Yorkshire-based Twisted Automotive claims its new T-Bug transforms vintage Beetles into desert-conquering machines with double the original power. Founder Charles Fawcett promises this bespoke off-roader captures the rebellious spirit of 1960s Baja Bugs while delivering modern reliability that supposedly outperforms contemporary alternatives. The company targets wealthy enthusiasts willing to commission fully custom builds, with pricing available only upon request at their Kensington Mews showroom debut on May 29th—a bold entry among wild off-road vehicles redefining adventure.
Nostalgic Engineering Meets Modern Muscle
Each T-Bug starts with a 1960s-1980s Beetle chassis stripped to bare metal and completely reimagined. Twisted seals and strengthens the original frame, then bolts on long-travel suspension with Bilstein shocks and chunky BFGoodrich all-terrain tires. The company claims this setup handles dunes with the same ease as grocery store parking lots.
Cartoonish Face Hides Serious Hardware
The cartoonish LED headlights and aluminum fender flares give each T-Bug its friendly face that hides serious capability underneath. Twisted reportedly doubles the original engine output while keeping power under 80 horsepower to maintain what Fawcett calls the connection between driver and machine.
Desert Racing DNA With Yorkshire Precision
Twisted’s interpretation draws heavily from California’s surf culture, Baja Bugs. The company promises authentic desert racing capability with modern safety features like upgraded brakes and external roll cage protection. Each build supposedly delivers the analog driving experience that today’s computerized vehicles have sanitized away.
Bespoke Interiors Meet Practical Design
Hand-finished interiors mix retro bucket seats with contemporary materials like waterproof fabrics. Twisted claims no two builds will be identical, offering complete customization of colors, trim, and optional equipment for buyers seeking automotive exclusivity.
Power Without Complexity
The modified air-cooled flat-four engine reportedly produces reliable power for serious off-road adventures. Twisted maintains the original manual transmission to preserve the mechanical simplicity that modern automatics eliminate. The setup emphasizes terrain capability over Instagram-worthy acceleration numbers.
Suspension Built for Real Adventure
Long-travel suspension articulation allows the T-Bug to handle terrain that would bottom out standard vehicles. The company suggests this setup works equally well for weekend beach runs or multi-day desert expeditions where reliability matters more than horsepower bragging rights.
From Garden Shed to Global Recognition
Twisted Automotive built its reputation on £200,000+ Land Rover Defender restomods before this surprising Beetle project. Founder Charles Fawcett started the company in 2001 from his Yorkshire garden shed and now runs an £8-9 million business group specializing in high-end off-road vehicles.
Strategic Pivot to Childhood Dreams
The T-Bug represents Twisted’s first major departure from British 4×4 products. Fawcett claims childhood memories of his sister’s Beetle posters inspired this Special Project series, though the bespoke pricing strategy targets the same wealthy customers who commission their Defender builds.
Exclusive Launch Strategy
The T-Bug debuts May 29th at Twisted’s Kensington Mews showroom with pricing available only upon request. This strategy mirrors luxury yacht sales more than automotive retail, suggesting the company expects wealthy collectors rather than weekend warriors. The exclusive approach reinforces Twisted’s positioning as a bespoke manufacturer rather than a volume producer.
