SLEEPER BUG: 517 HP Subaru-Powered 1973 VW Super Beetle | EP1

Would you ever guess this cute little VW bug produces 517 horsepower at the wheels and screams like a Formula 1 race car? Nicole Johnson goes for a wild ride in the ultimate Sleeper Bug, a Subaru WRX-powered 1973 Volkswagen Super Beetle that you’d swear was bone stock. But that’s the whole point…
Designed, built and owned by OG13 King of the Hammers winner @JohnReynolds661
•••••
Created and Produced by Michael Badami and Nicole Johnson
Directed by Michael Badami
© Lawndart Limited
lawndartlimited.com
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#vwbeetle #vwbug #sleeperbug #builtnotbought #nicolejohnsonsdetour
I have Kicker audio systems in my personal vehicles and I'm obsessed with them, thus their logo at the end of this video. We did not receive sponsorship or payment to create this, I just love listening to great tunes and telling others about them. Enjoy! www.kicker.com/

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Welcome to the first video on my channel! If you're having fun, please subscribe and check out other episodes.

[@joeytingzon4265]

Your super cute ,

[@MrUltraworld]

It's got so much torque, it doesn't matter what gear you're in.

[@grizzlyaddams3606]

Yeah, yeah I was born in 1973 too... Or that's what she wants you to think!0)

[@charlespeterson5572]

Wonder what the final cost was on this beast

[@jazpanoz4996]

2mins too short for me!

[@MP-zv6fm]

It was at this moment, that he realized he didn't like other people driving his car.

[@keithwiebe1787]

He was worried about his life.

[@garychandler4296]

And I don't blame him!

[@brianhood2363]

Oh... oh no... I skipped ahead and couldn't watch past 17:10

[@Coyote-pj1iu]

She being hard headed as hell !!!!

[@tropicthndr]

He’s too timid, wish he would just shut the hell up and let her drive it.

[@Gordofromthebx]

His face expressions when hes driving is too funny. Its like its scaring the shit out of him but he cant stop giving it gas

[@dw4lubu]

This lol

[@jamiepaolinetti5087]

No way I get in that car with that dude driving.

[@mlinecomposites1]

How bout his face when she’s screwing up on grinding the gears🤦🏽‍♂️🤦🏽‍♂️🤦🏽‍♂️😂

[@Gordofromthebx]

@@mlinecomposites1 he was like dammit lol

[@mlinecomposites1]

@@Gordofromthebx she kinda pissed me off talking about how many cars she’s driven, then she looks like she knows nothing about shifting 🤨😂

[@anothergamingchannel2656]

I was dying when he let her drive. It was like a nervous dad letting his kid drive for the first time lol

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thanks for watching!

[@nicolaasjansevanrensburg7543]

18:29 yes and she Keeps on going in the wrong gears - into 1st etc(be gentle- lady)+ learn the" gate"-

[@Factchecker9111]

It basically was

[@jamessizemore7103]

John's focus while driving and fear when Nicole was driving says it all on how intense that car is

[@babyeater350]

i love that you can see the fear in his eyes when hes driving his own car. Thats when you know hes doing something right

[@f.h.9606]

"A car is fast enough when you are standing in front of it and you are frightened to unlock it." Walter Röhrl, Worlds greatest rally driver

[@The_Gallowglass]

Going fast ain't fun unless you're going fast enough to scare yourself a bit.

[@benedictcumberbatch4275]

That’s probably your mind telling your body that if you crash your going to get F’d up

[@v8beamer]

It's a healthy respect for the monster he's created.

[@humanactivated1017]

That's the look when you get an uncontrolled stiffie at age 55

[@rztrzt]

The best anti-theft device in the US is a manual gearbox...

[@SnowbordrWRX]

especially a dog box with no synchros!

[@sweetassugar2076]

Too funny

[@TheAgentAssassin]

Weird ,I live in the US and grew up on manual gearboxes. 🙋

[@MaaveMaave]

@Alexander Freeman that's what they do in Jamaica

[@rneoman]

Yeah my brother married an american and despite her living in Ireland for the last 15 years she still won't or can't drive a manual. Automatics here are pretty uncommon

[@ChinaVwAirCooled]

This 517 HP Subaru-Powered 1973 VW Super Beetle is a jaw-dropping blend of classic style and modern power. It's a true testament to the creativity and skill of the builder, transforming an iconic car into a performance beast while keeping its vintage charm intact. It's not just a car; it's automotive art on wheels. Stunning work！！！

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

We're so glad you like it!!! Thank you for watching!

[@tim_bbq1008]

19:43 Nicole senses that John is about to say GET OUT, so she deftly changes the discussion to allow John to discuss other topics of the build rather than suffer the driver training session. Then they change seats and John proceeds to scare the crap outta Nic and himself. So fun! Thanks for sharing!

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thank you for watching!!

[@TidewaterC]

Every time Nicole shifts poor John is having visions of metal shavings lol

[@bad68chevyify]

🤣

[@PACKERMAN2077]

Yet She's so respectful and Ginger about how she touches the door🤣

[@LordPrometheous]

So was I. And to think he built this car himself--that makes it more painful.

[@manoman0]

Well, I have some visions of some shavings, yeah.

[@JDub07]

Meh, it's a dog box, it'd be aight. Lol

[@marty4723]

That guy was scared to death when Nicole was driving, funny.

[@No-vm7go]

I would have been, too. She's scary behind the wheel.

[@paulrobinson3528]

13:40 He looks scared to death driving his own car lol

[@paulrobinson3528]

@curtis allen i'd like to pull her hair back lol

[@cornishhh]

He reminded me of a father giving his teenage daughter her first driving lesson.

[@dannybouchard8246]

LOL He actually looked terrified when he was driving the car.... Check his face when he's driving and shifting the car....

[@AKATEATime]

I've always loved the idea of a sleeper, and the fact that a stock Bug is basically an anti-performance car (even though I prefer performance cars), but a lot can be done with them. This is the PERFECT sleeper, and it's awesome you got to drive it.👍 Thanks for the great video!

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

We're so glad you enjoyed watching!!

[@Ogsonofgroo]

Came back to this over a year later, still one of the best ride-along/then drives, so many parts made me laugh, made my hairs stand on end, an gave me a very cheap cardio workout, wonderful beast of a VW, awesome video to watch on a rainy dismal day.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thank you so much..we're glad you enjoyed it again!!!

[@JM-ho3qn]

If ever a man hated for someone else to drive his car, his face says it all! Lmaooooo

[@whywouldi931]

it looked like he didnt even like driving his own car

[@rocketqueen232]

He looks like he's scared shitless of those pulls

[@sentra97]

I would crap my pants everytime I drove that car too

[@tenspeedtruck4083]

Actually, it was a tad rude of her to even ask .... and especially on camera. 😊

[@davidwidick1218]

@@tenspeedtruck4083 agreed. And honestly I’m surprised he agreed to it. I know I don’t let anyone drive my Hot rod

[@peterpumpkineater5927]

This dude is terrified of his car and there’s nothing wrong with that! I love it😂😂😂

[@zaquedavis3391]

Yes there is, if he's not going to let it sing he should've just left it stock.

[@easternwoods4378]

If memory serves me right, bugs went airborne at 130 MPH

[@peterpumpkineater5927]

@@easternwoods4378 😂😂😂💀🪦

[@eklektikTechno]

And there should be a certain amount of fear with vehicles this powerful, unlike a lot these younger Hellcat owners who are wrapping around poles and under objects that don’t move.

[@russellnotestine6436]

It's OK to have a car that can kill you at any moment as long as you always remember that it can, and understand that IT wont care if it does. :)

[@busterdee8228]

This reminds me of an interview with a guy who had built 12-cylinder aircraft-engined motorcycle. When asked how fast it was, he said something like 'I'm not crazy; I'll never drive this thing.' John's concentration during the drive reminded me of it. He only smiles when he's backing off.

[@jhenry7406]

Love this, reminder of my first rail purchased from dear late friend,his favorite car he drag raced,went for a ride,he let me drive,the look on his face when I upshift an downshift without using clutch,no grinding.the astonishment ND smile, priceless!I I purchased that rail from him,8years ago.he passed shortly afterwards, little did I know he had brain cancer,he didn't say,he didn't have to.he didn't let life get in the way of living

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Oh..thank you for sharing with us!!

[@loks2315]

You know it’s fast even the owner has a “oh shit” face when he steps on it hahaha

[@tevingay8030]

Lol I was thinking I was the only one that seen his face. 😂🤣

[@reverendbluejeans1748]

It should be fast. The Beatle I drove was slow as hell. I thought that they as respectably fast due to Herbey's film.

[@HighlanderNorth1]

🤔 Yeah, I love how at 18:32 he gets scared and yells, "wooah, woah", but then just 18 secs later, he says, "no, you ain't scaring me".... 😁

[@kenhir927]

He looks like a crazy cartoon when he mashes the throttle haha!

[@stevemitz4740]

@@tevingay8030 It would like driving on an Icey mountain rode with cliffs on both sides! How fun would that be?

[@Sovereign86]

“You did know it was gonna get squirrley, right??” John: “Nope!”

[@jaimesan2609]

John is pretty much a mechanical genius and his attention to detail is amazing. His sense of humor is a great plus. He's working on a Corvair that is going to be a badass.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

We agree!! Thanks for the nice comment!!

[@tobycatVA]

Showing your imperfections is so genuine and relatable. I have watched you expertly drive a dog box in the years after this which exhibits personal growth. I'm a happy fan and subscriber going through your back catalogue.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thank you so much...I appreciate that!! We're glad you enjoy watching!!

[@HeikosGarage]

I love the fact that he looked scared while driving himself.

[@Nordlicht05]

From someone who said something like that while driving a 500hp very old car you maybe should be scared

[@GediSpock]

😂

[@m4rvinmartian]

I'm pretty sure it had to do with the wailing female next to him.

[@Stewart_de_Baker]

@@m4rvinmartian Where's the laugh emoji?!!!

[@HeikosGarage]

@@Nordlicht05 maybe you are right. 500+ hp is probably a bit much for a bug.

[@garrettsmith8286]

I don't know if John is more scared while she's driving or while he's driving? lol 😯

[@mdogg1604]

I learned to drive a clutch on my best friend's '56 Microbus Deluxe, all of 36 horsepower. It struggled to make it up even a slight grade without straining. That was back in '68. What great times those were. This car would have amazed and defeated all the muscle cars back then, but we probably wouldn't have lived very long........it would be like trying to tame a wild horse. Great vid, and what superb engineering went into this project!

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

We're glad you enjoyed watching!! Thanks for the comment!!

[@VitalityMassage]

Having owned a 1973 baby blue Super Beetle, I find this hilarious!

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thanks for watching!

[@nickmanji]

John literally looks like a mad scientist driving that thing

[@flatlineoptimism2600]

He looks like John McEnroe wearing sunglasses.

[@Stewart_de_Baker]

He may not be a mad scientist, but he's definitely a mad mechanic!

[@Sam-uy7oq]

He also looks absolutely terrified when she takes over.

[@PITA-kd2jn]

Doc Brown in back to the future.. lol

[@landscapingspecialist]

Definitely needs the white lab coat 🥼

[@fidy8dub]

By the look on his face when he’s driving, this car even scares John. It’s a fkn weapon!

[@troycurrie7784]

I thought the same thing when I saw his mouth get as crooked as his ass end did.

[@deadprivacy]

those teensy wee brakes on the front....jesus...

[@xeronicus]

Rocket powered beer can...I had a porsche powered one way back when....miss that thing

[@johngrepo9976]

@@xeronicus my best friend put a 13b Mazda in his 64..you could feel the air lift it off the ground at 110..

[@skylined5534]

@@deadprivacy No weight in the car though. They're more than enough even given the performance levels it has.

[@samanthacrisp9421]

Who didn't have a Herbie Bug in the 70s? I had the flat window model, yellow, and that thing was fast and easy to work on. I had a lot of fond memories driving that car. And WOW John, you made that bug even more fun! How is that possible?! Congrats!

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thank you so much for watching!! We're glad you like it!

[@jrodrims27]

The owner (John?) looks legitimately very scared whenever he gives it some beans. Awesome!

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thank you for watching!!

[@carlgarrard9710]

I was fixated on John's face while HE was driving. He's all subdued, like a college history professor at first, but you see this wild side in him that silently loves the adrenaline etc... lol. It's hilarious. I love people that shock me (appear one way, but have another hidden side to them), in a way he's a sleeper himself so the car is a fitting project to his personality.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thank you for watching..glad you enjoyed it!!

[@zes3813]

wrg

[@greg1268]

What a fitting comment!!! So perfect the way you worded it.

[@billclinton6040]

You know you've reach mad scientist level when your own creation scares you.

[@kentbogus5873]

I have found this before, and rediscovered it today. I have dearly loved VW's since my father gave me a used 1970 Bug way back in 1973. This is beyond any doubt the most impressive build I have ever seen. The owners knowledge is equally impressive. A trivial comment by the owner is slightly off ( not meant to detract in any way). The vents under the front were added by VW in 1971-forward in an effort to reduce bump steer at higher speeds. By raising the front, and adding the vents, front end lift was deliberately increased. This was done to cause the driver to develop driving habits to overcome the bump steer caused by toe changes of the rear suspension. Not so successful as it caused a series of undesirable effects. Super Beetles developed shaking and vibrations at freeway speed, including worn front suspension components- including worn steering shaft coupling, steering damper, and other associated parts. This the legacy of the Super Beetle. The same design change was used on the Type 2. The front end of the 1971 Bus was raised to create the same effect.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thank you for sharing with us!

[@yt64Teri4God]

Hi Nicole 👋😁 My husband and I just ran across your channel here and absolutely love it!! We are adult kids of the 60's and when we were kids through mid-"adults" we had and worked on our own cars/trucks, old and new. Watching your show let's us relive those days through your eyes. I remember learning how to rebuild a catalytic converter on my Ford Fairmont wagon, what an intense activity that was! Could you do an episode on Toyota Supras? I got to have my dream car after high-school 1982 all black ad with those cool-looking leavers on the back... LOVED IT! We will be watching a lot more of your show😁👍🚘

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thank you so much..we're so glad you found us!! We did a Supra episode last year..titled Son of a Supra!! Hope you enjoy it!!

[@yt64Teri4God]

@@NicoleJohnsonsDetour Awesomeness!! Thank you so much ❤️

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

@@yt64Teri4God It is a newer model Supra, and one day we'll find a cool older one to feature. But until then, thanks for watching!

[@truthsmiles]

He puts elegantly into words what makes a great sleeper: “...increase the distance between what it looks like and what it performs like”

[@friktionrc]

Exactly!! Amount of kids I see on YT and other social media who label a car a ‘sleeper’ when it’s got wide slick drag tires, massive engine jutting out of the engine bay and a parachute out the back 😂😂😂

[@whosyourdaddy842]

@@friktionrc don't forget sooo many performance stickers you can't see out the side or rear windows.

[@marcospereyra3067]

@@friktionrc good

[@jeffpower6473]

“It makes the conversation shorter” every introvert classic car driver felt that 😆

[@tayloralvidrez4342]

When you get asked the same question(s) a million times the answers start to get amusing. The spotlight, figuratively, literally too, is a unique experience for a introvert

[@doughyun3428]

OMG great. John looks naturally scared. WHY would he let anyone drive it? I love her though grrrrr

[@davidmorris1879]

The concentration on John's face when accelerating hard. What a great car, and an excellent Engineer. Well done!

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@colubrinedeucecreative]

That was awesome! I was thinking it was a really bad COG but it stuck it really really well, looked like he took it to the battery tray. Really well done on your first time driving with that Nicole! My S10 trans has been like that for a while but harder and I was thinking it needed a clutch master but IDK maybe my synchros are out, but whatever, it just takes time to develop the rythym and muscle memory, you seemed to be getting it but not sure why you pulled out before you were able to get on it. I mean he looked a bit worried but it was probably due with mechanical worry more than anything? I bet his seat was raising up from chassis flex and it made him nervous? I really enjoy you and your teams work! Thanks for bringing us along!

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thank you so much! We're so glad you're enjoying our channel!!

[@paulballard4243]

Best line tho, “It’s like having your foot on dynamite “. He is a genius, a mad scientist that’s afraid of his own creation. John you did a beautiful job, wow

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

I agree!! Thanks so much for watching!

[@willthedjay]

He knows what the hulk is capable of... 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@imcrazyforwar]

I wouldn't say afraid, but respect it.

[@edwardz.rosenthal9946]

For being the first (and probably last!) time someone else drove his baby I'd say he was exceptionally composed. I'd have been green with dread and woulda done serious damage to my skivies.

[@voornaam3191]

Have you ever seen "normal" people getting the chance to learn how to drive a Formula One car? They got the same problem as this woman: when you push the throttle too hard, you get far more power than you can handle. And you leave the tarmac. Damage. Oops. It happens before you can lift your right foot, which would probably block the rear tyres. Oops. Fast cars get you in trouble! Did I mention oversteer? Did I mention carbon brakes that do not brake when you'd appreciate it? Did I mention how tired you get, concentrating on everything important?

[@vloogle4924]

"You did know it was going to get squirrelly, right?" "No, I didn't. You never know." LOL

[@todaytomorrow3949]

that would made swallow very hard

[@MichaelStJohn-ym6oe]

My first car was a 1966 VW Bug; this is so much fun - well done John😍

[@Jemanjam]

Nicole, the understanding you have of your field, and the way in which your questions ellicit completely great answers from him.. hats off. A great interview.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thank you so much! We're so glad you enjoyed watching!!

[@RPower-be6wz]

This guy was wishing he'd said "no" the whole damn time.

[@lukesmith112]

watching from 18:20 your comment couldn’t be more accurate 😂

[@jamestgilkey75]

😂😂😂 he's like FML!

[@johnsuttles7577]

shit made me nervous...

[@brickbreaker9581]

Lol that’s what I thought too

[@dresheraton9276]

I think we all feel the same way.

[@aaronwalsh7261]

I love watching his face as he's making it go fast. A nice cross between being thrilled and absolute terror.

[@American_Jeeper]

Nicole, just watched this video and love it, so now you have another subscriber. I had a 1973 Super Beetle that I spent two and a half years restoring for my daughter (even got the seat belt warning buzzer recommissioned), and when it was done she decided she didn't want it, so I traded it for a horse trailer. Better to never see the car again than having to look at it every day and feel bitter about it. Great video, Happy New Year.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Awesome! Thank you! Glad you enjoyed watching..and we appreciate the sub!!!

[@moose99moose]

I learnt to drive in a VW Beetle. Years later, I bought my own and restored it. It was the 1302S, with the 1600 engine. Flat out, it could do 0 - 60. Maybe even 70. This is amazing. Doing without synchromesh isn’t as big a deal as you might think. It wasn’t very good on my Beetle anyway, so I spent most of my time rev matching. That and scraping ice off the inside of the windscreen in winter.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thanks for sharing with us!!

[@rollinwithunclepete824]

It was like watching a Dad teaching his daughter how to drive a stick shift. Enjoyed this video immensely!

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching!

[@myfantasy4u296]

Why weren’t they double clutching? For those who don’t know what that is, you’re in a gear, you put the clutch in, shift into neutral, let the clutch out and rev the engine, put the clutch in again and shift into the next gear without grinding. I had a 1950 International Harvester Metro delivery van without synchromesh. A little tricky at first, but once you are use to it, you don’t even think about it.

[@albrown1812]

I felt the same way

[@mrrc3963]

@@myfantasy4u296 aka granny clutching. Never even knew that was a thing since all my cars always had synchros. I'm sure you can get used to the process but it's hard to invision it. Heard that truckers still do it because it makes trucking easier.

[@perterslse2543]

@@myfantasy4u296 I was learned the same driving trucks in the army in the 80'ies. It was the Danish infantry, and we had some really old trucks, probably left overs from WW2. Shift up, double clutch, shift down skift to neutral, hit the gas and shift down... not so bad when you get used to it

[@captaindj9790]

He’s like the most patient dad dealing with his hype daughter lol

[@velikon]

hahaha that was pretty much what i was thinking too

[@ChapsShrugged]

@Jeff S give her some credit- she used the word "wastegate" and knew that it's exhaust🤷‍♂️ 😂

[@PostcardsfromAlaska]

That guy makes the most intense face when he’s driving.

[@patrickfitzwater5511]

@@iameatingursnack are you sure she isn't playing "dumb" for the audience? Who's going to ask the questions for us?

[@52Ford]

@@patrickfitzwater5511 Exactly. Asking questions and hearing answers is how we learn. I'm pretty sure she was playing dumb, but even if she wasn't, at least she's asking questions.

[@chrisgramza8582]

I just watched the Duke video and loved it so much that I went back to your very first video. I paused it at 14:32... He's smiling, you're speechless. Amazing. Awesome build Sir.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thank you for watching!!

[@tonyjasper1316]

John is scared of his own car when he's driving...and is nearly having a heart attack when Nicole wants to drive it...lmao

[@petratical]

Think its more of a respect than a fear!

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Soloved..we agree!!

[@hitlersmissingtesticle69]

“You did know it was gonna get squirrely right?” With the most serious face. “I didn’t, you never know.”

[@galaxyblacklighting]

"O- Huh??" 13:58

[@DQSH8999]

Go Trump

[@damachine3]

That wasn't his exact quote but close enough.

[@hitlersmissingtesticle69]

@@damachine3 ya I had a feeling it wasn’t right, but I won’t lie I was too lazy to rewind it 30 seconds back😂

[@manoman0]

He bit his tongue.

[@tanyaerskine7657]

My dad had an orange '73 Super Beetle ❤ The look on his face when she's shifting...I used to see that look on my dad's face when he was teaching me to drive. I learned on a VW bus. I was terrified. That was 35 years ago. I love manual transmissions though and always will. Thanks, Dad, I miss you so much ❤

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thanks for sharing!

[@shannonreed9808]

Had a '72 blue 1200 in the mid ' 80s,and my girlfriend was learning in it. One point, a few hundred miles from home on a weekend away, she stalled on a slight hill, she rolled backwards, screaming her head off in panic, me pulling my hair out from by my ears, screaming back repeatedly "HANDBRAKE.. HANBRAKKKKEEE!", she did, almost at the bottom of the hill, and SNAP, both cables gone at once😂. Luckily, no damage at all, and a very scary drive home the nxt day, with a slipping clutch,which had started on journey up, and now, no handbrake at all! 😳. I was slipping gears, trying to get that power down, and boy oh boy, did i shite myself on many incidents getting home. Every slight hill, may as well have been mount everest 🤣. She apologised so many times on the way home, my girlfriend, not my totally innocent little bug ❤️😅😂

[@allenwalker1379]

I learned in a 72 VW bus also. That thing was cold in the Montana winter and hot in the summer. I somehow did doughnuts in a gravel pit without rolling it. I didn't tell my dad till about 20 years later.

[@erichbrough6097]

Manual: the only way to go! 💯👍

[@karlstuck6772]

I loved manual shifting, but by now At 67 I enjoy tue Subaru Lineartronic.

[@user-fz8fy4zl1c]

This ladys infectious enthusiasm for cars made this a great watch! Easy subscription for me!

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Awesome, thank you so much!!

[@user-fz8fy4zl1c]

@@NicoleJohnsonsDetour keep up the great content 👏

[@propdoctor21564]

Another excellent episode on a very interesting vehicle... I have to say Nicole's enthusiasm it's what makes the videos really fun to watch. 😁

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thank you so much..that's so nice! We're so glad you enjoyed watching!

[@uncomfortabletruth1548]

Her: Hits 50mph Him: WHOA! He hated every second of her driving.

[@TheFusedplug]

Maybe because she was rushing it too much before mastering how to shift properly :)

[@ClickoZen]

I hated her driving a little bit as well, just so you guys know he isn't alone. Asskisser

[@vittorioymbang7972]

Yeah, I know me too lol I couldn’t take it I had to fast forward though it.

[@erikmyers3888]

Did you see his face when HE was driving?

[@MadScientist267]

Pretty sure she was looking for "D" the whole time 🤣

[@laydonchristensen2376]

I like johns reaction to nicole’s driving

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

It was priceless! hahaha

[@ubacow7109]

If more builds continue to be a series imma sub

[@chiefak1163]

Ugh... dude let her punch it!

[@5HKNB4K]

"Your foot is on dynamite" 🤯😎🤣

[@markjardine4632]

@@ubacow7109 kkkeeeeeTap on a clip to paste it in the text box.Tap on a clip to paste it in the text box.Tap on a clip to pareerste it in the text box.

[@pioneerfullstack]

I love this build. A true sleeper, and it’s super cute.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

We appreciate you watching...glad you like it!!

[@Voots7]

You knew it was going to get squirrely right. No. 🤣🤣🤣

[@Maxime-ho9iv]

This guy looks so calm, and then suddenly he is driving and you can see on his face he KNOWS how this thing is dangerous.

[@espokane]

It's the automotive equivalent of Little Shop of Horrors. He created a monster and now he is (rightfully) afraid of it.

[@insomniacbritgaming1632]

rear engined car... while it sits quietly, it is plotting to kill the owner.

[@feelnrite]

This thing would not wreck well.

[@protorhinocerator142]

I actually have seen something like this before, in a magazine back in the day. Someone stuffed a 426 hemi into a Gremlin. I can't imagine there being much room under that hood.

[@billpapps4345]

@@insomniacbritgaming1632 I had 72 vega with 6.0 lq9 Twin turbo, 5 speed. Much like this VW it wanted to kill you.When I was younger fast cars was my dream. Now that I am older, I cant keep up.

[@timothywalsh1001]

Owner is not afraid of the car... That look is concentration and focus. If anything, he is probably afraid of wrecking something that he spent 1,000s of hours designing and fabricating.

[@ahmadmahmudjamaluddin392]

Agreed.

[@erickriebel4366]

Well done thanks for the video fun to watch. When I was a kid I knew a guy that had a Chevy Nova with a 327 V8 and 4-speed transmission he modified the frame and chopped it down he put an old Volkswagen Beetle body on it and it looked exactly like a beetle except it was a Chevy with a 327 V8 and it had giant tires and it had two great big exhaust pipes 4 inches where the normal Volkswagen exhaust is and it was cool but I think you've outdone that one thanks again nice video❤

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thanks for sharing!

[@erickriebel4366]

@@NicoleJohnsonsDetour you are welcome and you're certainly onto a career-making high quality custom one-of-a-kind cars. You can build custom made to order cars that people will pay a fortune for they just have somebody to trust and will deliver high-quality and they certainly will pay for it the main thing that people want performance one-of-a-kind and high-quality without getting jerked around if you can do that you can get filthy rich. Thanks again nice chatting and nice video thank you

[@Lonnwriting]

Amazing, impressive and tears in my eyes for 2 reasons. 1 The incredible rocketship. And 2 Nichol's driving during King of Hammers. Thank you both.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thank you for watching!

[@KevinHowell501]

What a great build...I'm surprised he let her drive it...this guy is a master at engineering..500 plus horsepower.in a 2000 pound car is getting it done...I love the car...thank you for showing us..

[@ndesmini9139]

great build , but my personal choice is to always keep it vw body vw (porsche) engine

[@_Briegel]

A really nice conversion.... for Germany. But what are you going to do with it in the States? You are only allowed to sneak and not really drive properly. The original 50 hp would have been more than enough for that!

[@Diax1324]

500 HP in a 2000 lb car is damn near useless. It's got significantly more power and less tire (No aero, not to mention) than top-level GT cars, let alone lemans prototypes! The most usable horsepower with an old volkswagen is somewhere around 200. Wicked fast but still controllable - chassis won't be flexing like crazy, no major mods, and the kind of rubber you'll need is available for the street.

[@amorag59]

@@_Briegel Because people only do what they are "allowed" on the road lol #facepalm

[@DeathhAngel1]

@@Diax1324 wym? He cant drive that thing on the street because it will crash?

[@mouselt1]

The most painful part of this video was watching John's expression when she ground the gears. Even though I normally don't care for vehicles like this, I found this very informative and amazing what John did to this vehicle.

[@j.w.7579]

I couldn't bare to watch her try to shift the transmission. I quit watching it at that point.

[@Zairn12345]

I put my VW 74 super in reverse today with no clutch. Talk about cringe. I’m an idiot. Lol

[@paulybeefs8588]

The part where he forgot the engine wasn't in the front was pretty tough to watch too

[@Kobylad]

@@j.w.7579 if its anything like the originals ive used they shift like shit haha

[@encinobalboa]

That's how to nick gears and make metal flakes. Very cringy.

[@jeromeknasinski3862]

Love the VW . I owned a 73 Super Beatle back in the early 80s. I paid $1,000, drove it for 2 years, had it tuned so well, I was getting 42 mpg. Sunroof...no gas heater or a/c. Loved it.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thank you for sharing!!

[@blokesinsheds1]

I love it when I see unpaded roll cages passing within inches of peoples heads. The roll bar goes from something that is supposed to save you to something that will kill you. Look at any incar footage of cars involved in an accident and see how the occupants are thrown about

[@bobalex6323]

She's a beauty! Back here in Brazil we call the blue color as "Azul Calcinha" or "Panties' Blue".

[@some1sosik]

🤣

[@OOICU812]

The car looks good too.

[@michaelbadami8579]

Hey Bob....muchas gracias! Let us know if you run across any mindblowing cars in Brazil. - The Producers

[@rareangel643]

@@michaelbadami8579 "Muchas gracias" is in spanish, you gotta say "obrigado!"

[@veganath]

@@OOICU812 beat me to it....lol. Never gets old...

[@sydneychase780]

I want that! I had a 73 Beatle with a 2.4L Porsche engine and a FOMOCO dog box, no turbo 4 bbl carb, same rear wheel set-up. But that kind of stupid fun. terrorized the streets of west Phoenix! Well done John! Sold mine, dont ever sell that John. I regret selling mine. It was purple grape color very cutie 70s ish. Nicole you rocked it!

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thanks so much for watching!!

[@jordanmontana4415]

Nicole Johnson I love all your videos keep up the great work love your personality

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thank you so much!! I appreciate that!!

[@tunemeister99]

Without any synchcros in the dog gearbox makes it more challenging changing gears. Love this bug, he made it tough to drive to make it exclusively his own. Cool riding video!

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thank you so much!! Glad you enjoyed watching!!

[@rais1953]

When you're skilled in using the non synchro box it can be quicker than synchro. I learned to drive on a truck with what we called "crash" gears and before long I had the gear changing perfected, even the double clutching and matching revs when changing down. You have to learn it but it's not hard to learn.

[@DilipNandiUS]

Non synchro gearboxes simply require timing your upshifts and Rev matching your downshifts...and can be done without the clutch in case of failure and not having to start from a complete stop.

[@GunrunnersFirearms1]

John’s such a nice guy to let Nicole drive that monster. You can tell it’s his baby, and I get it. NICE SLEEPER!!! 🤘🏼🌶💯

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Yes! He has a lot of work into it... I get it too!

[@JohnSmith-lb6ww]

@@NicoleJohnsonsDetour hey babe get to England and check out my saxo vtr lol, I have a harley too maybe we go for a ride?

[@richj120952]

Sleeper VW beetles have been around for decades. I remember someone building a V8 powered one back in the 1960's/70s. So not a new concept. That being said, good job on this one. Of course, anyone listening to it start and idle will know immediately that this is not a normal VW beetle or super beetle.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thank you for the comment!!

[@ServiceOrchestramegastore]

I love it !! what you have done there is exactly many vintage lovers dreams of..

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

We agree!! We're glad you like it!!

[@MrPabloub]

The face he put every time the gearbox sound when she made a shift like "I don't want this interview anymore"

[@hurricanesrule4959]

Nothing pisses me off more than someone thinking they need to slam the door on my Bug. That is a beautiful conversion

[@charleswittmer2477]

the problem is as you know if the other door is open it shuts so very easily. On a sun roof model the top lets the air out. They need the vents like the 914 has.

[@chillstar]

@@charleswittmer2477 my "94 Mercedes E Class Estate has one way vents each side behind the rear wheels. Still makes a big difference when closing the door if nothing else is open compared to when a door, window or the roof is open.

[@jasonGreenVw]

I winced every time they slammed the door. I have a 1974 Super Beetle

[@KristaMae]

When people do that, I say DID IT SHUT?! DAMMMMM

[@gordonfichtner1089]

If Teddy Kennedy had been driving a VW Beetle, he would have become President.

[@donnorris1954]

Brings back memories - my 1951 bug had a dog box tranny - no synchros from the factory. I could shift it without the clutch once it was rolling. Of course, it had an 1100 cc engine rated at 25 HP.

[@larrymoskowitz7309]

Poor John -- he looked like he was going to lose his cookies in anticipation of Nicole driving his pride and joy! You can't really blame him, that is one very cool bug!

[@kaigongfu]

yeah i would not let her drive it. moslty for fear of her hitting the gas when there is oncoming traffic, a death wish for sure.

[@zvotaisvfi8678]

You would think she would have done better what with the knowhow?

[@Vl0gWithAb]

@@zvotaisvfi8678 It has no synchros in the dog box transmission. Of course its going to be harder to change gears, therefore more challenging to drive.

[@johndoe-zd9lb]

@@dohabandit after watching her shift....no way in hell

[@janschroder1559]

Gas Grass or Ass, nobody drives my car for FREE !

[@Ottom8]

As cool as this car is; I'm more impressed by how clean and well organized his shop is. Very impressive!

[@markw999]

You can always tell the guys that basically live in their shop......LOL Usually the coffeepot is out there and maybe even a hotplate.

[@bushmanphotos]

form over function unfortunately... like the car. That thing looks gorgeous and would handle like a pig. You can put all sorts of engines in Beetles or soup up the originals to crazy horsepower but nothing makes them handle decent at high speed. They're death traps.

[@privatepilot4064]

This Super Beetle needs a cape!!!

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Glad you like it!! Thanks for watching!!

[@Bass.Player]

I was working as a VW tech from 1971 until 1985. That 73 113 Super Beetle had a 63 HP 1600 cc dual port engine with a 34-pict carb. A plain bug was a "111" with a flat windshield and torsion bar front suspension. The Super Beetle "113" had a curved windshield and McPherson struts.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@sertacsilbastan]

This is one of the best sleeper cars I've ever seen!!! The expression on his face while accelerating is quite a show lol. I can't imagine how exciting it must be to drive this Beetle!

[@UMepher]

You said it! That's the ultimate sleeper, largely because he put so much effort into making it look close to stock. The thing goes like a rocket, and looks to be about as hard to drive as one. I'm not really a VW fan at all, but that's a really cool car.

[@Suge212]

You can tell by the look on his face as he's accelerating that this car scares the crap out of even him.

[@donjohnston4215]

Way too much torque steer in and overpowered super short wheelbase car. Especially with those tiny front tires trying to hold the rear end in a straight line. 300 HP would’ve been way more fun to drive.

[@lawrenceklein3524]

Russell Williams; My thoughts, EXACTLY. 'Nuff said!

[@Chr.U.Cas2216]

👍👌👏 I just finished watching this for the... I don't even know how often I already watched this video. I simply can't my head around this unbeliiiievably strong sleeper bug, the impressive ingenious guy and, last but definitely not least, the extremely gorgeous Lady. Best regards, luck and especially health to all involved people.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

How nice!! Thank you so much!

[@dmorgan28]

I bought a1974 Super Beetle brand new when I was young. It was that orange they had then and I put those black formula 4 stripes on each side. It drove good and was it was nothing like John’s bug. John’s was really cool and goes like crazy. How cool is that. Loved the video and subscribing. ❤️👍

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Awesome!! Thank you so much for the sub!! We're glad you enjoyed watching!!

[@ashleysteven1923]

“It’s not in the front, it’s a VW. It should be in the back somewhere.” 😁 18:30 my favorite moment btw..

[@kahuna414]

Subaru symmetrical drivetrain replaces with major torque steer. However, what an amazing build. amazing project.

[@MoeMoe-dn8lv]

That's funny af🤣

[@chrisbaker121924]

Then again I guess depends how they built it. I wouldn’t have been surprised if it had been in the front 🤔.

[@beepeefromabove1592]

That was great! The only exterior "tell" of this sleeper is the width of the rear tires. You have to come up on it from behind it to even notice the rear tires are over twice as wide as OEM's. Just loved this reveal, thanks.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thank you..so glad you liked it!

[@lg8932]

The style, the lines,...... dangerous curves are so fun to drive on!! The car would be fun too!

[@TheCgOrion]

Love the Corvair in the beginning. It made me miss my '65. The Beetle is incredible. This reminds me of floating a semi. It's not too bad once you get it.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thank you for watching!

[@MP33dave]

"Its like having your foot on dynamite" oh my.

[@macelius]

I imagine it's prone to the same kind of snap oversteer as a porche.

[@MP33dave]

@@macelius ageee but what I think he meant was that if you get into it and shift wrong the engine would blow up.

[@captainKts]

Dude is horrified listening to her destroy that gear box.

[@williepie]

those things are built to be hammered on its fine

[@impooter]

@@williepie Sure but they're also designed to be rebuilt after a very short time racing. I'm sure he doesn't want to do that.

[@electronicengineer]

He probably replaced the transmission oil right after she left.

[@jody024]

Hew dun give a fuck. Those are made to get rebuilt.

[@nzkiwi9]

I think the only reason he let anyone drive this car was because he had a camera pointed at him.

[@MLCCARPROMOTION]

Great Sleeper Bug! Thank you for sharing with us!

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Our pleasure! Thank you for watching!!

[@DonsWoodies]

I had (brand new) a 1973 VW Super Beetle the exact same color. Loved, loved that car. Not quite as fast as this one, though. LOL.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Thanks for sharing!

[@pharoah1200]

Nicole: "Now you're scaring me." John: "Yeah."

[@davidkeeton6716]

If we'd been going right, it might have been 3 or 4 miles before you'd have gotten scared, buuut since we're going left, your gonna have to get scared, immediately.

[@erich6860]

I was about to type this very thing. LOL

[@pauljackson3345]

@@davidkeeton6716 favorite quote of favorite movie

[@6or7breadsticks]

I like how he admits you never know when it will get squirly. Gota be ready.

[@carramrod8232]

My boss let me drive his Viper GTS once...has no traction control. I almost lost it barely hitting the pedal going 60 on the highway. Scariest moment I’ve ever had behind the wheel.

[@juhanleemet]

I would be suspicious about the aerodynamics of that car: shape was never designed for such speed, both over the top (aerofoil?) AND under the bottom (lifting? without air dams?)

[@kevins.5472]

Reminds me of how Kevin Hart let his buddy drive his souped up barracuda and the guy lost it and almost killed Kevin. Only turn over your beast mobile over to an experienced muscle car driver who dosn't get freaked out when the horses under the hood decide to gallop from a slow trot. Fortunately , he warned her more than once not to rev it up and that she needed the warning.

[@Schrankerle]

It's always on the edge of being so. He should have just told her, no offense, but no one drives it but me. He gave an adequate demonstration of what could happen.

[@davidhiatt162]

Nicole I love every episode I’ve seen. You’re so knowledgeable and you ask great questions, BUT, these cars don’t have motors. Motors are electric!!! But you are the best!!❤😊 Keep it up !!

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Yes, technically motors are electric. But may I please ask what country you're from? I ask because in America, motor and engine are commonly interchangeable and it is acceptable to refer to an internal combustion engine simply as a motor. General Motors, motorcycle, motor oil, motorhome...

[@McKooshnickMadness]

I have a 73 Super and a 74 Regular Beetle. Love them both!

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Very cool!

[@mcconn746]

I suspect he was glad when that interview was over.

[@johnleotaud7933]

She is not good at using the clutch

[@Rawsawn]

@@johnleotaud7933 Why would anyone let her drive anything when she cant use a clutch =| The noises, ugh i can only imagine how pissed he must be

[@michaeldose2041]

John looks absolutely terrified every time he gives it gas. He looks horrified every time Nicole does anything. It's a death trap, I want one.

[@electronicengineer]

I want one also.

[@Reman1975]

Cars like this might be fun to drive occasionally, but they're way too unrefined to be used as as actual transport. Also, that kind of "On/Off" power delivery without traction control means you're always at the mercy of the weather. If you drove it somewhere and there was an unexpected light shower, the return trip would go from being "Fun" scary to "OMG, I don't want to be doing this" scary instantly. I've tried to use track spec cars (Though none as wild as this one) as my only car a couple of times in my life, and after a while I'd always get to the point where, if I actually had to drive somewhere, I'd borrow a van from work rather than use the car. After a couple thousand miles you learn that big power, straight cut dog boxes and ceramic puck clutches might sound cool, but are NOT what you want on the road.

[@michaeldose2041]

@@Reman1975 I didn't say I want to drive one I just want one.

[@electronicengineer]

@@Rimrock300 I agree with you on all points you stated. He is one heck of a fabricator as well! Fred

[@JohnReynolds661]

@@Rimrock300 I couldn't have said it better. I like to build them, owning and driving them isn't that important. My daily is a Honda Accord with a CVT transmission. Boring, smooth and safe.

[@louc4130]

This brings back an embarrassing moment of mine from 1976. I had just gotten off work at a ham packing plant on Burbank Blvd, Burbank and was at a stop light in my yellow souped up 1969 Roadrunner. I had added headers, a racing cam kit, and a few other things to boost my already decent horsepower. I was more than confident that I could blow the doors off many cars that might come along, when all of a sudden this VW pulls up to me with two young women in it. The first thing that struck me was the sound that the bug made. It was not super loud, but had that very distinct radical cam rhythm and guttural exhaust that had no business coming from the VW. I also noticed that the back seat area was covered in a plastic shroud, not to mention fatty tires and the suspension being beefed up. Anyway, these two young women were just looking over at me smiling. I knew something was up! I kind of gave them this look like, I know somethings not right, but lets go for it. When the light turned green, it was on. From the moment I released the clutch and started blasting forward, that damn VW basically just bounced forward and ahead of me like someone shooting a rubber band. The race was over in seconds, I lost this one to a bug. When I caught up to them, they were laughing. What could I do. At that moment, I'd would rather be having a root canal then feel the way I felt. Well, as mentioned, that was back in 1976, so I've been over it for weeks now.

[@NicoleJohnsonsDetour]

Hahaha...Love it!! Thanks for sharing!!

[@vladtheimpala5532]

On the one hand you have the guys who saw “Fast and Furious” and then went out and bought a lot of fancy looking doo dads and stuck them on their Hondas and Toyotas to give the illusion of a tuner. On the other hand, you’ve got this guy

[@alwaysopen7970]

He considers a Tuna to be fish in a tin. Tuners apparently believe a loud exhaust makes you go faster. Its what they do around here other than stick, bolt or screw parts from Auto Zone on their cars. Irrelevant rear spoilers have run their course.

[@geneb5482]

You forgot put too small of tires on wide rims and run negative camber

[@jefftoonstra5087]

Lol confidence in letting her drive drops, “nope that’s the emergency brake” 😂😂😂