Not just any old iron! The unique Volkswagen Beetle that’s been customised to look like an ornate metal gate

By EMMA REYNOLDS

The iconic Volkswagen Beetle comes in a huge range of popular styles.

But this version is completely unique, having been stripped back and covered with a unique wrought-iron body.

Although it may not be the most practical design for the English climate, the car is a remarkable sight.

It was created by a company that usually makes elegant gates and fencing, but decided to adapt a car to advertise its services.

Working in secret for Croatian company MG Vrbanus, three craftsmen painstakingly handmade the body ready to be mounted onto a VW Beetle frame.

The project took four months and 3000 man-hours to complete with details including exterior 24-carat gold leaf and hand-stitched leather interior.

A white 1970 Type 1 was completely stripped down to its bare mechanics before the ornate body was applied.

Sandro Vrbanus said: ‘The idea of using a Volkswagen Beetle came about because it was in production for so long it really became an iconic car. Everyone knows the Beetle and can readily identify with it.

‘Besides which, it would be not too difficult to remove the sheet metal bodywork and replace it with wrought iron sections.’

The design was first sketched in pencil before the panel was unbolted and used as a template upon which the various crafted pieces were placed and checked for correct curvature and length before being welded together.

The crafted pieces were placed and checked for correct curvature and length before being welded together

Each component was bespoke, and although the workforce in the main factory was curious as to exactly what was going on, no-one was given a sneak preview until the project was completed.

The finished work was so precise that the window glass could be refitted into the original rubber mouldings. The wrought iron bodywork added an additional 70kg the original weight of 820kg.

Mr Vrbanus said: ‘It was in pretty rough condition, but all we wanted to use for the project was the rolling chassis and floor pan, plus, of course, the drivetrain. The odometer showed 96000km, but who’s to say how many times it had been round the clock.’

The car is popular with wedding parties looking to make a showstopping arrival at church – that’s if it doesn’t rain.

from dailymail.co.uk