These days, it feels like every restomod builder is locked in an arms race for quadruple-digit horsepower, but Twisted Automotive just dropped a reality check.” Their new TBug—a completely rebuilt Baja Bug based on classic VW Beetles—makes less than 80 horsepower and couldn’t be cooler if it tried.
This isn’t about raw numbers or Instagram bragging rights. It’s about recapturing the pure, unadulterated joy of driving something that connects you to the road, the terrain, and that childlike sense of adventure that modern cars have sanitized out of existence.
Childhood Dreams Made Real
The TBug exists because Twisted founder Charles Fawcett couldn’t shake a childhood obsession. His sister’s bedroom wall was covered with Baja Bug posters that captured his imagination decades ago, and now he’s finally built the machine those posters promised. It’s a perfect example of how the best automotive projects start with genuine passion – not with profit margins and demand forecast.
Twisted, better known for their exceptional Land Rover Defender restomods and Suzuki Jimny modifications, has taken everything they know about building capable off-road machines and distilled it into something wonderfully pure.
Doubled Power, Still Under 80 Horses
Yes, Twisted claims to have doubled the power output of the original air-cooled flat-four, but they’re also quick to point out it’s still “happily under 80 horses.” In an era where even economy cars push triple digits, this kind of restraint feels revolutionary. The company is refreshingly transparent about their philosophy: this isn’t about raw numbers, it’s about the connection between driver, machine, and terrain.
That lightweight, low-power approach means the TBug maintains the character that made Baja Bugs legendary in the first place. You’re not just sitting in the car—you’re working with it, feeling every bump, every slide, every moment of grip and slip as you navigate whatever terrain you’ve decided to tackle.
Built from the Ground Up
Each TBug starts with a genuine 1960s-1980s air-cooled Beetle that gets completely stripped down to the chassis. Twisted then seals and strengthens the foundation before fitting long-travel suspension designed to soak up serious punishment, and the bodywork is classic Baja-inspired design.
Modern touches include LED lighting, upgraded electronics, improved braking systems, and chunky BF Goodrich all-terrain tires wrapped around period-appropriate EMPI Baja wheels. The hand-finished interiors balance heritage appeal with contemporary comfort, featuring elements like wooden steering wheels and digital speedometers that somehow feel perfectly at home together.
One-Off Philosophy
Here’s where Twisted’s approach gets really interesting: no two TBugs will be identical. Each build is configured to the owner’s specifications, covering everything from trim and color to optional equipment. It’s the Singer approach applied to Beetles, with every car becoming a unique expression of its owner’s vision while maintaining the core DNA that makes it special.
Engineering Excellence Meets Simplicity
Despite the deliberately modest power figures, Twisted hasn’t skimped on engineering quality. The chassis receives substantial strengthening, the suspension gets proper long-travel components (likely Bilstein units based on their other projects), and the braking system receives meaningful upgrades to handle the improved performance and off-road demands.
Spec Sheet
Model: Twisted TBug
Base Vehicle: 1960s-1980s Volkswagen Beetle (air-cooled)
Engine: Modified air-cooled flat-four
Power: Under 80 HP (approximately double original output)
Drivetrain: Rear-engine, rear-wheel drive
Transmission: Manual (retained from donor car)
Suspension: Long-travel setup with upgraded components
Wheels: EMPI Baja-style
Tires: BF Goodrich All-Terrain
Brakes: Upgraded system with improved performance
Markets: UK and US
Production: One-off builds to customer specification
Pricing & Availability
Twisted hasn’t announced pricing yet, but expect it to slot above their Suzuki Jimny projects while remaining below their premium Defender restomods. Given the extensive custom work involved, figures likely start well into five digits. The TBug will be officially unveiled on May 29 at Twisted’s new London showroom.
Recap
Twisted TBug Baja VW Beetle
Yorkshire-based Twisted Automotive’s Baja Bug restomod proves that under-80 horsepower can deliver maximum fun. Each one is completely bespoke specification for each owner.
