Hello everyone.
Despite liberal application off mosquito repellent on a recent holiday to Greece, it seems we were bitten quite badly by a bug, namely a virulent variant of the Beach Buggy Bug. Actually, I think I was bitten quite a long time ago and the affliction has lain dormant until now. In Greece you can rent beach buggies. They are not VW ones, they look a little odd with small wheels, and they are all 1.3l automatics. They did look cool though, and it was rare to see one where the occupants weren't grinning their heads off.
I have quite a lot of experience with air-cooled VWs, having owned a 1972 1300 Beetle for five years as a first car, then kept a 1966 Van on the road on a shoestring for 25+ years with artful welding and ingenuity, selling it in 2004. In fact I still keep finding bits of it in random boxes. So the mechanics are familiar to me, but there is a lot more info available now than my treasured John Muir bible.
Ms EddieStone and I are based in Plymouth, Devon, and are probably old enough to know better. We do have a sensible car, and I have a few motorbikes: Vespa, Lambretta, Moto Guzzi. I consider a beach buggy like a four wheel motorbike where you get to sit next to each other, and feel our motorbike gear is likely to come in handy.
Anyway, we are looking for a beach buggy to tour around in and generally have some fun with. I'd like to find a solid basic example rather than a show winner, but at the moment all I can find are £10-12k stunners that are a bit beyond our means. They seem to be quite rare in the Southwest?
But first, I'd like to say hello to everyone, and ask if anyone local is willing to show me (us) around their buggy so I can find out a) I can fit into it, and b) if Ms EddieStone finds it comfortable enough, and c) what a roadworthy buggy is like, as a starting point.
Look forward to getting to know everyone.
EddieStone
Excellent intro setting the scene and if you can post an image of the rental non VW Buggys that would interest me.
Great idea to sit in a few buggy's although most buggy's you get allow reasonably easy swapping of seats to more comfortable or stylish ones. I've found every buggy owner is friendly and more than happy to
explain why they chose their particular seats, mirrors, wheels etc as well as being willing to encourage your interest by taking you or your delightful other half for a run.
I'm in Herefordshire but someone from the sunny South should come along and assist you.
Look forward to hearing what buggy you end up with, seeing images and that you are using it.
Hi Eddie and welcome.
I'm nowhere near you and have one roadworthy but no engine at the mo.
Plenty down your way, you should have home to Swanage there were loads there, all different.
A lot of the Greek ones are Doon rip offs or space frame jobbies.
Tip. First purchase a decent hat and a way of tying it on ;D
Good luck with the search, Dave
Hello Eddie
The greek tourist ones are Chinese made buggies but an introduction to buggy fun.
You will find one in your price range to suit.
It`s a Hi from me ;-)up
Greetings from Paignton ;-)up
There are more than you think around the South West, but they seem happier surfing the waves than playing here on social media.
If you are ever Paignton way, then by all means come and have a crawl over mine - Kettle is always on ;-)up
Thanks for the warm welcome, and the helpful tip about a hat!
Dave, are you likely to be at the Dubs at the beach event in Paington on Sunday? We're thinking of coming along, dipping my toe in the often choppy but warm waters of the VW world again...!
I will certainly be there - Its 800 yards from my house, so no excuses really :D
Quote from: Dave DND on July 30, 2026, 02:32:33 PMI will certainly be there - Its 800 yards from my house, so no excuses really :D
Hope to see you there. 800m you should be able to get there on just the starter motor...
Pushed my mates car there a few years back from our house
Didn't make this distance before losing a wheel ;D ::)
I wont embarrass him, but he had a black Jas and went by the name of Phil :P ;D