This Is What It’s Like To Rally A VW Beetle

Story by David Vardy // Photography courtesy of David Vardy / VrDMotorsport

At VrDMotorsport, we run several classic race vehicles, but our most unique is a 1958 Volkswagen Beetle rally car. Rallying since 1961 with Bill Bengry, it could be the very first works Volkswagen rally car in history—and we have just been accepted to compete in this year’s Wales Rally GB in November.

Driver Bob Beales’ car has lived a long life in competition, and had early disc brakes, a Porsche engine, and various other hop-up parts and modifications fitted over its career. Now, with a second life as a historic machine, it has been invited to compete in numerous events, including Race Retro and the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

Now fitted with an Oettinger TSV 34R 1,295-cc engine, if you’re willing to stand out in the November cold in Wales, chances are you’ll see us flying by in our rally Beetle—with another adventure sure to follow soon after.

Follow @vrdmotorsport on Instagram to keep up-to-date with the car’s appearances and results at Wales Rally GB.