Listed on craigslist, this one-of-a-kind 1970 Volkswagen Speedster Convertible is unlike anything you’ll see on the road today. The seller describes it as a “Super Custom & RARE ‘Wizard’”, referring to the British-built Wizard body kit that transformed this classic VW into a low-slung, wide-body Speedster tribute. Priced at $8,995, it’s being offered as a rare and well-kept California-style cruiser that turns heads everywhere it goes. Thanks for the tip Mitchell G.!
According to the ad, this car features flared fenders, a wide-body design, and a custom look created by Maison De Vitesse, a Porsche customizing shop known for unique builds. The seller points out that it’s “super rare and super unique,” noting that you could probably drive across the state, or even the country, without seeing another one like it.
Under the rear decklid sits a 1776cc engine paired with a 4-speed manual transmission, which the seller says runs strong and shifts tightly. They report that the car is in excellent mechanical condition, ready to drive and enjoy immediately. Being titled as a 1970 model, it’s smog-exempt in California, making it an easy choice for someone who wants a fun, classic driver without modern emissions hassles.
The red paint has reportedly been professionally polished and nano-waxed, showing well for its age, though not described as factory-new. The tan interior includes well-kept seats and clean panels, plus a custom roll bar and a working stereo system. The canvas top is in good shape overall, with one small visible hole, while the lexan roll-up windows and glass windshield are noted to be in good condition.
The seller clearly has affection for the car, calling it “super cute, super fun, absolutely lovable”—and it’s not hard to see why. Between its head-turning stance, rare British styling, and classic VW reliability, this custom Speedster sits somewhere between a Beetle and a dream garage toy.
If the description is any indication, this Wizard-bodied VW offers something special: a mix of style, simplicity, and fun that few cars can match today. As the seller says, “Forget all the oh-so-common Ferraris and Lambos”, you’re unlikely to see another like this anytime soon.
Would you take this Wizard-built VW Speedster for a sunny weekend drive, or keep it as a rare collectible from the era of true custom creativity?
Would be a interesting case study to see which will last longer the fiberglass body or the VW drive train. For a modest price looks to be a fun driver.
I’ve been a VW fan for many years and even subscribed to HotVW’s for a while but I’ve never heard of this model. [or maybe I just don’t remember]
I’m not sure how the designers pulled it off but they really did capture the “flavor” of a Speedster without the look of a clown-car. Even more so with the top up. Porsche wheels and hubcaps might be a better look but that’s just me.
And with the lighter body and a somewhat performance engine it’s probably a hoot to drive. At what looks like a very reasonable price. And let’s not forget, “re-sale red”. The only negative for me are the numbers. For a second I was hoping they were magnetic then, “duh”, fiberglass…
I like it.
The doors and the hood are probably still steel.
The “frunk” lid is ‘glass (I’d probably go back to a stock style lid.) There’s still a good amount of original structure under the conversion, IIRC. I looked into building one of these through BGW back in the day.
I wanted to build something like this back in the day when I was a VW mechanic, but I was too poor and too busy anyway. I’m tempted.
I like it. Definitely won’t see another like it. The 1776 cc engine should keep up with traffic in this area anyhow. I’ve had a few VWs and enjoyed them all.
Many Wizards are still running around in England. There was also a company in the US that made a very similar kit. BGW Spectre.
👌
Has kind of a “modern” Hebmuller vibe to it.
What a great looking VW and a reasonable asking price. The only change i would make is going with Porsche wheels and hubcaps like someone above said. I am surprised this has been for sale for 24 days thought someone would have snapped it up by now.
I’ve never been a classic Beetle fan, but if I had to have one, this one would be it.
My wife had a new gen convertible that was a fun car.
I absolutely love this car !
If it weren’t called a ” Speedster” I’d hate it less. I had a ’57 or ’58 Speedster a long time ago, and this bears NO resemblance to that awesome classic.
Interesting car not my style. From the pictures it locks like I would either be looking over the top of the windshield or the window frame would be in my line of sight I would take a traditional bug over this.
Very cool! Not a fan of the wheels or numbers. Remove the numbers and just install full moon disc/wheel covers until you find the appropriate wheels. At least you wouldn’t have to look at these “off road” ugly things.
I don’t know much about VW’s but don’t they have a difficult time keeping the engine cool? I’ve seen several where the rear engine hood is propped open a few inches to facilitate more air flow. Doesn’t look like those small vents would do the job here in West Texas.
I repaired, sold and owned air cooled VWs for many years, and never saw one having cooling problems unless it was poorly maintained or deliberately abused. Of course, there were several things I learned along the way that could be done to compensate for the hot climate.
Should have sold instantly for that price – but for some reason it didn’t…
Cute! Kind of like a Manx cat whose rear legs are longer than the front. I too am surprised it hasn’t sold given the California car culture.
this and the BGW Spectre seem to have the rear decks ok, but so does the Heb. No one has the front set up in my mind (inc the original). The top is ‘right’ in the ol Hebmueller but these 2 have that “off” too. I guess there’s no accounting for all our different ‘tastes’. I say: “Let’s keep tryin.” Theres at least one for us all~