28/08/2026
ROB’S EAST AFRICA RALLY BUG 🇿🇦🏁
What started with Rob sourcing a VW Beetle from the internet became an incredible two-year Vdubtech project.
Vdubtech inspected, collected, stripped down and completely rebuilt the Bug to East Africa Rally specifications, following the rally rule book. Months went into planning, sourcing and ordering specialist parts, with very little body modification to retain the Bug’s classic character.
One of the highlights was the TNT roll cage, specially built by the legendary Tommy Botes Jnr shortly before his passing.
The suspension received adjustable coil-over shocks, upgraded front and rear anti-roll bars with polyurethane bushes, Kalahari beam stabilisers and upgraded steering rods. Braking was upgraded with an EMPI wide-5 disc brake conversion and special master cylinder.
For muddy rally stages, Vdubtech created a clever windscreen system using a 5L rust-protected steel jerry can, water pump and four spray nozzles, together with specially built double wipers and upgraded Golf headlights.
Inside are SABELT Ta**us FIA-approved racing seats and harnesses, a deep-dish quick-release steering wheel and adapted Golf indicator stalks.
Rob sourced special rally tyres from the UK, fitted to imported 5x205 5.5J steel rims, with four on the car and two spares.
The drivetrain features a specially built short-ratio Bu**er Transmission, with a Super Diff and heavy-duty side cover.
At the heart of the Bug is a Vdubtech-built 8.8:1 engine, featuring an SA21 case with rear brace, 69mm counterweighted crank, Mahle sleeve kit, new heads, 275° billet cam, 1.25 rockers, performance rocker shafts, chrome-moly pushrods, serpentine belt system, Shockwave distributor, high-flow oil pump, external oil filter and cooler, 39mm carburettor and hideaway exhaust.
This is far more than a restoration. It represents two years of planning, engineering, fabrication and VW expertise, focused on building a Beetle capable of tackling the East Africa Rally while retaining its unmistakable air-cooled character.
