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, Manager of My Modern Met Store, and co-host of the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast. As an illustrator and writer living in Seattle, she chronicles illustration, embroidery, and beyond through her blog Brown Paper Bag and Instagram @brwnpaperbag. She wrote a book about embroidery artist Sarah K. Benning titled "Embroidered Life" that was published by Chronicle Books in 2019. Sara is a graduate of the Maryland Institute College of Art. She earned her BFA in Illustration in 2008 and MFA in Illustration Practice in 2013.
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