Revolutionary Fusion: How a VW Thing Met a Porsche 911 And Created an Automotive Masterpiece
Imagine a vehicle that combines the rugged charm of the Volkswagen Thing with the heart-stopping performance of a Porsche 911. No need to pinch yourself—you're not dreaming. This is the reality of the 'Lunatic Fringe,' a wild automotive concoction that debuted in an unfinished form at the Grand National Roadster Show in Pomona, California. This isn't just any custom car; it's a statement on wheels, a testament to engineering creativity and a nudge to the realms of automotive potential.
Born in the prestigious Ron Jones Garage, a sanctuary for hot-rods and restoration dreams, this project is more than just a car; it's a what-if brought to life. What if Porsche had dared to build the Thing? The 'Lunatic Fringe' answers that question with a resounding roar of its engine. The traditional, somewhat leisurely VW Type 181 is transformed, infused with the soul of a Porsche. This beast now harbors a 3.2-liter air-cooled Porsche flat-six engine, breathing fire through lightweight rods, titanium valve hats, and a custom-ground cam, all tied together with a sophisticated MoTeC wiring system.
But the 'Lunatic Fringe' is more than just its engine. It's an artistic reimagining of the VW Thing, with nearly every panel hand-built, leaving only the windshield frame untouched. This machine cuts a figure less reminiscent of the quirky VW and more akin to a vehicle you'd expect conquering boulders at the King of the Hammers. The foundation of this beast is a chromoly tube frame, accompanied by a long-travel suspension, Fox shocks, coilovers, and a slew of billet pieces, showcasing the technological prowess behind its creation.
In an ironic twist, the 'Lunatic Fringe' made its debut bare-metal, doors and roof absent, an interior unformed. This open book approach not only highlights the meticulous craftsmanship but also serves as a tantalizing preview of what's to come when it finally debuts at the SEMA Show, painted in Robin's Egg blue and adorned with custom wheels.
What makes 'Lunatic Fringe' particularly fascinating is its departure from the typical projects undertaken by Ron Jones Garage, known for its rods, customs, and a bevy of classic American steel. This creation shares showroom space with a stunning 1937 Type 57S Bugatti, another outlier that speaks to the shop's versatility and willingness to push boundaries.
'Lunatic Fringe' stands as a unique masterpiece on the automotive landscape. It's a manifestation of what happens when imagination meets ingenuity, a blend of the classic and the radical. There may be many Bugattis and Porsches out in the world, but there's only one Porsche-powered Thing riding the 'lunatic fringe' of automotive innovation.