The Volkswagen Sports Bug (sometimes just Sport Bug) was a limited-edition 1973 Super Beetle, primarily marketed in North America as part of the “Rallye” group of special edition Beetles.
The Sports Bug was essentially an appearance and equipment package for the Super Beetle, rather than a performance model with significant mechanical upgrades. Roughly 20,000 examples were produced at the Emden plant in Germany.
1973 Volkswagen Sports Bug: Favorite Car Ads
Key Exterior Features
- Saturn Yellow or Marathon Blue paint colors
- Black exterior trim
- Color-matched bumpers
- Lemmerz-brand 15-inch GT wheels (borrowed from the Porsche 914)
- Radial tires
Key Interior Features
- Sport fabric/vinyl bucket seats
- Leather-wrapped sport steering wheel
- Black cloth upholstery
Performance Features
- Short-throw shifter
Additional Features
-
1973 Volkswagen Sports Bug Ad Available racing stripes (dealer installed)
- Heated rear window
Power came from the Super Beetle’s standard 1.6-liter engine rated at a net 46 horsepower. Top speed was reported to be between 80- and 90 mph.
Fun Fact
The Sports Bug was heavily promoted by Volkswagen employing print ads drawn by Mad Magazine’s Jack Davis. The message emphasis was on the rarity of the model. “Volkswagen announces a limited edition Volkswagen.”
Europe
Related European-market special editions included the Sun Bug, Love Bug, and Jeans Bug.
CG Says:
Man, this car would have been so much cooler with even a small horsepower bump. That said, we really like the look, and would love to see one up close. Sadly, despite having sold in huge volume, the Beetle is something of a rarity today. A shame, as the car’s character and reputation for reliability have earned the Beetle historic respect.
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Volkswagen Sports Bug Pictures
Click below for enlarged images
