This 1961 Volkwagen EMPI (Engineered Motor Products Incorporated) Sportster is a sorted driver that has been with the seller for almost two years. Commonly believed to be the first commercial VW-powered kit and pre-dating the popular Meyers Manx dune buggy by about a year, the all-steel Sportster was offered for sale in both in turn-key and kit form from the EMPI shop in Riverside, California. Retaining its correct windscreen frame, rollbar, wiper cover, and other details, the seller presumes this example was originally purchased in kit form. The car utilizes a 1961 Type I pan and is powered by a 1500cc flat-four paired to a 4-speed transaxle. Records dating back two years are included in the sale and highlight the maintenance performed by the seller, which included a new clutch, battery, and rear shocks. The car is registered as a 1965 Porsche and is sold with a clear California title in the seller’s name.

The green paintwork shows well in the photos, though the seller notes imperfections are apparent upon closer inspection. A few surface rust spots are present on the body and around the wiper cover. Noticeable deviations from the stock kit include the fitment of taillights from a 1965 Impala along with rear bed rails that have been filled in over the stock open units.

Stock 15×6″ stock Volkswagen rims and are said to be in good condition and are fitted with 30×9.5″ tires on the rear and 165/80s up front..

The seating area appears complete and in good condition with a thick, small diameter steering wheel, rubber floor covering, and vinyl-covered bucket seats equipped with a pair of lap restraints. The instrument pod has been relocated to the transmission tunnel as opposed to the original mounting point just beneath the windscreen. The headlights, horn, and turn signal remain fully functional, though the fuel gauge is inoperable and the wipers are disconnected. The 24k indicated miles are presumed inaccurate.

The 1500cc flat-four is believed to be from 1966 Type III and is mated to a Type II transaxle with reduction gears. With its low gearing, the car cruises comfortably at 60 mph and 3,500 rpm. At 1,300 pounds, handling is described as direct and tossable. Service records from the past two years show the car has seen regular maintenance, and during his ownership the seller has performed:

Tune-up

New Front Brakes

Oil Change

Valve Adjustment

Installed New Fuel Filter

New Brake Hoses Front & Rear

Installed New 200mm Clutch Plate and Throwout Bearing

Installed New KYB Excel-G Gas Rear Shocks

New 6-Volt Battery

Underside shots exhibit minor wear and surface corrosion, though the seller notes the pans remain solid and intact.

Included in the sale are service records dating back two years, the owner’s manual, some period publications featuring the model, as well as some original EMPI literature. For reasons unknown to the seller, the car is registered as a 1965 Porsche with California registration good through July 2017.