As a passionate enthusiast, I am irresistibly drawn to classics with two or more wheels. My love extends beyond the usual suspects to the quirky, the rare, and even lemons. This 1973 Volkswagen SP2 is undeniably rare, and some may consider it quirky. Produced in Brazil, it is rarely seen beyond its home country. However, this SP2 has found its way to Miami, Florida, and is listed here on eBay. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder T.J. for spotting an automotive oddball with a BIN of $44,900 OBO.
The Brazilian Government’s protectionist approach to the automotive industry encouraged manufacturers to open local production plants to avoid the prospect of high tariffs. Volkswagen was happy to set up shop because it provided a significant market for its affordable Beetle. However, Volkswagen do Brasil had grander ambitions, commencing development of what would become known as the SP2 in 1970 as a sporting model. Utilizing a tried-and-true industry practice, the process involved styling a rakish hatchback body to sit atop a proven platform. In this case, the chosen donor was the Type 3 chassis and floor pans, slashing development time to just over two years. The stylists penned a sleek, purposeful body that is considered by some to be the most beautiful Volkswagen ever built. This 1973 example looks stunning in Light Ivory. Its history is unclear, and scrutinizing the listing images reveals minor paint imperfections. These aren’t significant and are acceptable if potential buyers seek a survivor-grade classic. The panels are as straight as an arrow, and there is no mention or evidence of rust. If problems are detected, they need not be the end of the world. Sourcing Type 3 floors and other parts is a piece of cake, and repairs will be no more complicated than for any other Volkswagen of this vintage. The glass is crystal clear, and this SP2 retains its correct steel wheels.
The SP2 may have looked unlike any other Volkswagen that came before, but its drivetrain was not revolutionary. It featured a rear-mounted, air-cooled flat-four engine feeding power to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual transaxle. In this case, the engine’s capacity is 1,678cc, generating 75hp and 94 ft/lbs of torque. Some people draw an immediate comparison between the SP2 and various Puma models, which is understandable. However, Puma almost always enjoyed a performance advantage, courtesy of its use of fiberglass body panels rather than the steel used in the SP2. Therefore, performance will be adequate, not mind-blowing. Potential buyers can consider this beauty a turnkey proposition. The seller supplies this YouTube video of the vehicle in action. The motor sounds sweet, and the car rolls effortlessly down the road.
Combine the stylish body with the well-appointed interior, and it’s easy to see why the SP2’s sticker price was twice that of a regular Beetle. Plush seats with adjustable headrests, a dash with a comprehensive gauge cluster, an integrated console, a sports wheel, and luxurious carpet on the floors and in the cargo area, it’s all there. For the average Brazilian, this interior would be viewed as aspirational. Someone has added an aftermarket radio/cassette player. Otherwise, this interior is as it left the factory, and in excellent condition. There is no evidence of wear or other issues, and the cargo area retains its correct luggage straps. I can’t spot any UV damage or other problems that might spoil the ownership experience or attract negative comments.
Although records are imprecise, it is believed that Volkswagen produced between 10,205 and 11,123 examples of the SP2 during its 3½ year stint on showroom floors. The company’s export program was minimal, with fewer than 700 cars heading to foreign shores. The inability to meet North American headlight regulations closed that market, which is a shame. The SP2 doesn’t cross our desks at Barn Finds very often, and placing a value on this immaculate 1973 example is challenging. I located a couple of sales from the early 2020s, and a figure of around $20,000 seems to have been the average at that time. Is this car worth the seller’s BIN? It’s hard to say, but one characteristic of the classic world is its unpredictability. Therefore, I won’t be surprised if someone votes with their heart and takes this Volkswagen home.
One of these showed up at a local Coffee & Chrome event, I recognized it instantly, but had only seen magazine pictures. Somewhere, I have a picture of me standing beside it; it’s very low and the top of the roof was about hip level on me (I’m 6’4″)! GLWTA!! :-)
These are very cool VWs from Brazil!!
One of these used to show up regularly at the Carlisle (Pa.) Import & Kitcar Show and/or the Manassas (Va.) Bug-Out decades ago. Lots of people drooled at them, but it does go down as possibly the most impractical sports car you could have bought….
I had to go back and look it up. There was a pair of these listed here on BF via Samba motors back in August 2025. I’d never heard of them before seeing that ad. The opening image for that ad had the same paint job, though there were 2 cars offered as a package. Neat car, but way out of my price range. Someone will want this in their garage.
Maybe a bit rare in the USA, but not $44,900 rare.
it looks it it was made of left-over VW parts
$44k for what amounts to yet another Bug platform with a custom body? While the S2 looks nice and its heart is in the right place, I can’t see paying more than half that price.
I kinda feel the same way, but I’ve noticed that the price of old kit cars seems to have jumped a tier or two in recent years, which maybe factors into the ask here. $45k seems steep, from my armchair, but it is arguably the nicest-looking air-cooled “production” VW ever made.
This is not a kit car, was a regular VW production car.
I’d be curious to see what Liberty Walk could do with one of these. I see a slammed resto-mod on the Stanceworks website, with a ridiculous camber on the rear wheels, but a web search of images shows some pretty awesome, tastefully modded cars out there. I have to believe someone’s swapped a Subaru engine into one.
For me, the asked price has me thinking about a Beck Spyder…
Sorry ! The price that you ask is totally absurd! All the beauty of these little bit car is gone!
This is NOT a kit car!!! Do more research and you will see it was developed in Brazil by VW. All metal car. I own one and I am part of the SP2 America Owners Club. Right now we’ve identified only about 11 of these in the US (this maybe #12). CEO Rudolf Leiding, engineer Senor Schiemann, and designers Márcio Piancastelli, José Vicente Martins, and Jorge Oba develped the car. Leiding was chairman of Volkswagen AG (1971–1975), credited with transitioning the company away from its reliance on the Beetle by overseeing the development of modern, water-cooled models like the Golf, Passat, and Scirocco. He previously managed Volkswagen do Brasil and Audi, playing a crucial role in the creation of the VW SP2 and the Audi 100
Beautiful car – looks like new – worth any penny
A very cool looking car! Add in reliable VW mechanicals. And you have a great daily driver that in my opinion is worth about $15,000. Which is about the max I would pay. Nicely done car by VW!
One of the most original “exported” cars I’ve seen lately.
Only 3 details, which I noticed, are not quite right.
Right-side exterior rearview mirror (not available), black windshield wipers (correctly gray to match the wheels), and the gearshift lever trim.
As for the stereo that was installed, a TKR, it was very common in Brazil at that time.
Beautiful example. Very original.
Very cool VW. I clicked on seller’s other items for sale on eBay. Dealer has quite a few other rare or unusual vehicles.
Worth a look.