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This Guy Transformed A 1961 VW Beetle Deluxe Into A Black Matte Roadster
20.3K

This Guy Transformed A 1961 VW Beetle Deluxe Into A Black Matte Roadster

Designer Turns 1961 VW Beetle Deluxe Into A Stunning Black Matte Minimalist Beetle RoadsterDesigner Danni Koldal Reveals A Black Matte Beetle Roadster He Built From A 1961 Volkswagen Beetle DeluxeThis Volkswagen Beetle Was Transformed Into A Roadster And It Looks Like It Came Straight Out Of A MovieDesigner Transforms A 1961 VW Beetle Into A Stunning Stylish RoadsterThis Guy Transformed A 1961 VW Beetle Deluxe Into A Black Matte Roadster1961 VW Beetle Deluxe Got Transformed Into A Stunning Black Matte Beetle RoadsterThis Guy Transformed A 1961 VW Beetle Deluxe Into A Black Matte RoadsterThis Guy Transformed A 1961 VW Beetle Deluxe Into A Black Matte RoadsterThis Guy Transformed A 1961 VW Beetle Deluxe Into A Black Matte RoadsterThis Guy Transformed A 1961 VW Beetle Deluxe Into A Black Matte Roadster
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The Volkswagen Beetle is one of the most iconic cars in automotive history. Sure, the classic Type 1 was considered a tad bit underpowered and technically unimpressive compared to its competition. However, what it lacked on the inside was vastly outweighed by its never-before-seen aesthetic—so much so that just by looking at it, you can’t help but smile. It’s a cute car!

So, it should come as no surprise that people are paying tribute to the classic Beetle by revamping it into an even cooler version of itself, just like designer Danni Koldal did with his sleek black matte 1961 Volkswagen Beetle Deluxe Roadster that he designed and converted from a regular 1961 Beetle Deluxe.

Ever wondered what a Volkswagen Beetle Deluxe would look like if Batman was driving it?

Image credits: Danni Koldal

When you look at Koldal’s take on the Volkswagen Beetle, you can’t help but think “hey, isn’t this something Bruce Wayne would probably drive?” And you’d be correct in thinking that many online are of the same opinion.

Its sleek matte black aesthetic paired up with an elongated body does hint at the similar designs of Batmobiles over the years, but there is one slight discrepancy there—there is a hood ornament with the Superman logo as well as the word “Superman” written in cursive on the back.

Well, it’s not the Batmobile but designer designer Danni Koldal’s custom VW Roadster built from a Beetle Deluxe

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Image credits: Danni Koldal

Image credits: Danni Koldal

So, apart from the new paint job, the car underwent some drastic changes, namely the elimination and modification of certain parts. Koldal said goodbye to the original chrome bumpers of the Deluxe and got rid of the fender-mounted turn signals. Also, he got rid of the old side mirrors and went with a more old school “torpedo” design appropriate for race cars.

What is more, there is no roof and the windshield was chopped off, making it seem more menacing and lower than it was before. Oh, and the car was also lowered as well. The shiny rims and whitewall tires were also matched appropriately to make sure it fits the old-school aesthetic.

The car features a custom-built hot rod-like body as well as a sleek matte black paint job

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Image credits: Danni Koldal

Image credits: Danni Koldal

Now, if it was just an aesthetic overhaul, the car should still be pretty much the same under the hood—likely a 4-speed transmission with a 1100 to 1600 CC engine boasting 25 to 40 horsepower and around 60–70mph (96–112kmh) top speed depending on the engine.

The Volkswagen Beetle community is surprisingly huge and mods such as this are no rarity. Bored Panda has already covered another VW project called the Volkspod, where Brent Walter took apart an original VW Beetle and created two adorable motorcycles for himself and his wife.

The car was lowered, the windshield was chopped off, and ‘torpedo’ mirrors were put on to give it a mean look

Image credits: Danni Koldal

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Image credits: Danni Koldal

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By the looks of things on Koldal’s Instagram, the car has also been in exhibitions and was even featured on a random t-shirt in Thailand, as spotted by his friend who was on vacation there.

Koldal’s VW roadster has recently been making headlines online, with people falling in love with the design. While some were not Beetle enthusiasts, even they admitted that it’s one sweet ride.

Among the many modifications made was saying good-bye to the roof and taking out the fender turn signals

Image credits: Danni Koldal

Image credits: Danni Koldal

One commenter joked that it ought to be called “Das Gangster,” seemingly alluding to Volkswagen’s motto “Das Auto” (“The Car”). Others wished they could get it, but, alas, the only way to acquire one is to make it into a project just like Koldal did.

Many think it’s what Batman would drive, but the body features a Superman hood ornament and trunk sticker

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Image credits: Danni Koldal

Image credits: Danni Koldal

Image credits: Danni Koldal

What are your thoughts on this? If you’re a huge fan, which Volkswagen Beetle are you most fond of? Let us know in the comment section below!

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Robertas Lisickis

Robertas Lisickis

Author, BoredPanda staff

Read more »

Some time ago, Robertas used to spend his days watching how deep the imprint in his chair will become as he wrote for Bored Panda. Wrote about pretty much everything under and beyond the sun. Not anymore, though. He's now probably playing Gwent or hosting Dungeons and Dragons adventures for those with an inclination for chaos.

Read less »
Robertas Lisickis

Robertas Lisickis

Author, BoredPanda staff

Some time ago, Robertas used to spend his days watching how deep the imprint in his chair will become as he wrote for Bored Panda. Wrote about pretty much everything under and beyond the sun. Not anymore, though. He's now probably playing Gwent or hosting Dungeons and Dragons adventures for those with an inclination for chaos.

What do you think ?
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Martin Kaine
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm not a car guy, but that's a pretty sweet ride. The matte finish is the icing on the cake.

Deborah B
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We need a before pic, just for our proper appreciation of the transformation. ;)

AnInrovert
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What did it look like before though!?!? I need to knooooow

Monika Soffronow
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/1961-Volkswagen-Beetle-Pictures-c6909#pictureId=20924875

Load More Replies...
Rich McCormick
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A friend of mine has a white VW, born the same year as me, 1961 so this really caught my attention!

Ray Heap
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You mean some blasphemer destroys a rare 1961 beetle and is not sacrificed to the gods of the internal combustion engine?

Amy G
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I’d love to see them add a license plate frame that says ‘Blasphemous Abomination’. 😂 this car is awesome. I want to restore a VW so badly!

Load More Replies...
Anna Harding
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wish I was able to upload a pic to this. My Dad also altered a 1961 VW bug into a cute dune buggy. He named it The Roadrunner. It was yellow and metallic blue!

DC
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'd love to see the inners! Of course, when changing the exterior of a car that much ... also the interior ... the machinery should not stay behind, and beetles offer an incredible amount of technological improvery (which is the nice way to say this ... actually, VW learned very early that good marketing is a lot more rewarding than investments in technology and quality are...).

Paul O'Donnell
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Fantastic, until you see the writing on the back, there it gets chav (trailer park)

Evelyn Haskins
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Disgusting! He mutilated a VW :-( My 1964 VW is as close to original as possible.

Kevin J. Henning
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The highest compliment I can someone who builds are car like this. If I were to buy it I wouldn't change one thing on it. A++++++ Great job!

Aekrachan Mokthamma
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Pool villa วิลล่าภูเก็ต Pool Villa Phuket Phuket Pool Villa Sale Villas Phuket (RU) phuket property A good house, beautiful, luxurious, good atmosphere, can be found at:Pool villas Villas in Pasak SALE VILLA Please keep up the rewarding work.Also visit my website : VILLA FOR RENT buy villa phuket วิลล่าราคาถูกภูเก็ต บ้านและสวน

Dawn Keylock
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have a 1984 VW Convertible Cabriolet if anyone is looking for one to create their own drool Vdub. It was originally bought to gem out and do a summer of BnB’s down the Eastern Seaboard. That didn’t pan out and I don’t have the heart to put into a dream that ultimately transformed into a nightmare.

Eliyahu Rooff
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The absence of turn signals and seat belts would make it illegal to drive in a lot of places.

Don Boykin
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Rode one roundtrip from Joliet to Washington, D.C. in the 60s. Loved that machine.

Heyuhh ?? !!
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Pretty slick- but original under-powered engine? A 4-cyl Lycoming aircraft engine would be pretty trick. Air-cooled flat-four, but 360ci, (around 5.9-liters), probably run for 500,000 miles in that thing...

Chenandoa
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I like beetles, and play slug bug with my mom. Since we have a big eating cat, and have invented a voice to "talk" for her, I'll say stuff like (when I see a cream beetle) "eat the bug, get the bug, eat the cream of bug soup! Very serious bug". It adds fun to an otherwise boring trip

Troy Currie
Community Member
3 years ago

This comment has been deleted.

Troy Currie
Community Member
3 years ago

This comment has been deleted.

Victoria Duncan
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think it's awesome!! Like what he did to this VW. I give it A 10!!

Simon Cataudo
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Amazing car. That would be destroyed by its first speed bump here in England though. Also f him for using his phone whilst driving.

AIDAN SIVITS
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Coesmetic upgrades are pointless without a beast under the hood. Whats she running?

Dante Sinistra
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is one of the best looking Beetle I've ever seen. Amazing work

King Joffrey
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hopefully he changed the brakes on this thing. My ex-girlfriend had one of these and stopping was always 'fun', especially in the winter...

Monika Soffronow
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I take for granted that he also moved the fuel tank to the rear and the motor to the front of the car. The Beetle was a terribly dangerous car in case of an accident. The result is nice, the realization of a boyhood dream, but living in Norway, this car will not be taken out on the roads very often.

okpkpkp
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have owned 11 VW bugs over the years but never one that was chopped and lowered. Pretty nice.

Oskar vanZandt
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Looks cool! I enjoy watching those car programmes where they fix up old wrecks into masterpieces like "Car Masters: Rust to Riches".

Lorenzo Bermudez
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Probably the least exciting car in what is actual going on in custom aircooled VW scene.

Mimi M
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Gorgeous. It doesn't look like it has a convertible top, but it would be nice if it did.

Troy Currie
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Goes up to 180 kph (111 mph) on the speedo...I doubt the engine is stock.

Gavin Johnson
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The photo of the rear shows a distinct lack of effort, the curve across the top section above the rear bonnet is terrible. Wavy and inconsistent, plus it doesn’t match the curve of the rear bonnet, superficially this car looks good but it’s not well finished at all. The Matt black paint shows up all of panel defects, it’d get a low score at a dubfest. A - for the idea. D - for the execution and effort.

Martin Kaine
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm not a car guy, but that's a pretty sweet ride. The matte finish is the icing on the cake.

Deborah B
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We need a before pic, just for our proper appreciation of the transformation. ;)

AnInrovert
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What did it look like before though!?!? I need to knooooow

Monika Soffronow
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/1961-Volkswagen-Beetle-Pictures-c6909#pictureId=20924875

Load More Replies...
Rich McCormick
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

A friend of mine has a white VW, born the same year as me, 1961 so this really caught my attention!

Ray Heap
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You mean some blasphemer destroys a rare 1961 beetle and is not sacrificed to the gods of the internal combustion engine?

Amy G
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I’d love to see them add a license plate frame that says ‘Blasphemous Abomination’. 😂 this car is awesome. I want to restore a VW so badly!

Load More Replies...
Anna Harding
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wish I was able to upload a pic to this. My Dad also altered a 1961 VW bug into a cute dune buggy. He named it The Roadrunner. It was yellow and metallic blue!

DC
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'd love to see the inners! Of course, when changing the exterior of a car that much ... also the interior ... the machinery should not stay behind, and beetles offer an incredible amount of technological improvery (which is the nice way to say this ... actually, VW learned very early that good marketing is a lot more rewarding than investments in technology and quality are...).

Paul O'Donnell
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Fantastic, until you see the writing on the back, there it gets chav (trailer park)

Evelyn Haskins
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Disgusting! He mutilated a VW :-( My 1964 VW is as close to original as possible.

Kevin J. Henning
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The highest compliment I can someone who builds are car like this. If I were to buy it I wouldn't change one thing on it. A++++++ Great job!

Aekrachan Mokthamma
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Pool villa วิลล่าภูเก็ต Pool Villa Phuket Phuket Pool Villa Sale Villas Phuket (RU) phuket property A good house, beautiful, luxurious, good atmosphere, can be found at:Pool villas Villas in Pasak SALE VILLA Please keep up the rewarding work.Also visit my website : VILLA FOR RENT buy villa phuket วิลล่าราคาถูกภูเก็ต บ้านและสวน

Dawn Keylock
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have a 1984 VW Convertible Cabriolet if anyone is looking for one to create their own drool Vdub. It was originally bought to gem out and do a summer of BnB’s down the Eastern Seaboard. That didn’t pan out and I don’t have the heart to put into a dream that ultimately transformed into a nightmare.

Eliyahu Rooff
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The absence of turn signals and seat belts would make it illegal to drive in a lot of places.

Don Boykin
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Rode one roundtrip from Joliet to Washington, D.C. in the 60s. Loved that machine.

Heyuhh ?? !!
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Pretty slick- but original under-powered engine? A 4-cyl Lycoming aircraft engine would be pretty trick. Air-cooled flat-four, but 360ci, (around 5.9-liters), probably run for 500,000 miles in that thing...

Chenandoa
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I like beetles, and play slug bug with my mom. Since we have a big eating cat, and have invented a voice to "talk" for her, I'll say stuff like (when I see a cream beetle) "eat the bug, get the bug, eat the cream of bug soup! Very serious bug". It adds fun to an otherwise boring trip

Troy Currie
Community Member
3 years ago

This comment has been deleted.

Troy Currie
Community Member
3 years ago

This comment has been deleted.

Victoria Duncan
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think it's awesome!! Like what he did to this VW. I give it A 10!!

Simon Cataudo
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Amazing car. That would be destroyed by its first speed bump here in England though. Also f him for using his phone whilst driving.

AIDAN SIVITS
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Coesmetic upgrades are pointless without a beast under the hood. Whats she running?

Dante Sinistra
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is one of the best looking Beetle I've ever seen. Amazing work

King Joffrey
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hopefully he changed the brakes on this thing. My ex-girlfriend had one of these and stopping was always 'fun', especially in the winter...

Monika Soffronow
Community Member
3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I take for granted that he also moved the fuel tank to the rear and the motor to the front of the car. The Beetle was a terribly dangerous car in case of an accident. The result is nice, the realization of a boyhood dream, but living in Norway, this car will not be taken out on the roads very often.

okpkpkp
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have owned 11 VW bugs over the years but never one that was chopped and lowered. Pretty nice.

Oskar vanZandt
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Looks cool! I enjoy watching those car programmes where they fix up old wrecks into masterpieces like "Car Masters: Rust to Riches".

Lorenzo Bermudez
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Probably the least exciting car in what is actual going on in custom aircooled VW scene.

Mimi M
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Gorgeous. It doesn't look like it has a convertible top, but it would be nice if it did.

Troy Currie
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Goes up to 180 kph (111 mph) on the speedo...I doubt the engine is stock.

Gavin Johnson
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The photo of the rear shows a distinct lack of effort, the curve across the top section above the rear bonnet is terrible. Wavy and inconsistent, plus it doesn’t match the curve of the rear bonnet, superficially this car looks good but it’s not well finished at all. The Matt black paint shows up all of panel defects, it’d get a low score at a dubfest. A - for the idea. D - for the execution and effort.

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