When this 1962 VW Bus rolled off the production line all those years ago, we’re pretty sure it didn’t come with a ‘drag parachute’ option. These days, it looks a little different, but even the 7 inch roof chop is mild - compared to the modifications under the skin.


Owner Ken Prather always knew it couldn’t stay stock, saying “I always wanted to build a mid-engine hot rod. The first thing I did was chop the top, then I pulled the motor, and you know how it escalates once you start on something.” The result is a mid engined Bus, propelled by a blown 355 small-block!



After spending four years creating this animal, Ken has no intention of turning it into a glossy show vehicle, saying “I’m having too much fun just the way it is. You know, if a part starts looking ratty, I just re-primer it.”





He even drove it 4000 miles to Bonneville Salt Flats last August, managing to extract 8-10 mpg out of the two Holley four-barrel carbs. Surely the icing on the cake was getting the thumbs up from Bonneville legend Bob Pierson (pictured with Ken). “Oh yes, I like the chop! This bus is an absolutely marvelous piece. The beauty of the movement today is that they are building things we wouldn’t even have considered.” he said after hitching a ride in the beast.



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You like this model phaeton? I saw one wih Porsche's engine on Gumball 3000 last year...Pretty fun van and kinda a symbol!