probably was in the air about the same amount of time we were on 4 wheels. We giggled like little schoolgirls the whole time. A real bittersweet memory, my friend passed unexpectedly a few years later. He was truly a brother from another mother.to me.
just to let you all know this rail buggy is street legal and drives great
Hi don, well that depends. I read most states, including Kansas require a host of things this vehicle does not have. For example, Wisconsin requires all wheels to have a fender and all vehicles need bumpers, windshield and speedometers, to name a few. I’d have to think an ambitious trooper would need a 2nd ticket book here. It is pretty cool for off road, however. Connections at the DMV perhaps?? :)
Howard I always thought a brake was required on all wheels only if its a larger vehicle, truck, bus, hwy tractor etc. More or less depending on vehicle weight…
Would be a days drive to tow it to where I can actually use it but I would at least be able to meet the crew from Mats off road recovery
Does it have a Kansas clear title? No off-road brand on the title?
It has a clean Kansas title