When you think of Brasilia, you probably picture the Copacabana, the giant Christ statue in Rio de Janeiro, and tiny bikinis. But the Volkswagen Brasilia rarely tops my list of Brazilian trivia. Yet this 1974 example flips that perception on its head. Unfortunately, I didn’t find this example on the beaches of Brazil but inside the Tuning Experience hall at the Essen Motor Show.
The VW Brasilia itself is a fascinating chapter in VW history. Born in 1973 as Volkswagen do Brasil Ltda, a subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group in Brazil, answer to the Beetle’s limitations. It was designed to offer more space and modern styling while keeping the beloved air-cooled simplicity.
Over a million units rolled off the line before production ended in 1982. For many families in South America, it was the car that carried them through the country’s economic boom years, a true cultural icon. But because these cars never officially made their way to Europe, this chapter of VW history remained largely unknown to us.
Under the rear hatch of this particular build by Josefine Lindqvist you can still find the stock air-cooled 1600cc engine. The motor is fully polished and chromed, with hidden wiring for a much cleaner look. Feeding it are twin 40mm Weber carburetors, while a custom high-gloss stainless steel exhaust adds both shine and soundtrack. A tiny window in the rear hatch offers a glimpse of the chromed engine.
The suspension setup has had the same attention to detail. A revised subframe anchors an adjustable, narrowed ball-joint beam, complemented by torsion bars, lowered steering knuckles, and air suspension controlled by Airlift Performance’s 3P system. The tank that holds the air has been polished and can be seen behind the seats.
Rolling stock? Pure theater. Three-piece Autostrada Modena wheels in 17-inch diameter dominate the arches, with stepped lips and outrageous widths, 10.5 inches up front and a staggering 12.5 inches at the rear. Each wheel is fully polished, capped with bespoke center caps that complete the look.
The bodywork tells its own story. A full widebody conversion, custom side skirts, and a rear wing—all hand-formed in sheet metal, give the Brasilia a muscular silhouette. Even the bumpers are bespoke creations molded from PP plastic. The fuel filler? Gone, shaved for that seamless aesthetic. Every panel, every curve has been touched by the owner’s hands.
Inside, the transformation continues. Custom floor mats, seats, and door panels bring comfort and modernity, while a stealthy audio system from Ground Zero hides beneath the surface. It’s a cabin that feels bespoke without losing its soul.
And then there’s the paint. Underneath, the chassis gleams in a deep red metallic candy finish, while the exterior wears the same candy hue over a black basecoat, creating a depth that seems to glow under light.
Perhaps the most impressive detail? Every modification, every weld, every brushstroke was done by the owner herself. She learned her craft in school but perfected it at the company she works for, Koenigsegg in Sweden. This Brasilia is her personal masterpiece. From metalwork to lamination, this car is a testament to her skill, patience, and passion. Cool to see and hear that the employees at Koenigsegg are just as crazy about cars as we are.