Catch of the Day – VW SP2

In my first post of this series, I praised the pictures that we, car enthusiasts, take of classic cars we discover on the streets and in parking lots—essentially, in the wild. Yet, here I am, breaking my own rule in this second post. However, I believe this car truly deserves the exception.

Today’s catch is a Brazilian-built VW SP2, which I saw during the Father’s Day Classic Car Meeting 2025 in Edmonton, Canada. It is a rare car to spot, even in its native country, let alone in North America.

A little Introduction

From its foundation in 1959 to 2010, the Brazilian VW was the undisputed market leader in the country and all of South America. Being such a powerhouse (and the first VW factory outside Germany) granted the company relative independence from the German headquarters. Brazilian engineers developed some interesting cars that became sales champions throughout the years, like the Brasilia and Gol.

In the late 1960s, they developed an interesting sports car, the VW SP1, based on a stretched Beetle platform. Production started in July 1972, in very small numbers. The German technology magazine Hobby, in its issue of June, 1973, called the SP the “most beautiful Volkswagen in the world.”

The SP had a brief production run, ending in December 1975. Its demise was due to a common issue faced by many sports cars before and after it: a high price tag. Ultimately, the SP was viewed as little more than an expensive toy.

The model we see here is the improved SP2, an evolution of the original car. It is equipped with front disc brakes, a revised gearbox, and a 1.7-liter VW boxer engine, the largest of its kind produced in Brazil.

As a nice touch, the owner kept the Brazilian “black plate,” showing that the car was acquired in the state of Santa Catarina.

Black plates are intended for collectible/classic vehicles, and there are some requirements for getting them: The car must be at least 30 years old and receive a certificate from a classic car institution attesting that it retains a minimum of 80% of its original characteristics.

I hope you enjoyed this Catch of the Day, and I will see you next time.