1970s Volkswagen Beetles Converted into RV Hybrids Called “Bug Campers”

vintage bug camper

Photo source: Reddit

Volkswagen is perhaps best known for its iconic Beetle. The cute and curvy car was, in fact, the first model produced by the company back in the 1930s. In German, Volkswagen means the “people's car,” and it was built to be efficient yet inexpensive for the everyday family. While automobile technology has been refined and improved over the years, the silhouette of the beloved Beetle has largely stayed the same. But despite this commitment to design, car owners in the 1970s wanted to challenge the function of the practical vehicle—taking it from the city streets to places off road. Known as the Super Bugger, Volkswagen owners had Beetles that were a cross between it and an RV—an eye-catching bug camper that still exists today.

The Super Bugger was the brainchild of a third party company who constructed and sold the unusual vehicle for a cool $6,000 in 1975. They used fiberglass paneling to construct a small living space behind the two front seats. One couple, who have since maintained their Volkswagen Beetle camper, showed it off at a car show in 2016. They revealed a tiny interior and only a modest kitchen inside—no space for a bed. But, for those who prefer to sleep under the stars, this bug camper provided (and still provides, with upkeep) some convenience on long cross-country trips.

Inspired by the beloved Volkswagen Beetle, people in the 1970s converted the car into a Super Bugger.

volkswagen super bugger

volkswagen super bugger

Here's how the Super Bugger was advertised in the 1970s:

bug camper

Inside, there's a small kitchenette—but no room for a bed.

bug camper

Would you ride in this vintage bug camper?

vintage volkswagen camper

vintage volkswagen camper

h/t: [Reddit, My Star Collector]

All images via My Star Collector unless otherwise stated.

Sara Barnes

Sara Barnes is a Staff Editor at My Modern Met and Manager of My Modern Met Store. She is a graduate of the Maryland Institute College of Art where she earned her BFA in Illustration and MFA in Illustration Practice. Sara is also an embroidery illustrator and writer living in Seattle, Washington. She runs Bear&Bean, a studio where she stitches pet portraits and other beloved creatures. She chronicles the creativity of others through her website Brown Paper Bag and newsletter, Orts. Her latest book is Threads of Treasure: How to Make, Mend, and Find Meaning Through Thread, published in 2014. Sara’s work has been recognized in Be Creative With Workbox, Embroidery Magazine, American Illustration, on Iron and Wine’s album Beast Epic, among others. When she’s not stitching or writing, Sara enjoys planning things that bring together the craft community. She is the co-founder of Camp Craftaway, a day camp for crafty adults with hands-on workshops in the Seattle area.
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