As Volkswagen in Germany switched to water-cooled designs, Volkswagen do Brasil attempted to extend the life of the basic Beetle platform in two ways; the Brasília created a new hatchback rival to the Golf, and the SP models were a leap forward for the Karmann Ghia coupes (of which Brazil already had their own special version – the TC).
‘SP’ referenced São Paulo where the SP and SP2 were produced. The early model had a 1.6 liter flat-4, while the SP2 moved up to a 75 horsepower 1.7 air-cooled flat-4 mounted in the rear. The proportions of the body styling seemed to suggest the opposite though, with the long, low hood and hatchback GT profile looking more like a traditional sports car than any VW had before. Other period designs were borrowed – the Volkswagen 411, the Porsche 924 and Audi’s 100 Coupe S all had similar angles.
Only about 11,300 of these ultra-rare, Brazil-only SP2s were produced. They’re about as legendary as air-cooled VWs get in the U.S., so when one pops up for sale it’s worth a look:
1975 Volkswagen SP2 on eBay
From the seller:
1975 VOLKSWAGEN SP2
*PLEASE GOOGLE VW SP2 TO LEARN ABOUT THE MOST ICONIC VW BUILT IN BRAZIL!
*NOT A KIT CAR, THE SP2 WAS ONLY PRODUCED IN BRAZIL BUT HAS BECAME SOUGHT AFTER ALL OVER THE WORLD!
*YOU HAVE TO EDUCATED YOUR SELF IN ORDER TO BUY A SP2, SINCE THEY ARE NO PARTS AVAILABLE AND MOST OF THE HAS BEEN BUTCHERED, THIS ONE IS A RESULT OF MONTHS IN THE SEARCH!
*1975 IS THE LAST YEAR AND MOST RARE!
*VERY HARD TO FIND A SP2 IN SUCH ORIGINAL CONDITION!
*ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO FIND THE WHEELS THAT ARE PRESENT, INTERESTING HISTORY WITH THEM!
*LOW 13K MILES (22K KM)
*GORGEOUS WHITE EXTERIOR FINISHING!
*STUNNING BLACK INTERIOR!
*AM/FM RADIO!
*TIRES IN EXCELENT CONDITION!
*2 KEYS!
*SAFE INVESTMENT! VALUE ONLY GOES UP! IT’S GETTING HARDER TO FIND A NICE ONE IN SUCH ORIGINAL CONDITION LIKE THIS ONE!
PODIUM AUTO
Welcomes this exceptional and hand-picked
1975 VOLKSWAGEN SP2
For your review or consideration.
This SP2 presents a great opportunity to own this as rare as famous and sought-after VOLKSWAGEN.
Only produced in Brazil, this is a great opportunity to own a fine example of a rare VW that the value is sky rocking!
This SP2 with its Arctic White finish in outstanding condition, and the Black Leather Interior in great condition. Our numerous untouched photos will show you just how gorgeous this Volkswagen SP2 really is!
The color combination on this SP2 will stand out among all others. The Arctic White finish looks stunning on this VOLKSWAGEN and it has maintained its deep, rich and high gloss shine. From the laser straight lines that show the unique and great design that has made this series so desired over the years. The interior greets you with stunning Black Leather seating that is so soft and supple, and so comfortable. The dash true expression of traditional German design, ergonomically correct, casual car driver’s paradise when combined with premium leather seats, powerful 1.7L Engine, 4-Speed Manual Transmission and the open road…
The SP2 might be more unusual than you think. It is said that Leiding became convinced that Volkswagen needed to develop a car like the SP2 when a director of the company building the Puma suggested that Volkswagen, lacking a new sportscar, feature a Puma on their stand at the 1969 Brazilian motor show. In 1970, Leiding launched “Project X”, with a goal of developing a sportscar able to liven up VW’s staid image in Brazil. Leiding himself produced some of the earliest sketches of what became a SP2. Wanting the car to appeal to female buyers, he sought out his wife input on the design. Some consider his wife Helga to have been the seventh member of the SP2’s development team.
Enjoy all the original features on this SP2!
The 1.7L engine matched with its 4-Speed Manual Transmission will deliver all of the power and performance you would ever need. Your safety is always #1 with Volkswagen, \ and more for the safety of you and your loved ones.
These are really neat cars that are certainly very different from nearly everything else on the road. With so few in the US, you’re not likely to run across another at a show – or, pretty much anywhere.
The dealer is asking over $50k, which feels very strong for what it is. I’d probably prefer saving some money and getting a Type 34. Maybe a deal could be struck to drop the price a bit and make this one more appealing.
-Carter
