EMPI (United States) - AllCarIndex

Engineered Motor Products Inc. (EMPI) was established in Riverside, California, around the early 1960s and operated until approximately 1985. The company specialized in the sale of a wide range of Volkswagen repair, custom, and performance parts, catering to enthusiasts of the brand.

In the mid-1960s, Joe Vittone, the owner of EMPI, began selling modified Volkswagen sedans through Economotors, a Volkswagen dealership he also owned. These modified vehicles were branded as EMPI GTVs and included four distinct models, each enhanced with performance upgrades and aesthetic modifications. Notably, the Mk IV model offered an optional 1700cc engine, which significantly improved handling characteristics.

In addition to modified sedans, EMPI produced a metal-bodied dune buggy known as the Imp, which was designed with a utilitarian focus. The Imp was available in four variations, including one that accommodated Corvair 6-cylinder engines. Eventually, the company transitioned to a more conventional fiberglass body style, similar to the Meyers Manx, further expanding its offerings in the dune buggy market.