This VW T1 Race Taxi Packs Porsche Performance in a Retro Body
Turbo Nostalgia- When most people think of a Volkswagen Kombi, what likely comes to mind is a slow but charming van, perfect for road trips and lazy beach days. Known for its boxy shape and laid-back attitude, the VW T1 has long been a symbol of freedom on the open road. But what if someone took that peace-loving van and turned it into something that could make your heart race at full throttle?That’s exactly what a Swiss man named Fred Bernhard set out to do—and after six years of passion-fueled work, he succeeded spectacularly with what he calls the Volkswagen T1 Race Taxi.
Volkswagen T1 Race Taxi with Porsche 993 engine.(Picture from: TheSamba)
At a glance, the Race Taxi may still carry the nostalgic silhouette of a 1960s VW Kombi, but don't be fooled—this machine is anything but a slowpoke. Bernhardcompletely transformed the classic van by swapping out its original engine with a powerful heart from a Porsche 993. And this wasn’t just an engine transplant—it was a full-blown performance makeover. Thanks to its twin turbochargers and a 6-speed manual gearbox, the Race Taxi now churns out an eye-popping 523 horsepower and 756 Nm of torque. That’s the kind of power usually reserved for serious sports cars, not something you’d expect to see parked next to a surfboard.
Visually, the van is just as bold as its performance. It sports a striking combination of gray, white, and orange accents, reflecting both its racing pedigree and custom craftsmanship. Every inch of it screams uniqueness, from its aggressive stance to the carefully integrated design details. Bernhard didn’t just modify a van; he rewrote what a VW Kombi could be.
And where better to showcase such a wild creation than at the iconic Wörthersee GTI Meeting in Germany? Set amidst a gathering of some of the most creative and powerful custom cars in Europe, the Volkswagen T1 Race Taxi fits right in. But even among a sea of automotive marvels, this Porsche-powered Kombi grabs attention not just because it’s different—but because it’s done right.
Fred Bernhard’s Race Taxi is more than just a cool build—it’s a rolling example of vision, skill, and the kind of deep-rooted passion that turns a simple idea into a mechanical masterpiece. What began life as a humble van is now a fusion of classic charm and modern performance. It’s a nod to automotive history, a wink at racing heritage, and a clear statement that imagination still has a place in the garage. *** [EKA [19052015] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MOTORING.COM.AU | THESAMBA | VOLKSFORUM ]
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This VW T1 Race Taxi Packs Porsche Performance in a Retro Body
At a glance, the Race Taxi may still carry the nostalgic silhouette of a 1960s VW Kombi, but don't be fooled—this machine is anything but a slowpoke. Bernhard completely transformed the classic van by swapping out its original engine with a powerful heart from a Porsche 993. And this wasn’t just an engine transplant—it was a full-blown performance makeover. Thanks to its twin turbochargers and a 6-speed manual gearbox, the Race Taxi now churns out an eye-popping 523 horsepower and 756 Nm of torque. That’s the kind of power usually reserved for serious sports cars, not something you’d expect to see parked next to a surfboard.
Fred Bernhard’s Race Taxi is more than just a cool build—it’s a rolling example of vision, skill, and the kind of deep-rooted passion that turns a simple idea into a mechanical masterpiece. What began life as a humble van is now a fusion of classic charm and modern performance. It’s a nod to automotive history, a wink at racing heritage, and a clear statement that imagination still has a place in the garage. *** [EKA [19052015] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MOTORING.COM.AU | THESAMBA | VOLKSFORUM ]
