Volkswagen SP 2 classic cars for sale

History of the Volkswagen SP2

The Volkswagen SP2 was conceived in the early 1970s at Volkswagen do Brasil as a direct answer to Brazil's import restrictions and a desire for unique domestic sports cars. Launched in 1972 and produced until 1976, the SP2 was named after São Paulo, the production site ("SP"), and was a successor to the Karmann-Ghia for the Brazilian market. The project was led by Marcio Piancastelli, José Vicente Novita Martins, and Jorge Yamashita Oba, who sought inspiration from contemporary Italian and Porsche designs. With a run of around 10,000 to 11,123 units, it was intended exclusively for the Brazilian market and was almost never officially exported to Europe. Despite its rather moderate performance, the SP2 instantly stood out for its aesthetics and today enjoys strong recognition among VW aficionados for its rarity.

Model History

The SP2 sat alongside the nearly identical but much rarer and weaker SP1 variant (only 88 made). While the SP1 had a 1.6-litre boxer, the SP2 used a more powerful 1.7-litre four-cylinder air-cooled boxer from the VW Type 3. There was also the idea for an SP3, intended to have a more powerful engine, but this remained a single prototype. The SP2’s design remained largely unchanged through its short production run, with only minor differences in instrumentation and interior fittings between early and later models. Predecessor-wise, the SP2 replaced the Karmann-Ghia TC as Volkswagen's Brazilian coupé; it had no direct successor after production ceased in 1976.

Highlights

The SP2 distinguishes itself from all other classic Volkswagens by its sharp low-slung silhouette, inspired by Italian sports cars and Porsche trends of the 1970s. It employed a steel body over a central tube frame and shared its underpinnings with the Brazilian VW 1600 Variant (Type 3). Features such as the luxurious interior (for its time), analog instrumentation, adjustable seats, and chrome details added to the SP2's appeal. Its rarity in Europe—fewer than 20 examples are currently known in Germany—further elevates its desirability. Colours such as "Amarelo Safari" yellow were typical, but others were available.

Technical Data

Special Editions and Collectible Models

The SP2’s main variant is the SP1, built in even fewer numbers (only 88 units) in 1972 with a less powerful 1.6-litre engine and minimal equipment; most survivors are museum pieces. The mooted SP3, planned with a more powerful engine, never saw full-scale production—only a prototype was built. No official special editions of the SP2 are documented beyond these distinctions.

Weak Spots and Common Issues

• Body and Rust: Brazilian steel often suffers from subpar quality, making SP2s highly prone to rust—in sills, floors, arches, and around windows and lights. Even apparently solid cars may hide serious corrosion. • Spare Parts: Mechanical parts (engine, gearbox) are sourced from other VWs—often available. Bodywork, glass, trim, and interior pieces unique to the SP2 are extremely rare and expensive. • Engine and Chassis: The 1.7-litre boxer is robust but underpowered. Brakes (drums rear, discs front) offer modest performance, typical of period VWs. Road behaviour is "classic"—with considerable body roll and tendency to oversteer. • Interior & Electrics: Build quality is basic, with simple plastics and flat, poorly supportive seats. Dashboard electronics can malfunction. • Fuel Usage & Range: High weight, modest power and a small 28L tank mean frequent refuelling and average consumption over 12l/100km. • Authenticity: Many Brazilian SP2s have been poorly restored or modified. Always verify originality, check import documents, scrutinise for accident repairs and ensure the car’s provenance.

Engine and Performance, Transmission and Handling

Powered by an air-cooled 1.7-litre boxer producing 65 PS, the SP2’s performance is moderate rather than sporty, with a claimed top speed just over 160 km/h and modest acceleration. The 4-speed transmission drives the rear wheels, with suspension taken from period VW Beetle and Type 3 components. Braking performance falls behind more modern standards, and handling is noted for a tendency to oversteer and to feel “vintage” rather than precise. Still, the engine is reliable if not stressed, and replacement mechanical parts are usually available thanks to VW’s widespread parts bin. The SP2 Typ 53 is the only prominent variant and is structurally identical in all listings; early cars have minor gauge and trim differences but nothing significant in mechanical terms.

Interior, Comfort, Exterior and Design

Designed by Marcio Piancastelli and his team, the SP2 is unmistakable: its long bonnet, recessed headlights, and low coupe roofline contrast strongly with European Volkswagens of the era. The body is made from steel rather than fiberglass. Interior features walnut-effect details, a dashboard with a full suite of round analogue instruments (tachometer, speedometer, oil temp, ammeter, clock), and details like a three-spoke steering wheel and wood-trimmed gearlever. Seats are manually adjustable, and materials include VW-standard vinyl and cloth. Four large headlights define the front, and alloy wheels sit beneath gently flared arches. Special colours like “Amarelo Safari” and rare period accessories such as custom foglights or aftermarket wheels sometimes appear on surviving examples, but most SP2s remain close to factory specification.

Other Features

The SP2 was one of the last VW models to be built largely by hand at the Karmann factory in São Paulo, with a focus on craftsmanship for its limited numbers. The model's exclusivity in Europe is due to both Brazilian market focus and local import barriers at the time; very few have made it to Germany or elsewhere outside South America. The car’s unique VIN and documentation requirements make it important for European buyers to double-check papers and vehicle history. The platform allowed use of “modern” comforts by 1970s standards, making it unusually well-specified for a Brazilian VW.

Summary

The Volkswagen SP2 is a Brazilian-built coupé produced between 1972 and 1976, forming a unique part of Volkswagen history due to its origin, rarity, and stylistic departure from other models. With its signature 1.7-litre air-cooled boxer engine and a shape inspired by European sports cars, the SP2 combines mechanical dependability (within classic VW norms) and distinctive 1970s style. While mechanical parts are often available via other VWs, restoration or maintenance of bodywork and trim demands patience and specialist connections, given the scarcity of parts. The SP2 is not a beginner’s classic, but it offers a compelling narrative, rare status, and a strong following among enthusiasts of air-cooled Volkswagens and unusual coupés.