When our classics were first built, the engine bay was a very utilitarian part of the car. Yeah, the engines got a coat of corporate paint and maybe a couple of chrome bits, but it was all very basic.

The idea of a V-8 engine stuffed into a classic Volkswagen Beetle is the sort of thing sand-dune-chasing dreams are made of. A bug's butt is the perfect place for that big of an engine if you're ...