Next year will mark 75 years since the original Volkswagen Beetle resumed production following the destructive aftermath of WWII. Thanks largely to the efforts of the British Army and Major Ivan Hirst of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, this bare-bones family car become one of the most popular vehicles in history.
To celebrate this anniversary, Driven to Extremes, an organization that supports military veterans suffering from PTSD, will be running the Sahara Bug Rally 2020. With the assistance of expedition specialists Max Adventures, the 17-day rally will retrace the route of the original Dakar Rally in specially prepared Volkswagen Beetles.
While each team will be responsible for sourcing and preparing their vehicles—any generation of Beetle is eligible for entry—the Driven to Extremes crew will be on hand to offer support and advice as they prepare to cover the 1000-miles of inhospitable terrain that lies between their starting point at the Algerian border and the final destination in Morocco. Teams of up to four can compete together and essential modifications such as a raised suspension, engine sump guard and all-terrain tires will help increase the chances that they will make it through the treacherous journey.
The entry cost is £745 p/p and £495 per car, with each team required to raise a minimum of £500 in support of veterans. This makes the Sahara Bug Rally one of the most cost-effective ways to take part in an epic adventure of this kind and the entry fee includes full expedition support, return ferry from Spain to Morocco, all accommodation in Africa, branded clothing and vehicle graphics.
The rally will be taking place between 13-29 March 2020 and interested parties should contact the event organizers on the link below as available slots are limited. If the thought of modifying an old Beetle seems like a daunting task to take on, the Driven to Extremes team even offers a turnkey vehicle sourcing and preparation service to allay your fears.
Images courtesy of Driven to Extremes
