2002 Volkswagen Sand Rail

About this car

Gateway Classic Cars of Dallas is excited to offer this one-of-a-kind 2002 Volkswagen Custom Sand Rail, an outrageous street-legal machine built to turn heads whether it's carving through sand dunes, cruising back roads, or stealing the spotlight at your local cruise night. Finished with a metallic purple tubular chassis, black fiberglass body panels accented by ghosted purple flames, and an aggressive open-air design, this five-passenger sand rail combines classic dune buggy fun with unmistakable V8 power. At the heart of this custom build sits a rebuilt Oldsmobile 350 cubic-inch V8, mounted longitudinally in the rear and paired to a 3-speed automatic transaxle. This configuration is commonly associated with the GM Turbo-Hydramatic 425 transaxle, a transmission originally developed for the groundbreaking front-wheel-drive Oldsmobile Toronado and Cadillac Eldorado. By rotating that proven drivetrain into a rear-engine layout, builders created an incredibly durable package capable of handling substantial V8 torque while maintaining excellent weight distribution for sand and recreational use. The engine was completely removed and professionally rebuilt in August 2025 at a cost of approximately $11,000, giving the next owner confidence that the biggest investment has already been made. The chassis is purpose-built around a heavy-duty tubular frame utilizing Volkswagen-style front and rear beam suspension, a tried-and-true setup long favored in the sand rail community for its simplicity, strength, and ability to soak up rough terrain. Heavy-duty rear shocks, rear-mounted aluminum radiator with multiple electric cooling fans, tubular headers, and an Edelbrock-equipped V8 all contribute to a package that's built to perform both on and off the pavement. Inside, the cockpit is trimmed with leather interior coverings and offers seating for up to five passengers. The front bucket seats feature racing harnesses for added security, while a floor-mounted ratcheting shifter controls the automatic transmission. A turning brake lever provides additional maneuverability in loose terrain, making this buggy equally at home climbing dunes or navigating tight trails. New front seats, a new electrical panel, fuel gauge, speedometer, and temperature gauge have all recently been installed, further modernizing the driving experience. This sand rail has received extensive recent maintenance and upgrades totaling nearly $6,000 in 2021, followed by an impressive list of additional improvements in 2025. These include a new high-performance water pump, new four-barrel carburetor, new distributor, new ignition coil, new rear shocks, and a new starter, culminating with the complete engine rebuild. It also rides on new wheels and tires, giving it the aggressive stance and dependable performance expected from a professionally maintained custom build. One of the most enjoyable features is its removable front body cover, allowing you to drive fully exposed and enjoy the raw mechanical character of this unique machine—or reinstall the cover for a more finished appearance. Either way, few vehicles deliver the same combination of visual impact, V8 rumble, and open-air excitement. Whether you're looking for a weekend toy, a showpiece unlike anything else at your local car meet, or a street-legal sand rail ready for the dunes, this custom VW Roadster offers an unforgettable driving experience backed by substantial recent investment and classic American V8 power. For more information or to schedule a viewing, contact Gateway Classic Cars of Dallas today at Dallas@GatewayClassicCars.com.

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