VW New Beetle pickup conversion kit is a sales hit

Several months ago, we reported that Smyth Performance was working on converting Volkswagen’s New Beetle compact into an extremely cute and yet practical-looking mini-pickup truck. The kit was launched a few days ago, and the company has already processed over 100 orders.

The first hundred conversion kits cost their buyers as little as U.S. $2,990 – a whole order of magnitude below popular conversions of this kind. The standard price will be a bit higher, but only a bit at that. The tuner has several other pickup kits in stock, and the most expensive one (for the Dodge Charger, no less!) will only set you back $3,590.

But back to our Beetle kit. The company claims compatibility with the New Beetle model that used to be produced from 1998 through 2007. If you really want it, you may find a turbocharged version for as little as U.S. $1,500.

The truck bed, the tailgate and the framework are made completely out of aluminum, while the gorgeous wide fenders are FRP. Installation and painting are not included, but Smyth Performance assures you can cut the car according to the manual as long as you have the necessary tools and don’t mind the elbow grease. And of course, handing it over to your nearest car shop is another valid option.

Photos: Smyth Performance