Volksworld March 2022

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KARMANN GHIA

A long term love affair with a late model coupé

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BAY WINDOW BUYERS’ GUIDE How to find the ri ght Camper

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CONTENTS March 2022 14 www.volksworld.com

VolksWorld magazine, Kelsey Media, The Granary, Downs Court, Yalding Hill, Yalding, Kent ME18 6AL

09 The VolksWorld Show

Kelsey Media 2022 © all rights reserved.

Kelsey Media is a trading name of Kelsey Publishing Ltd.

You ain’t nothing but a Houndog…

90

90 VW Toys

Bob’s own take on a Kellerman flip-top Beetle

95 Next month

A sneak preview of the May 2022 issue

98 The Godfather

Mark Walker on Emory Motorsports’ Bajas

Back issues

MAGIC BUS!

MAGIC BUS! WORTH

DREAM GHIA

VAN-TASTIC! MAGIC BUS! THIS

PRIORITY

DELUXE MAGIC BUS! DELIGH WHY BOTHER WITH A 911 COOL ’64 CAB WITH LOTS OF T ADDED WHEN YOU CAN HAVE THIS LUXURIESCREW – INCLUDING A SUICIDE DOOR!

ORDER

VW ACTION

BUILDING THE PERFECT SLEEPER

BACK TO ITS VERY OF THIS ’52 BEETLE FIRST OWNER!

BODY BEAUTIFUL ’53 STANDARD OVAL

VERY TOP U.S. SPECIALISTS CREATED THIS GORGEOUS ’55 STUNNER

SEE IT:

BACK TO THE ’58 KARMANN BEGINNING NOW WE’RE DO IT:

ULTIMATE ’64 BEETLE DUBHOT RED 3 ’64 TYPE Le Bug TURBO GHIA IS A REAL DRAG STRIP SENSATION

The evolution of the Type 34 • Restored ARCHIVES •• Type 2 ads of the ’50s & ’60s FEATURES • Stunning RHD Oval Window Bug G! ’60 Karmann Cabriolet TORQUIN

001_VWNov2019_CoverIC.indd

SEE IT:

www.volksworld.com

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SEE IT:

Keeping in trim

TOUR OF

Well-travelled LowlightDUTY comes home

Newton Commercial visit

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Sandown Park, Esher, Surrey

COME JOIN US

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J U N E / J U LY 2 0 2 0

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READ IT: FEBRUARY 2020 VW’s quirky Plattenwagen

APRIL 2020

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On a platter

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Poor man’s porker

Dannenhauer & Strauss story

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Braking bad?

Fitting a Bus servo

The Swiss firm’s VWs

1

DO IT:

Sorting rusty Bus wheel wells

DO IT:

On lockdown!

DIY tips from our driveways

FEBRUARY 2020

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ice cream truck

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Beautiful Beutler

Fix those THISrunning issues – rough HOT MOTOR, COOL STANCE, MINT INTERIOR SUNROOF BUG’S THE PERFECT WEEKEND PLAYTHING

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Classic makeover Well, well, well...

’69 Beetle made into a sloper

28/11/2019 11:40 £4.60 FEBRUARY 2020

The story of VW’s Fridolin

1

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SEE IT:

70 years since the handover

NOTCH IS A SHOW SENSATION! The fateful sea-going Bug

READ IT:

Beetle wing repairs

How to fix your originals

A BIT OF ALL WHITE DO IT:

01/11/2019 09:47

£4.50 JANUARY 2020

The Army

IS READY TOeraROLL

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Best of British

UK show highlights

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Whipped delight Get it sorted!

Coach-built

£4.50 DECEMBER 2019

1

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Step up!

Tackling rusty Bus front steps

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SEE IT:

21-22 March 2020

2020

’65 BEETLE

Spe

READ IT:

1

DO IT:

How to repair your originals

Look ’67

King of the hill

06/09/2019 13:54

04/10/2019 09:17

Country Buggy secrets unlocked

SLAMMED ON AIR RESTO-CAL STUNNING KG WAS AT wing fixes KILLER RIDE RESTORED Beetle Water good idea!

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Canadian class

Cool Canadian showcars STRAIGHT OUTTA HOME Compound-built COMPTON Cal

£4.50 AUTUMN 2019

£5.99 NOVEMBER 2019

SCALE WITH OFF THE basic DESIRABILITY’SBeautifully THIS COOL ’50S CONVERTIBLE

Working wipers

12v armature conversion

A HANDFUL BEETLE-BASED OF COACHBUILT RARITIES

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The Brazilian Puma GT

Travelling Danburys

The camper converter profiled

1

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Call of duty DANNENHAUE Rare public service VWs R & STAUSS ONE OF JUST

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Cold comfort

Get your VW ready for winter

HARDCORE Black FACTOR OUTLAW Cab’ E VINTAG cial

EUROPE’S MOST BEAUTIFUL cool for cats VW INIt’s’87 DRAGGED FROM A FIELD AND RETURNED TO ITS FORMER GLORY

Steering bushes

Revive that ‘as-new’ feel

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BEAST

VW A carriage fit for a king

DO IT:

CUSTOM Show-stopping RETURNS LOOKINGVW FROM THE 1970S VWs from the USA BETTER THAN EVER

Show FROM THE MAGIC BUS! Why Spa’s so special KILLER 2332CC EAST

FEEL-GOOD

THIS COOL BUG WAS BUILT TO PERFECTION

THING OF MAGIC BUS! BEAUTY THE

’53

BACK FROM Ultimate MAGIC BUS! THE DEAD Dubs ICONIC

spirit of the ’60s sensational 186hp KILLER BUGGY metalfl ake ’70 madness ’56 DRAG BEETLE light-weight BEETLE racer

Seume takes CAL-LOOK ARCHIVES aKeithtrip back in time BOSS HOGG modern day Robin Hood ’71 KARMANN GHIA

magazine

LIFESTYLE CHOICE

swaps his TEENAGE CRUSH 206youngster Pug for a Bug

Super rare Porsche-derived 356 BUGGY basket case Buggy BEETLE

‘LEMON’ BUY BUG TRANSFORMED INTO A PUNCHY, SHOW-QUALITY the system like a LOOKER CALFightin’

Now g incorporatin

BAD BOY ONE OWNER MAGIC BUS! BAY! TOUGH-AS-NAILS 2258CC HIGH-RIDER ‘SURVIVOR’ BEETLE BUS IS THE ULTIMATE

SHOW 2020 PREVIEW

crunched auction find Karmann Ghia stunner VOLKSWORLD SHOW 2020 PREVIEW This Bug screams ‘California Look’ VOLKSWORLD SHOW 2020 PREVIEW

California Look in the UK

n4

NICE ONE, FAST SHOW MAGIC BUS! TRACING THE HISTORYSHERLOCK!

2019 REPORT

We drive ‘factory’ One-family-owned ’54 PLUG ‘N’ PLAY battery Beetle OVAL SURVIVOR that’s never been welded OUR CARS VOLKSWORLD

Now g incorporatin

’72 BURGUNDY 40TH BIRTHDAY BAY WAS THE BEST PRESENT EVER magazine

is more with this Vintage Treffen SUPER SUBTLE ’66lessKarmann Ghia ’66 BEETLE TOP US VWs –So-Cal what a show!

Subtle yet stylish ’65 2165cc KG CABRIO ModestlyINSTEAD! modded ’51 DREAM ’VERT Karmann Ghia Cab BASIC IS BEST Standard model Beetle

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THE WAIT FIVE-YEAR DIY BUILD MADE THIS ICONIC ’63 BUS ‘AFFORDABLE ’

’54 Bug is a drag owned GOLDEN WONDER strip screamer OUT OF AFRICA ’66Long-time Karmann Ghia

FEBRUARY 2020

If there’s a gap in your VolksWorld collection, visit shop.kelsey.co.uk/vwback

Have both for the best Great stance BUGGY OR BUS? air-cooled capers MEXICAN BUG ON AIR made simple favourite made ’53 Oval is a super DRAG BEETLE aFamily demon on the strip PRO STREET BUG subtle scene setter

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34 Old gold

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07 Welcome

The lost boys – why grow up?

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THIS MONTH

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Contributors: Gordie Woollacott, Jesus Zetina Acosta, Robert Gilmore, Dokke Sahertian, James Hale, Nigel Bush @ Reeve Photography, Well Chuffed Media, Sam McElroy, Mark Walker

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EDITORIAL Editor: Paul Knight Email: volksworld.ed@kelsey.co.uk

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MARCH 2022

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CONTENTS March 2022 82

68

24

FEATURES

14 Star quality

Is this the best show ’n’ go Baja built in the UK?

24 Desert dreams

Mike Downham’s jacked-up roller skate

38 Cheap thrills

Proof you can still build a budget show car

54 From Africa with love Restored, improved and back at work

63 Sport for all

The story behind the quirky EMPI Sportster

38 54

68 Go West!

The ultimate Bay Westy Camper buying guide

77 Rollin’ into ’22 like

The first VW event of ’22 in Southend-on-Sea

82 Karmann boomerang

Sam McElroy has owned this Ghia twice!

The April 2022 issue goes on sale

➜

Subscribe and save – see p46

Friday March 4

Don’t miss it!

W W W. V O L K S W O R L D. C O M

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Happy New Year Remember the ABBA song “Happy New Year?” It was one of their last numbers, and probably their saddest, before they broke up the band for the next 40 years. Now they’re back, and most of the reviews have one thing in common: they say the new album is surprisingly good!

2021 wasn´t a particularly happy year. Covid and Brexit were no fun at all, and looking back at all the cancelled meetings and events is just one sad memory after another. But no sad story should continue forever.

As long as you’re alive, there’s always the chance to turn things around to the good - if you do it with style and quality. That´s the reason why the new ABBA album is so good: even though they’re in their 70s, they still delivered the same vintage quality as they did 40 years ago!

You can bring your project back to its glory days too, no matter that you’ve had it stored away for 40 years, nor indeed no matter if you’re in your 70s! All you need is the right ambition and the right quality parts: and that means VEWIB parts!

The most extreme example is our own ´51 Samba. In May 2017, when it was discovered, it was the saddest Barndoor Samba wreck in history, having been lying in a damp forest for decades. This coming June, we will drive our Samba to the Hessisch-Oldendorf meeting - on its own wheels, for the first time on public roads since 1961!

Join the VEWIB crew in Hessisch-Oldendorf, and be part of this historical moment when we turn things back to a surprisingly happy ending. We will make 2022 a Happy New Year, and you can do the same.

Hurry up and push your long-term project to the finish line! You will be successful too if you do it with style and quality: VEWIB quality!

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FROM THE TOP

volksworld.ed@kelsey.co.uk

The lost boys They say old habits die hard, but for some, the habit simply never died ’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve talked about the importance of inspiring the younger generation and, at the other end of the scale, how we should honour the pioneers of the VW scene we know and love. But what about those hardcore enthusiasts that have built more VWs than they can even remember. The 100% air cooled for life guys?

This issue is dedicated to those lost boys – the teens that never grew up and are, for want of a better term, ‘Still Doin’ It!’ today.

Growing up with like-minded VW buddies was a blast for so many of us but, as time rolled on, work and family commitments resulted in a good number of once hardcore VW fanatics selling up in favour of an MPV of some sort or other. Only a handful of the original ‘faces’ in my world were left still meddling with rusty old VWs. A familiar story to many of you, I’m sure.

I

The weekenders

I suppose the difference is those lads have learned some valuable lessons over the years and, consequently, the quality of the vehicles they’re now producing is vastly superior to their initial efforts (well, with the possible exception of Andy Finch, who seems to have been producing top-end cars from day one).

My point is simply that these are the people that own the cars featured in this issue. They’re the ones I consider the truest of all VW enthusiasts, the ones that have never sold out to the man, just honed their skills and their tastes, and are now building the cars they’ve been dreaming about for years.

From a magazine feature car point of view, they are also our repeat customers, and I think it’s fair to say they’ll be remembered in years to come as pioneers in their own rights. However, that’s not what it’s about right now. You only have to look at the cars in this issue to see these guys are building cars purely for their own entertainment. It just so happens they’re kind enough to let us admire their handiwork on these pages, too.

Most of these guys know each other – the scene’s not that big, after all – and, in the case of Andy ‘Spike’ Finch and Mike Downham, they’re the best of buddies. Ask either of them what it’s all about and they’ll tell you it’s simply ‘having fun’.

Some old hands in the UK Volkswagen scene may have gracefully grown older and wiser but hey, where’s the fun in that? As Mike puts it with a smile on his face, ‘Why grow up?’ ■

“the truest of all VW enthusiasts… that have never sold out to the man”

Fast forward 25-30 years, though, and a good number of those original crew members have found their way back to VWs. Now with grown-up children and / or a good job, they’re in a position to afford to own a weekend toy again (I say again, but the reality for most was our VWs were our only means of transport in the old days). Meanwhile, the lost boys have continued to amass projects and are still messing around in a garage, surrounded by piles of VW parts, BMX bikes and other such youthful ephemera.

Mike Downham

Andy Finch

Mike and Spike cruising Bug Jam in style.

Older, definitely. Wiser? Well, that’s debatable..

As Danny Owen and the Mongoose Team sang in the ’80s, BMX boys have a lot of fun, and clearly these two are still having just as much fun today! #StillDoinIt W W W. V O L K S W O R L D. C O M

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SHOW NEWS

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vo

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Sponsored by

www

19-20 March 2022 – Sandown Park, Esher

P R E VI W O

EW

Come join the party!

• SH

Order tickets online @ www.volksworldshow.com

worldsh

LOCATION: Sandown Park Racecourse Portsmouth Road Esher Surrey KT10 9AJ OPENING TIMES: Saturday 19 March: 10.00-17.00 Sunday 20 March: 10.00-16.30

W

e’re thrilled to announce The VolksWorld Show will be happening in 2022, and the much anticipated event is shaping up to be the best for years. While we don’t want to spoil all the surprises just yet, here’s a little taster of some of what’s in store.

The world’s leading car care specialist, Meguiar’s, has announced its continued sponsorship, and will again be giving all of the Top 20 trophy winners a gift pack of cleaning products to keep their cars in tip-top condition throughout this year’s show season.

Similarly, our very good friends at Heritage Parts Centre are also continuing their support by sponsoring the California Look display, and will be there in strength at Sandown, so be sure to drop by their trade stand, too.

We also have a brand new sponsor in Ocean Trail.

Part of the Avensys Ltd. family, the firm specialises in luxury VW Campervan and motorhome hire, as well as selling a complete range of camping products from top brands including Dometic, Campingaz, Kampa, Coleman, Vango, Cadac, Cobb and Ridgemonkey from their superstore in Manor Royal, Crawley. Check out Ocean Trail’s website here: www.oceantrail.co.uk for more information.

Alongside all of those we will, of course, have the show cars. The VolksWorld Show is renowned around the world for attracting the crème de la crème of aircooled VWs, and we already know our panel of judges will really have their work cut out this year.

Only one car can be awarded Best of Show, though, and we’re already excited to see who will lift the ultimate air-cooled accolade in 2022.

ADVANCE TICKET PRICES: • Advanced adult day ticket: £16* • Advanced adult weekend ticket: £24*(swap your ticket for a weekend wristband at the help desk in the main entrance) • Adult camping add-on: £14* • All advanced child tickets are free when selected with a paying adult (child aged 14 and under) ON THE DAY TICKET PRICES: • Adult day ticket: £20 • Adult weekend ticket: £30 (swap your ticket for a weekend wristband at the help desk in the main entrance) Free entry for up to two children per paying adult, additional child tickets are £5 each. * booking fees apply

Book online via www.volksworldshow.com Ticket helpline: 07375 554420 F O R A L L T H E L AT E S T S H O W I N F O V I S I T W W W. V O L K S W O R L D S H O W. C O M

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SHOW NEWS

Order tickets online @ www.volksworldshow.com

Karmann feel the noise!

Karmann Ghias are the hot ticket right now, so we thought it fitting to assemble a killer collection of coupés ‘n’ Cabriolets for this year’s event. The Karmann Ghia Owners Club GB (KGOC) will be represented by an impressive club display on the Grandstand Apron, and will also showcase five of the club’s best vehicles as part of a special display in the Esher Hall.

On top of that, we’ll also have an amazing display of top notch examples of both the Type 14 and Type 34 models in the Surrey Hall.

Don’t miss this opportunity to witness the largest collection of Karmann Ghias ever to be displayed at The VolksWorld Show!

Be sure to stop by the KGOC club stand for a chat, or visit the club website at www.kgoc.org.uk

Cal Look Brasserie Livin’ in the ’80s

In association with the UK Cal Look Register, we’re busy gathering together a very special collection of some of the best California Look cars in the UK just for the event.

Some sensational debut cars will sit alongside iconic survivors from the heyday of the ’Look, along with a number of renowned show ’n’ go favourites.

We’ve chosen the Brasserie to display them because the relaxed atmosphere of the exclusive bar area makes it the perfect

place to take your time and really appreciate this unique opportunity.

The Brasserie display is sponsored by Heritage Parts Centre, who will be supplying some period artwork and images to really make it look and feel like the home of all things Cal Look.

In the meantime, take a break and look up the UK Cal Look Register on Facebook.

2022 marks 21 years of the Back to ’89 movement, and we’re proud to announce that the man behind the B289 club, Stu Betty, will be presenting ‘10 of the best’ ex-show stars and classic VolksWorld feature cars from back in the day in the Esher Hall this year.

Outside on the Grandstand Arena, you’ll also find a collection of B289 survivors, which will surely evoke some great memories, while in the Surrey Hall you’ll be stopped in your tracks by some of the most influential show stoppers from yesteryear.

It’s going to be rad, baby!

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SHOW NEWS

Order tickets online @ www.volksworldshow.com

Shop ’til you drop The VolksWorld Show’s Retail Village is a haven for VW lovers. Guaranteed to be jam packed with everything you could possibly need for your VW, from second hand parts to rare accessories, new performance and restoration items, clothing, gifts and more.

The biggest names in the VW scene will be there to showcase their products and services and many will be offering exclusive discounts and show deals, as well as being available to impart expert advice on your latest VW project.

International swapmeet

Pro-Rider Team

Back by popular demand, the Cool Flo Pro-Rider BMX Team will be on the Red Brick performing tricks on the half pipe. Check out the timetable in your show guide on the day to make sure you don’t miss out on any of the fun.

Car park heroes

VolksWorld’s famous international swapmeet is one of the show’s most popular features, with over 100 tables of rare accessories and parts on offer. So, if you’re searching for that elusive item, or just like to browse, head there straight away and take a look.

To find out more, or book a table, email ben@hillviewmedia.com, or call the team on 01366 728488.

Meguiar’s will once again be awarding a prize to the winner of the Car Park Show ’n’ Shine. Open to anybody that does not have a car inside the main halls, the areas they will be scouring include the mouthwatering selection of rides on the Red Brick area, Grandstand Apron and Summer Lawn, as well as the main car parks out front.

There is no need to enter, or park in a special place, just pull up and our judges will find you. Or your car at any rate. A prize will be awarded at 4pm each day.

Carry on camping As the longer nights and warmer days approach in the spring, Sandown Park will prove the perfect venue to start making the most of it with a camping weekend.

With hot showers and the golf clubhouse providing food and drink from Friday through to

Sunday, as well as entertainment on Saturday night, we recommend you book early as plots are limited and always sell out fast. Simply buy your camping add-on when you book your regular entry tickets at www.volksworldshow.com

F O R A L L T H E L AT E S T S H O W I N F O V I S I T W W W. V O L K S W O R L D S H O W. C O M

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SHOW NEWS

Order tickets online @ www.volksworldshow.com

Club action

KidsZone

The VolksWorld Show’s very own superhero, VanMan, can’t wait to see you in the KidsZone. He has lots of exciting games and fun things for younger visitors to do, and may even have some prizes to give away, too!

All kids (14 and under) are free when booked in advance, or two kids per paying adult can go into the KidsZone free on the day.

Clubs have always been at the heart of The VolksWorld Show and help create the event’s unique atmosphere. If your VW club would like to be a part of the 2022 event, and in with a chance of winning the coveted Best Club trophy (presented at 4pm on the Sunday), contact volksworld.show@kelsey.co.uk to register your interest.

Buy, buy! Sell, sell!

Generating quite a storm Harness all that lovely energy from the sun with a Jackery solar generator. It’s a portable power station that’s quiet, easy to use and perfect for use outdoors on your next camping trip by providing on-the-go, reliable and completely clean electricity.

There are several generators in the Jackery range but, to give you an idea of their capability, the 500 Explorer provides 518Wh of portable power and, when sold as a kit with the highly efficient, foldable SolarSaga 100W solar panel, retails at £749.99 on Amazon. It features an AC output, a car port, three USB ports, twin DC outputs and a DC input, so is supremely flexible.

In short, if you’re planning to go wild in 2022, a Jackery solar generator is an essential bit of kit as far as we’re concerned. Visit the Jackery UK Amazon store today at www.amazon.co.uk/Jackery for more information.

If you’re looking to buy, or sell, either an air-cooled VW car or Bus, or water-cooled VW Transporter, you’ll want to head straight for the new dedicated For Sale area. There is limited space available so, if you’re selling, you must pre-book using the public ticket link at www.volksworldshow.com

DON’T DELAY, ORDER YOUR TICKETS TODAY!

So what are you waiting for? For more information about the 2022 VolksWorld Show, head for www.volksworldshow.com

Sponsored by

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Type 1 engine overhaul video series

We closely followed the complete engine overhaul of three Type 1 engines for this video series. All steps of the overhaul are discussed in detail.

We will discuss various tools, professional tools and tools that an enthusiast can buy, or make themselves.

Subscribe at the link below.

SUBSCRIBE

VolksWorld Magazine March 2022 © www.Paruzzi.com

CLASSIC CAR PA P PARTS RTS

If you are planning to rebuild your air-cooled Volkswagen engine yourself, this new video series will be a helpful guide. Even if you plan to partially rebuild the engine yourself, or completely outsource the overhaul. Subscribe to the Paruzzi YouTube channel at www.Paruzzi.com/youtube/en to follow this series.

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’67 BAJA BUG

Star

qualıty 

Words Mark Walker Pics Reeve Photography Ltd

More than just a rolling advert for his business, Andy Finch’s wild Baja Bug was a birthday present to himself.

At least the paint job was…

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’67 BAJA BUG epending on which Baja feature in this issue you read first, you may already know a little bit of information about this car from the other one. If you’re reading this one first, the story is that Spike a.k.a. Andy Finch, along with Mike Downham, had a plan to import a couple of old school Baja Bugs from California for some good cheap fun.

But when they arrived, they just couldn’t leave them alone, and the two full tilt show cars you see on this month’s cover are the results.

Of the two, it was Spike’s Baja that really had ‘the look’ when he bought it. Originally a Zenith Blue ’67, it had been painted dark green at some point, before the sun burned a lot of the green off and the roof ended up covered in surface rust. With a few tough-looking Baja mods, it looked solid and purposeful, and Spike took a bit of a social media beating in some quarters for stripping off all that hard worn patina and painting it.

He’s not one to back down from a discussion, though, and quickly pointed out that he might have kept the patina if he lived in California, but he doesn’t, and a car like that wouldn’t

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“It was always going to be a full on, ’70’s-style build with Tangerine Kandy” W W W. V O L K S W O R L D. C O M

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’67 BAJA BUG last long in the UK. Besides, Spike is well known as a car painter, so seeing his name next to a patina car would seem like a bit of an oxymoron. More than that, though, he knew in his mind what it was going to look like as soon as he bought it: “It was always going to be a full on, ’70’s-style build with Tangerine Kandy,” he says emphatically.

Desert stormer

The car was posted for sale on the Vintage Baja Bug Pics Facebook group by a regular contributor by the name of Moessner ToddMarion, who’d built it with his friend over a four-year period. They’d both worked together at Edwards Air Force Base in California and, as it was less distance to drive across the desert to get to work than it was to drive on public roads, a Baja seemed the logical answer.

With the daily commute across treacherous terrain in mind, this was more than just a regular Beetle with a Baja kit bolted on – much more in fact. The rear suspension was converted to Thing / Type 181 IRS with Type 4 drive flanges and CV joints. Notched double spring

plates allowed two inches more droop travel than regular spring plates, while FOA shocks were fitted to the rear with matching travel and valving to suit.

The balljoint front beam had its shock towers extended to take longer travel Fox shocks and had limit stops welded onto the arms.

With AC disc brakes on all four corners, with reinforced caliper mounts, it was more akin to a racing machine than a street Baja.

Atlantic crossing

At $5,200 it was a bit of a steal, even with a 1641cc engine that was past its best, and Spike wasted no time in becoming the new owner.

It nearly didn’t happen, though, as the previous owner was aghast when Spike said he was going to ship it to England. Even in the USA, Baja Bugs have become a niche part of the VW scene that is completely separate, almost a bit subversive, to the street crowd.

Those that are into it do their best to protect their own.

The deal was done, though, and when the two cars arrived in the UK – right in the middle of the Covid crisis – the boys took stock of

“what I wanted was to paint my own car on my birthday”

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’67 BAJA BUG their purchases, promptly throwing the ‘let’s just make them drivers first and enjoy them’ mantra straight out of the window.

To the horror of the patina perverts on social media, Spike immediately stripped his car and delivered the ’shell to the media blaster for a deep clean.

Meanwhile, he got on with painting the floorpan, which was then despatched to the capable hands of James Wotton to be built up to show quality while Spike wholly focussed on what he does best – body and paint.

Burial ceremony

A decision was also made early on about the rattly old 1641 the car had come with. Despite having a sand seal installed, desert miles are pretty hard on a VW engine and this one had given all it had on the Edwards AFB commute over the years, so it was given a burial ceremony and Mark Prosser at Autotechniks was called in to build a

More crazy paint detail is evident on the fuel tank, and notice the bonnet pins that secure the abbreviated bonnet, due to the absence of the factory lock mechanism with a Baja kit Seems the Bugeye style is the one everyone is hot for in the Baja resurgence.

Tip: classic Mini headlights are a much better fit than Beetle ones

When building a Baja, you have to throw away all preconceptions about VW tyres. 235/75-15s on the front? Yes sir

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’67 BAJA BUG

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’67 BAJA BUG solid 1776cc street engine for the car. Nothing too lairy, but one capable of turning the big tyres that came on the car.

The original plan was to run the single Zenith 32NDIX carb that had been set up for the 1641 engine. This is a Porsche 356 carb that is still a staple of the VW off-road community to this day, due to allegedly being capable of 10,000 miles once set up correctly, without any of the usual faffing that some carbs seem to need.

Try as he might though, James Wotton couldn’t get it to run right with the 1776, so a single Weber 40IDF was called in instead.

Like Mike’s car, the wheels are also a mixture of real Jackmans (this time on the rear) and Jackman-style replicas on the front, but they were deemed good to go again, just as soon as they were blasted and given a few coats of gold paint.

will also have a J logo stamped into the front face of one of the spokes. Buff buff.

With the ’pan in capable hands, it was ‘just’ a case of painting the body. Whether you have any experience of painting cars or not, I’m sure you’ll be aware of the difference in the amount of time it takes to paint a car in a combination of metallics, ’flakes and candy finishes, compared to a single solid colour. It’s not just the time that escalates, but the material costs too, so when Andy says he has hundreds of hours in the paintwork (120 in the masking stages alone!) on this car, you can start to guesstimate what a paint job like this might potentially cost you.

The day of the Jackman

Obviously, it’s a good advert for his business, but there was a more personal reason behind why he went the route he did with it. We’ll let Andy explain: “I painted my first car on my 18th birthday and, when my 50th was coming around, lots of people were asking me if I wanted a party etc. But what I wanted was to paint my own car on my birthday.”

How do you tell the difference between real and fake Jackmans?

If you look at the pictures, you’ll notice the rear wheels have a squared-off section between the spokes, whereas the replicas have more of a radius. That’s the first major clue. A real Jackman

Birthday boy

Dash was given the custom paint treatment as well.

Those switches are for headlights and wipers

We’re willing to bet this outrageous Mexican blanket trim job is one Steve Thirkettle at 13 Stitches isn’t rushing to do again. The car needed something radical and boy, did it get it!

With more colours and a tighter pattern, the headlining is even more outrageous than the seats. We think it was a wise move to keep the colour in panels bordered by black W W W. V O L K S W O R L D. C O M

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’67 BAJA BUG So how much might a paint job like this cost? “If a customer were to ask me to do the same job, it’d work out around £30,000.

“The chance of someone ever spending that much painting a Baja is slim, so that was another reason why I wanted to do it to my own car,” he adds.

Seeing a car like this in pictures is one thing, but seeing it out on the street is another thing entirely.

Film star looks The original Baja kit was retained, but you can bet a whole lot of hours went into finessing it and the way it fits the body. Note how much the inner wings have been cut away, too

“I drove it into central London for a giggle one Sunday and parked it on Brick Lane. That experience was the closest I’ll ever come to being a film star, but it also made me realise there’s a whole generation of kids who have never seen a

You won’t see too many VWs built with single twin choke carbs these days, but the off-road guys still do it and, as that’s how this car came from the States, the format was retained, albeit with a new 1776cc engine and a 40IDF Weber in place of the Zenith 32NDIX

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’67 BAJA BUG Baja, and don’t even know it’s a Beetle.”

The plan was to keep the car and display it together with Mike’s car at The VolksWorld Show in March, but when Spike let Paul and Mark at Type 2 Detectives put it on display on their stand at one of the Goodwood Members’ Meetings, its fortunes changed rather suddenly.

“When someone offers you £75 grand… I’d have been a fool to turn that down, wouldn’t I? “I’d love to build another one, but the thought of the hundreds of hours in body and paint alone puts me off doing it,” Spike adds. “Still, at least I can say I did it, and I did it on my 50th birthday. Well, some of it anyway, the day didn’t go on that long!” n

The build

Spike’s Baja, as it arrived from California. The patina pervs cried when it, along with Mike Downham’s car, was stripped and blasted

Not a junk pile, just all the parts that went off for blasting, including some pretty trick, beefed up, off-road components

James Wotton at Vee Dub in Welling is Spike’s go-to man for mechanical work. It’s the same parts, just looking 100 times better

We don’t have the space to go into all the details of the paint job here, but it started with a tinted primer, then a silver base coat to really make the colours over the top pop. After that the blue and green details went on, followed by two different oranges and the graphics, with the whole lot buried under multiple coats of lacquer W W W. V O L K S W O R L D. C O M

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07/01/2022 10:53

Untitled-2 36

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’66 BAJA BUG

If you grew up in the era of the Tamiya Sand Scorcher, and witnessed the first UK Baja Bug craze, then it stays in your blood. Some more than others though Words Mark Walker Pics Paul Knight

his isn’t Mike Downham’s first rodeo. Or first Baja for that matter. He built a full-sized Sand Scorcher clone in 2009 that made it into the pages of Ultra VW in March 2010, but even then knew he had another Baja build in him, one that would really show his love for the late ’80’s UK VW scene.

And this, my friends, is it.

Mike hails from Billericay in Essex, so was perfectly placed to ride the ‘Essex Look’ VW wave through the 1980s and ’90s.

“My dad got me a Beetle at age 15, and I’ve never been without an aircooled car since,” he tells us.

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Having heard reports from a few friends about the first three Bug Jams, he made it his business to get to the ’Pod for the infamous 1990 show.

Despite his old Sand Scorcher gracing the cover of Ultra VW, he tells us was never happy with the paint on it: “I’d bought an original Sand Scorcher to faithfully copy the body, but the paint really let it down, and I couldn’t get beyond it.”

Back in black

While some would have lived with the imperfection in the paint, or maybe sold the car, Mike stripped it back down, sold the Baja parts and rebuilt the car as a matt black salt flats racer.

But then, in early 2020, during the first Covid lockdown, I began posting

a load of vintage Baja Bug pictures I’d been collecting on my ’phone in a new Facebook group called Vintage Baja Bug Pics. To be honest, I was stuck at home, with time on my hands, and just wanted to put the pictures somewhere. I had an original Sand Scorcher too, and have never lost my enthusiasm for the early Bugeye-styled cars.

I didn’t expect many other people to be interested in my photo collection, but loads of people quickly started to join. Tim Glover became so enthused about it that I asked if he’d mind being an admin too, as I hadn’t expected to be signing up tens of new members on a daily basis.

Mike Downham and Andy ‘Spike’ Finch were early members and,

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’66 BAJA BUG

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’66 BAJA BUG

Steering wheel is a lesser seen Superior “The 500” four spoke, with an EMPI logo on the horn push Porsche 914 seats have been re-covered in black dimaond stitch vinyl by Jo Clifford at Redhead Auto Upholsterers The almost obligatory Gene Berg shifter, though this one looks like its seen some hard shifting action

“It wasn’t rotten but they made Bajas with a pickaxe back in the ’80s”

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’66 BAJA BUG Mike previously owned this full size Sand Scorcher replica, which was featured in Ultra VW way back in March 2010 Inside the glovebox is an inscription in memory of Mike’s mum, and Jess’ gran, Betty

before I knew it, both of them, along with a few others, had bought cars with the intention of building their own retro Bajas.

“Me and Andy were at mine one night talking about buying a couple of survivor Bajas from the States and just throwing them on the road. Within 24 hours, Andy had found one for himself, and then another one a day later, which I ended up buying,” remembers Mike.

While Andy’s one ran (just), Mike’s was a non-runner and was fitted with a wide eye kit, but it looked to be a solid car so he went for it and both cars were shipped over from the USA together.

Rough ’n’ ready

When they arrived, the plan of just ‘throwing them on the road’ went out of the window in short order, as Mike explains: “It wasn’t rotten, but they made Bajas with a pickaxe back in the ’80s!”

Suffice to say, the body needed a fair amount of remedial work, which it got from the fair hand of John Brewster at JB’s Elite Fabrications, conveniently located in the adjacent workshop to Spike’s Vintage Restorations (SVR).

While John worked on the ’shell,

Mike took the floorpan home to rebuild in his shed.

Hole lotta love

As well as fixing the butchered metal, John smoothed the dash, deleted the heater outlets and welded up over 70 extra holes drilled for the old Baja kit, amongst other things. A great deal of work also went into cleaning up the edges of the body where the new glass fibre Baja kit would bolt up.

Once the metalwork was squared away, the body went next door to Spike’s so the glass fibre part of the build and the paint could begin.

Mike ordered his new Baja kit from Rob Kilham at East Coast Buggies here in the UK (www. eastcoastbuggies.co.uk). Rob himself is the first to admit the kits were a bit rough and ready before he re-did them late last year, but this worked okay for Mike as he’d planned to do plenty of modifications anyway. In the end, he re-used the rear wings that came with the car and had a oneoff bonnet made to his spec.

The wide eye kit that was on the car had a similarly scalloped bonnet but, due to the different headlight placings, it was never going to work with a Bugeye nose.

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’66 BAJA BUG The answer was to get Spike and the SVR crew to incorporate the old scallops into the new Bugeye bonnet, though as that also involved modifying the nose cone too, it all turned into a ton of additional work to make the parts fit right and work as they should.

Another neat trick was to use Mini seven-inch sealed beam headlamp units rather than the original Beetle units, which just don’t fit the glass fibre panels very well. It was also Mike’s decision to carry the graphics over to the bonnet, which further added to the workload.

“I paid Spike for the work he did on the car, but I told him I never want to know just how much of the bill was for work on the bonnet alone,” he adds with a grimace.

Cool Flo colours

The inspiration for the graphic layout came from an article posted on the Baja Facebook group from the April 1984 issue of Dune Buggies and Hot VWs magazine, while the colour scheme came from a Cool Flo trucker cap. The base blue was custom mixed to match an artist’s brush handle that was in Spike’s paint mixing room, and SVR did the honours with laying the whole lot down on the ’shell.

Ironically, just six weeks after the car was painted, Spike saw the roller boots in almost perfectly matching colours, and wasted no time telling Mike about them. As they wouldn’t fit him, he bought a pair for his daughter, Jess, who loves the car and has been part of the build all the way through.

VW heritage

All of the mechanical part of the rebuild was done by Mike at home, and in the process the floorpan was swapped for the original one from his very first Beetle. That meant he could use the registration number from that car too, which is a nice nod to his VW heritage.

The floorpan was built up with new ’pan halves and the gearbox and beam that came with the imported Baja. As it came with no engine, Mike bought an 1835cc short block and sent it, along with a single Weber 40IDF carb, to James Wotton at Vee Dub on Welling to be built up and tuned.

The wheels are also the ones that were on the car when it arrived, they’re original 6 x 15 Jackmans on the front and wider 15-inch Jackman copies on the rear. Naturally, they’ve been blasted and repainted in a fresh coat of gloss white.

“six weeks after the car was painted, Spike saw the roller boots in almost perfectly matching colours”

1835cc motor was bought as a short block and built up with a single Weber 40IDF carb and an EMPI Bobcat exhaust.

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’66 BAJA BUG Mike was never happy with the paint on his previous, and very faithful, Sand Scorcher replica, so went all out on this one. Check out how the one-off scalloped Bugeye bonnet uses both stock springs and bonnet pins

A nice touch is the use of the number plate from Mike’s first Beetle, given to him by his dad when he was 15. He’s never been without an aircooled VW since

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’66 BAJA BUG The search was then on for a set of suitable tyres for the car, the ones on it being deemed way too old to go again. I’m sure most can identify with being particular about the look of the tyres on a project, but this was a whole new ballgame for Mike due to the sizes required to pull off the look he was after. Making it more complicated, he was insistant on the same tread pattern front and rear, which limited his choice further still, but he eventually settled on a brand we’ve not come across before called Retro Tyres and bought three of each in 165/80 and 235/70 sizes.

Why three? So he has a spare of both in case they are discontinued in the future. Wise move.

For the inside, he nicked the Porsche 914 front seats out of another one of his cars and had Jo at Redhead Upholstery in Stamford upholster them in grey diamond stitch and black vinyl. She added the Spike’s embroidery to the headrests in a vintage Bernard Newbury style for that ’80’s show car look.

The headliner and black carpets were done by Steve at 13 Stitches, who Spike uses for all his stitch work.

There’s a Gene Berg shifter in there and the steering wheel that came with the car. That’s a rubber-rimmed, 13-inch Superior 500 X-spoke, a wheel that was introduced in 1972 as an alternative to the traditional three-spoke models, and is comparatively uncommon today.

Front wheels are genuine Jackmans, while the rears are copies. Retro Tyres (that’s the brand name) weigh in at 165 and 235/70 sizes Interior is a a lot nicer than when the car came into the country, too.

What you can see here is the work of Steve at 13 Stitches.

And there’s that Cool Flo cap that inspired the stripe colours

Circuit breaker

There’s also a colour-coded speedometer and CB radio, but no stereo because, according to Mike, “Bajas don’t need a stereo.”

The glovebox lid mural and tribute inside the lid is a nice touch, again done at Spike’s.

After carefully placing, rather than throwing, the car back on the road, the rear main seal lasted just 20 miles, leading to Mike kicking himself for not replacing it while he was building up the engine.

One new seal and a new clutch later, he was back on the road, right up until the gearbox developed a leak. Those initial teething troubles sorted, he’s now enjoying the car to the full, including taking part in the New Year’s Day Charity Cruise along the Essex Riviera.

Despite its rugged looks, Mike says he won’t be taking his new toy off road any time soon, but won’t avoid taking it out in the rain. We’ve got a little plan up our sleeves for its display at the 2022 VolksWorld Show, though, so you’ll just have to make sure you come along to Sandown Park in March to see it. ■

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’66 BAJA BUG

The build

The car looked quite different when it arrived, with its wide eye Baja kit and tombstone tail lights. Which style kit do you prefer?

It wasn’t long at all before it looked like this. The only bits of the old Baja kit re-used were the rear wings and part of the bonnet

Mike built up the floorpan in his home garage and also pitched in to help the crew at Spikes Vintage Restorations when he could

The paint on this one was a less complex process than on Spike’s own Baja, but given no less attention to detail. The blue was custom mixed to match a paintbrush handle, while the red, orange and yellow graphics were inspired by a combination of a car seen in a 1984 issue of Hot VWs magazine and a Cool Flo trucker’s cap!

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07/01/2022 10:44

OLD GOLD

By Mike Pye

Pioneering spirit Proof positive not all vintage Bajas looked as good as a Sand Scorcher n the spirit of the current Baja Bug revival, we’re throwing it back to Britain in the 1970s, via James Hales’ buggy archives from Ultra VW in 2008, and taking a look at the first Baja kits produced in the UK. They ain’t pretty, but they’re an integral part of our VW history, so buckle up and let’s go a-Houndoggin’ an’ a-Humbuggin’.

These two outwardly similar kits both appeared around the same time, though Design Field’s Humbug came out first. Heralding from Acton, London, it was unusual in that it was just a two-piece kit. The whole front end, including bonnet, wings and quarter panels was one piece, while a combined rear wings / engine cover section brought up the rear. The lights look like they had been forgotten entirely and then just thrown at it afterwards. It was cheap though. £51 for the front end, £46 for the rear when new.

Well aware of the weather in its target marketplace, where a beach buggy is about as practical as a chocolate teapot, it was described as “A Buggy with a roof on top.”

I

Indecent exposure

They probably sold a few, but what really brought it to the public’s attention was the cover of the October 1970 issue of Custom Car, which had the company’s bright yellow, Oval Window-based demonstrator with a blonde model dressed up as a Nazi. Oh boy, did the shit hit the fan over that one, even making it into the national press at the time. Not quite as much as when The Sun newspaper threatened to take the magazine to court for passing off, but that’s another story entirely.

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The Humbug kit came out first, but the Houndog kit was pushed harder, will full-page ads taken out in the car magazines of the day

Distasteful as it was, it certainly got the kit some attention, though that didn’t necessarily translate into sales.

The same car appeared on the cover again in April 1971, photographed with a Houndog and a bunch of more regular buggies, under the headline Buggy Scene 71. “Spring ’71 and the buggy boom moves into year two,” the magazine said inside, following that up with an eight-page round up of the current kits available in the UK. My old mentor at Link House, Colin Gamm, was one of the early editors of Custom Car and built a Humbug as a CC project cars. Colin’s version used an updated, Bugeye-esque front end that actually looked like they’d considered the headlights this time, even if it did make the car look cross eyed. Being a man of taste, the car was built on a right-hand drive ’55 Oval platform, powered by a Cartune-equipped 1400cc motor and painted Royal Blue with a Murano pearl flip. With banded steels by Weller and a set of super cool Firestone Super Sport GP rubbers it was quite the car about town, if you overlook the rear lights.

Who let the ’dog out?

Meanwhile, in Streatham, south London, another Baja kit was taking shape. Called Houndog, it originated from Eagle Autos and followed a similar path, offering

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Adding to the confusion between the two kits, Graham Flowers’ showwinning Humbug was built using a Houndog kit

An overcast Climping Sands in West Sussex played host to CC’s Buggy Scene ’71 feature.

Not exactly the Baja Peninsula, is it?

In July 1972, CC debuted its finished Baja Bug project, the blue pearl one shown over to the right

The cover that launched a thousand complaints. And that was in 1970, when woke meant you’d opened your eyes in the morning

a complete, one-piece, replacement front end, but one that again seemed to have given no consideration to the headlights, which were generally small motorcycle units glued on underneath.

A rather exotically shaped rear end that started down at the running boards and swooped up and over the tail complemented the more angular front end, and at least offered the opportunity to utilise VW rear light units. The rear wings and abbreviated engine cover were separate parts but, when moulded in, looked like a single section.

Cheaper still at just £65 for the whole kit, it again offered all-weather buggying for a family of four.

OLD GOLD

“They ain’t pretty, but they’re an integral part of our VW history” If you thought that was cheap, you should have got Eagle Autos to fit the kit for you as the company offered that service for just £120, including a respray! They must surely have lost money on every one of those jobs they did.

HOT to trot

This time HOT CAR magazine got in on the act, putting Graham Flowers’ version, based on a ’54 sunroof Oval, on the cover in April 1974. Even the perennially staid Safer Motoring, the same month, granted the car prime position.

With its chromed-out Type 3 motor, thin band whitewalls on polished Wolfies and full custom paint, it was a popular show car of its time. Confusingly, though, it was named Humbug, when it was built around a Houndog kit.

Despite all this publicity, neither kit was a commercial success, forever overshadowed by the more regular open top buggies, of which there were numerous different models to choose from.

Baja Bugs continued to be built in quite some numbers in the UK throughout the 1980s and ’90s, but almost exclusively from more US-styled kits, either imported or copied and manufactured here.

Even with the current resurgence of interest in vintage Bajas, it would take a brave person to step back in time and build a Houndog or Humbugstyled one today. Any takers? ■

Colin Gamm’s CC project car, and the yellow one above it, are both Humbugs, but Colin’s is the only one we’ve ever seen with Bugeye lights An unusually racy cover for Safer Motoring in April ’74

W W W. V O L K S W O R L D. C O M

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21/01/2022 14:25

’74 1300 TURBO

Cheap Words Gordie Woollacott Pics Paul Knight

Throwing it back to his youth, and achieving a longheld goal in the process, Ben Lawrence has put the fun back into his VW hobby

thrills

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’74 1300 TURBO

hey say a change is as good as a rest.

For 30 years, Ben Lawrence lived, breathed and raced Volkswagens.

From his first ever VW, a 1972 Bay Window, to his famous twin slider ’67 Samba DJ Bus, and finally a ’56 racer that planted a 12.49s quarter mile at 111mph with a self-built, 200bhp stroker on a standard gearbox.

It was the latter one that eventually broke him, though, both morally and financially, as Ben explains: “I moved from Essex to Northern Ireland and met Dave Wheatley, now of OFF fame. I got involved with him organising an air-cooled drag racing event called Drag Day. We ran it for around five years and I carried on racing the ’56, but it was taking its toll.

“In the end, I sickened myself with racing old Volkswagens alongside organising the event. Add in the financial pressure and, truth be told, I was done with it.

T

I sold the car and, for the first time in nearly 30 years, had nothing air cooled in the garage or on the driveway.”

Old romantic

If we were to try and explain that, we’d say that for Ben, the romance of classic Volkswagen ownership is rooted in what he describes as “cheap fun.” And with the way prices have escalated in recent times, that’s a lot harder to come by these days.

But, with this 1300cc turbocharged ’74, Ben has found a way, and got his VW mojo back in the process.

“I restored a 1964 Java Green Bug in a Resto Cal style and debuted it at The VolksWorld Show 25 years ago,” he reflects. “It was then I said I’d never build another one.

“Although it was a humbling experience having a car I’d built on my apprentice wage at the best show in the UK, it was also a real eye opener. I was well out of my league and, to be honest, that’s where the whole show car thing left me.

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When a lot of us, Ben included, got into VWs, you could pick up a base car for a few hundred quid. It didn’t matter what year it was, just burn in a few repro repair panels, lower it, get a cheap paint job and head for Bug Jam. Cars like this got many of the big names in the UK VW scene now started, back when having fun with mates was the number one priority Sunpro Boost gauge below the dash is the only bit of additional instrumentation. Not that you can read much of what’s going on with that rocket sticker over the top, but we suspect that’s a deliberate move

How refreshing to not write Gene Berg alongside a picture of a gear shifter!

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No fancy Auto Meter (other makes are available) gauges, no snazzy aftermarket steering wheel, just plain old late model stuff that does the job Fairies, rockets, planets, ’shrooms and spacemen. You can make up your own mind what that lot says about Ben, all we’ve got to say about it is sans plomb!

“The beauty of Volkswagens is you can express yourself however you choose”

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Those comfortable looking tombstonestyle seats are out of a first generation Mazda MX-5, just the way we all used to do it “back in the day”

“I no longer had any interest in striving to achieve the level of quality and detail that was that high water mark.

For me, my VW hobby has always been about cheap fun.”

Dagenham dustbin

After selling the ’56, Ben bought himself a Ford. Cue: you can take the boy out of Essex etc. It lasted about a year before his 10-year-old daughter, Lacey, asked, “When are we getting another Beetle?”

“I’d had my break by then,” says Ben. “A full year off and a complete VW detox meant I was ready to get hooked again. So, with a fresh mind and a new enthusiasm, I started looking for a project.”

His wish list was basic: “It had to be a big window car, with disk brakes if possible. No major restoration work required and be rolling and complete. Oh, and cheap!”

It took some searching, but eventually ‘the one’ surfaced.

“It was advertised by Jay Turnock, over the water [that’s England by the way], and just about as far down as you could possibly go,” laughs Ben. “It had been welded and fixed up by the previous owner who then had to sell it. Jay had bought it, cleaned it up and Raptor’d the chassis, but that was about it.

“We struck a deal for £1,250 and I searched around for someone to pick it up for me.”

Trailer trash

When that didn’t work out, Ben borrowed a trailer and made the 500-mile trek to collect it himself, covering the car with a tarp’ for the journey. About an hour into the return journey, he hit a big dip coming out of a service station on the M25…

“It bounced the trailer hard, but I didn’t think much of it, until about 10 minutes later when I’m seeing sparks everywhere in the Bell Common Tunnel. After stopping on the hard shoulder at the other side, I noticed a strap had come loose and was dragging on the ground. Figuring that was the cause, I hooked it back up and carried on.

“350 miles later, I stopped for a break. After going round W W W. V O L K S W O R L D. C O M

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Repro Gas Burners came Ben’s way via the time-honoured barter system, and then were given a coat of rattle can stealth primer and checking all the straps again, I suddenly realised the bonnet was missing! Yep, it’s 350 miles back the other way, flat as a pancake in a tunnel in Essex.”

The bonnet-less Bug arrived back at Ben’s place in Ireland with no further drama, but to cries of ‘What the hell is that?!’ from his family.

“All I could see was potential,” beams Ben. After taking stock of what he’d bought – basically a rolling ’shell with the rest in boxes (minus a bonnet) – Ben made a list of parts he’d need, which included a couple of doors and, of course, a bonnet.

Great expectations

“I spent the next few weeks tidying up some of the panel work, paying attention to gaps and getting it ready to go to my painters, Matt and Mark Donnelly,” explains Ben. The brief was simple: “Don’t go mad, just tidy up what you can and paint it,” recalls Ben. “It’s not a show car, and still isn’t, but the finish they produced with what I gave them was way beyond what I expected.”

With the car at the paint shop, Ben got stuck into his favourite part – building the engine.

“The mandate was that it absolutely could not be a

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Ironically, the most expensive part of the engine – if you were to buy them new at any rate – is the tail pipes, which are 48IDA ram pipes

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’74 1300 TURBO

“my VW hobby has always been about cheap fun”

stock engine,” he confirms. “Whether it be twin carbs, or anything else, the little 1300 would not remain standard.”

The temptation was there to stick some carbs on and be done with it, but why take the quick and easy route when you make things difficult?

Blown budget

“I’ve always wanted to build a turbo set up, and happened to have a Solex 32 DIS carb from a Renault 5 GT and an old Vauxhall turbo in the shed.”

From those core components, Ben fashioned a system on a shoestring budget that would ultimately produce a satisfying 72bhp and 88ft.lbs of torque (or 119Nm if you prefer) at just 7psi.

“I wouldn’t say it’s pretty,” he admits candidly, “but it works brilliantly. I’ve got over 100 hours in building the turbo system, with lots of trial and error, but eventually I got to something that resembled a useable set up.”

Another must-have for Ben was a stock decklid. “I think stand offs ruin the brilliant lines of a Beetle,” he points out.

“It’s not a race car. If you’re going to do it, at least package it to the best of your ability. That was my thinking anyway.”

After about three weeks of prep work, Ben got the call to say the car was ready for paint and he could no longer procrastinate over the colour.

Risky business

“This was the risky bit,” he grins. “I’ve always wanted to do a peppermint green car ever since I was 17, driving my first Camper with a Perrier can on the coil.”

The colour Ben landed on is a mint green lorry paint chosen from a Selemix swatch. A bargain at just £150 for enough to paint the whole car.

In the words of the infamous Doyle Dane Bernbach ad, ‘It’s ugly, but it gets you there.’ That’s not being disrespectful, Ben’s the first to admit it.

The whole point was to do a mild turbo conversion on a stock engine and a budget that wouldn’t stretch to a pair of dual carbs. Mission accomplished

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’74 1300 TURBO

“Everyone was uneasy about the colour choice, except me”

“Everyone was still uneasy about the colour choice, except me,” he says. “It isn’t true Ford Peppermint Green, but my take on it.”

Keeping to the low budget ethos, the top coats are straight from the gun, no time-consuming, and therefore expensive, flatting and polishing here.

Something that was important to Ben throughout this whole project, aside from budget, was that the car not be pigeon holed. “I didn’t want to simply build a B289 car,” he says. “It’s more something that takes a hint – in my eyes anyway – from various styles without having to be pinned down to a specific genre and bullshit rules.

Express yourself

“The beauty of Volkswagens is you can express yourself however you choose. I’ve just built it how I wanted to, within the constraints of what was a paltry four grand budget.

“That’s not to take anything away from the big money builds if you’re able to do it, but this has been the most fun I’ve had building a VW in 30 years, and I absolutely love driving it.”

Reuniting the body with the chassis was achieved with the help of friends, Tommy White and Stephen Hall. The turbo motor fit snugly under the decklid as planned and things were going great, until it came to bolting the front wings on and the repro Gas Burners Ben had been given in exchange for tuning a Golf didn’t quite fit under the ’arches.

“I’m not a big fan of narrowed beams,” he says, “but I had to take an inch and a quarter off each side of this one for clearance. It wasn’t about giving it some crazy hover car look, it was just about making it driveable.”

Cor, doesn’t he sound old? n 44

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Having spent ages on the panel gaps before paint, when the body was tightened down on the ’pan they all had to be done again. “They aren’t perfect.

They never will be but they’re good enough for this project, and that’s fine by me.”

Inside, the roof and luggage area both had sound deadening material applied before being covered in stretch carpet. The Mk1 Mazda MX-5 seats are fitted on custom frames Ben made that utilise the original VW three-point runners, so they adjust as they should and there’s nothing additional welded or bolted to the ’pan.

“There was no way the car was going to have any chrome,” Ben declares. “It had to be stealthy looking and not blingy.”

So the wheels and trim were painted with highbuild, rattle-can ‘satin grey’ primer. Job done.

When we asked Ben if he knew of any snappers in Northern Ireland he replied, ‘I’ll come to you’. To put things in perspective, that’s a 10-hour trip (500 miles) each way. Ben has since completed a 900-mile fundraiser mission (raising in excess of £6500) – oh, and his next 1000-mile roadtrip is planned for the weekend of 19-20 March ’22. That’s right, you can check out Ben’s boosted Bug at the Volksworld Show!

Plastered

From start to finish, the throwback on a budget project took around a year to complete, and it’s done thousands of faultless miles since: “From going to VW Action at Santa Pod and taking a Saturday Top Ten trophy, to using it as a builder’s truck carting plastering materials to my brother’s place in Essex, it’s never let me down.”

The crowning glory came when Ben and the car embarked on a fundraiser for one of his oldest VW friends, Tanya Atkins, who is fighting cancer.

“The challenge was to take the Bug from Malin Head to Mizen Head, the most northerly to the most southerly point in Ireland,” he explains. “She didn’t miss a beat, and we covered 900 miles in three days, raising over £6,500 in the process.”

It might have been built on a budget, but the energy and spirit is priceless. n

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Ben explained,‘I built this car for our daughter, Lacey – right now it’s all about having fun on the school run, enjoying the odd coastal blast and running out for ice cream – but, when she’s 17, Lacey gets the keys’

Look past the B289-esque colour and don’t get hung up on ‘rules’, that’s Ben’s take on this car.

The chrome is now finished in satin grey with the same high build primer used on the wheels. Not to conform, just because he didn’t want any bling on the car No one puts Ben in a pigeon hole…

“I’ve always wanted to do a peppermint green car ever since I was 17” Budget blow job Let’s take a closer look at that 1300 turbo motor Ben built for just £200.

Fortunately, the stock motor that came with the car compression tested well with 150psi in all four chambers. The Solex 32DIS carb, which once fed fuel to a Renault 5 GT turbo, he had in his shed, the turbo is an IHI RHB3 from a Vauxhall Nova 1.5td and the high-pressure fuel pump cost £25 on eBay. He re-curved the Bosch 009 distributor, making the secondary advance adjustable, and cobbled an exhaust together from a scrap 4-into-1 header, a discarded exhaust and a pair of 48IDA trumpets he had in stock.

The only modification made to the stock engine is some re-working of the air outlets on the fan shroud to accommodate the additional pipework.

As planned, it all fits under the decklid and, although Ben admits it’s a little bit laggy at low revs, he says once the turbo kicks in, the delivery of the extra 30bhp is smooth and linear on the power curve.

At some point he might fit an Engle TCS10 cam, and maybe a VNT (variable nozzle geometry) turbocharger for faster spool up but it’s a daily driver engine, not a race motor, and that’s definitely how it will stay.

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’61 SPLIT SINGLE CAB

a c i r f A m o Fr ove l h t wi

Paul Kn Walker Pics Words Mark

ight

have just d n a , e s u o an auction h frica, you could f o r e n w o e th A e th When you’r e classic cars from Sou he till, so to speak… t m imported so r dipping your hand in fo be forgiven

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cs Paul Kn ark Walker Pi

’61 SPLIT SINGLE CAB avid Boulton launched BPI Auctions (www.bpiauctions.com) a few years ago now and it has grown to be one of the UK’s favourite auction platforms for businesses, holding over 1,200 events annually at its premises in Wakefield, west Yorkshire.

Having found a useful contact in South Africa, David then started importing a few classic cars as a bit of a sideline.

In the process of which he found this ’61 Single Cab in decent shape, and decided it would make the perfect tool to promote his business.

Let’s face it, Single Cabs are pretty much the coolest incarnation of the VW Transporter. You get all the benefits of a Split Screen Bus, and the ability to move a ton of oversize stuff around that might not otherwise fit in a Panel Van. Sure, ‘real estate’ on the sides is more limited, but they still make a great rolling billboard, and have been logo’d up by businesses with imaginative liveries from day one.

D

ight

Having decided on a plan, David wasted no time in having the solid body knocked into even straighter shape, after which it was painted with several coats of L31 Dove Blue, a well-loved colour that endured from 1950-1967, the entire length of Split Screen production.

Burwell bound

With a freshly painted rolling ’shell, David then went in search of a company with the experience required to handle the rest of the build, which led him to Type 2 Detectives in Burwell, Cambridgeshire (www.type2detectives.com).

Proprietors, Paul Medhurst and Mark Fulton, were happy to take on the project. After all, what’s not to love about stepping in after all the messy and dirty work has been done, and doing the glory work?

I know some people thrive on metalwork, others love the painting process, but there’s a lot to be said for the more tranquil, and infinitely cleaner environment of the re-assembly process.

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Engine is now a mild 1914cc with dual 40IDF Webers.

Coupled with a Beetle gearbox it’s a far happier way to fly

And there’s also the satisfaction of knowing every part you put on is one step closer to the end of the project.

Guiding lights

As David, by his own admission, isn’t really part of the VW scene, he asked for, and willingly heeded, a bit of guidance from Mark and Paul about how to progress. He knew he wanted the Bus to sit a bit lower than stock, and was keen on some different wheels, but he wasn’t after a slammed and narrowed ‘scene’ truck.

With this in mind, the guys at T2D detailed and refitted the stock width beam, and then added a set of ‘flipped’ dropped spindles to bring the front end down by 3½ inches. Onto that went a set of early Porsche 944 disc brakes on T2D brackets. Not only did this improve stopping power immensely, it handily meant the chromed and detailed 4.5 x 15-inch Fuchs replicas could be bolted up without adapters. A pair of T2D’s specially made Bilstein shocks help soak up the bumps a bit better, while a conversion to steering rack makes the old Split a vastly different animal to drive.

Moving to the rear, the reduction box transmission was removed in favour of a straight axle conversion, complete with Bilstein shocks and adjustable spring plates. Being a Beetle-derived unit, there are Porsche pattern rear drums available straight off the shelf, so a pair of these were bolted up to enable the fitment of matching wheels to the significantly lower rear end.

Bite the bullet

We’ve become so used to seeing US-import Buses over here that it’s easy to forget that not all ’55-onwards Splits had bullet front indicators. In fact, all those destined for Europe and the rest of the world outside America retained their funky semaphore indicators until 1960 and so, being of South African origin, that’s what this truck left the Hanover factory equipped with. Converted to 12V units, they’re now literally better than when they were new.

As it was built for the South African market, this pick-up left the factory equipped with option M004 – a pair of large air intakes positioned on the back of the cab to draw cleaner air into the engine bay from the bed of the truck.

There are a few different designs when it comes to dusty conditions trucks. Some have large intakes positioned just inside the side pick-up gates, while the Australian market had the ‘High-roof’ models, which pull air in from the vents under the peak at the front of the roof.

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“As it was built for the South African market, this pick-up left the factory equipped with option M004” We’re loving these factory fitted additional air scoops, designed to channel cleaner air into the engine bay in dusty

environments. The bars are to stop small children and animals being sucked in. They’re known in the trade as option M004

Another day, another set of replica Fuchs. Here given a factorystyle detail and wrapped in sensible-for-a-commercial 185/65 rubber

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“a classic look that’s a good bit comfier than the old commercialspec garb”

Interior treatment is suitably sensible too, using putty-coloured vinyl and pleats to lift the commercial style trim

Additions include a wood rim wheel, Berg shifter, digital speedo and a RetroSound head unit with door panel speakers

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’61 SPLIT SINGLE CAB One curious thing we noticed on David’s pick-up is that it has the rear cab vents and the regular pick-up rear corner vents. It’s unclear whether it left the factory like this (which would certainly be unusual), or whether the cab vents were a later addition. Another option is that the corners have been replaced at some point.

Whatever the story, this combination is a bonus now as it funnels additional air into the 1914cc engine that Type 2 Detectives fitted to help propel the truck back up to Yorkshire at a more spritely pace.

Straight talking

The beauty of the upgrades to a straight axle transmission and a bigger capacity, dual carb engine is twofold: acceleration is notably improved (let’s face it, it could hardly be any worse!), but the Bus will easily now turn the speedo needle off the clock, too. The deletion of the reduction boxes means David can go around 20-25% faster for the equivalent revs, which means motorway cruising at 70mph is now comfortable, rather than a distant dream, accompanied by a screaming nightmare from the straight-cut reduction box gears.

That said, you have to be pretty clued up on the gearing options when it comes to doing a conversion like this. For years, everyone thought you had to have a GT Beetle ’box, with its coveted 3.88 gear set. Indeed, at one time there were probably more people driving about with supposed ‘GT Beetle’ gearboxes than they ever made GT Beetles! A 1500 ‘box, with its 4.12 ring and pinion was the next best thing, but these come a cropper when you approach the first steep hill, as a stock 1600cc motor won’t deliver the goods required.

So, here’s my hot tip: a general rule of thumb is that any Bus with a stock 69mm crankshaft engine will perform better in day-to-day driving with a 1200 or 1300 (4.375 ring and pinion) gearbox. Of course, Type 2 Detectives have been doing this long enough to know how to select the right engine and transmission combination, and that knowledge pays off in the driving experience.

With all the mechanical side of things buttoned up in the T2D workshop, the truck moved into the clean area to have the polished front and rear safari windows fitted, as well as the new interior.

T2D have been using their own trusted trimmers for years, and

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’61 SPLIT SINGLE CAB they covered the seats and door panels in putty-coloured vinyl, which works very well against the exterior blue for a classic look that’s a good bit comfier than the original commercial-spec garb.

For pleasure

As far as additional creature comforts go, there’s a digital speedo that’s hopefully more accurate than the old cable-drive version, 17-inch wood rim steering wheel with blacked-out spokes, Gene Berg shifter and a RetroSound DAB radio, which all help make driving a bit more pleasurable.

The crowning glory, however, is the hand-painted BPI Auctions logos, which were expertly applied by

Mandy Melliard at Sign 79 (you’ll find her on Instagram @sign79co) who Mark and Paul call up to Burwell whenever they have anything that needs signwriting or lettering. Mandy added logos to all three drop gates and the cab doors, leaving the nose free of extra adornments for aesthetics purposes.

When you are used to the driving position, comfort levels and response of a modern car, it can be a shock stepping into a Split Screen Bus, but David is delighted with the finished truck. He now has a classic air-cooled VW that drives better than they ever did when new to use as a fun vehicle, while at the same time promoting his company on the roads of Yorkshire and beyond. That’s what we call having the best of both worlds. ■

“all the benefits of a Split Screen Bus, and the ability to move a ton of oversize stuff around” ■ 60

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Polished safari windows front and back are another tasty upgrade to the sombre commercial vibe

When we see pick-ups restored as nicely as this, we always onder if they’ll ever do any picking up again

Through the square window you’ll find the fuel filler. Through the narrow slots further forward the semaphores

Many Melliard at Sign 79 is a master of type and a dab hand with a brush. The hand-painted signage is her wonderful work

19/01/2022 16:23

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In exchange for your 1700/1800. Avoid the heavy costs of trying to fit a 2·0 ltr. engine into a 1700/1800 bay by fitting this 1910cc upgrade. As Transporter 1·7 (left), plus 1910cc big bore barrels/pistons and a fast road cam.

DIY PRICE: £1495

DIY PRICE: £2825

TRANSPORTER 1·7 - 2·0 (1972-’83) Fitted with new main and big end bearings, barrels, pistons and rings, new cylinder heads, plugs, seals, gaskets, refaced flywheel, reground crank, crack-tested crankcase.

DIY PRICE: £2499

WATER-COOLED TRANSPORTER 1900-2100cc (’83-’90)

18 S AR YE

up to 1.6 1.7 to 2.0

£749 Type 2 Freeway flyer £1149 £799 Type 25, 4-speed £849 £849 Type 25, 5-speed £999

1600 DIESEL T25 TURBO / NON TURBO All our deisel engines are fitted with NEW cylinder heads. Reground crankshafts with new bearings. Cylinder blocks rebored with new over-size pistons and rings. Fitted with all new oil seals and supplied with gaskets.

DIY PRICE: £1649

In exchange for your 2000. As above, fitted with 2·4 litre barrels/pistons and a fast road cam.

DIY PRICE: £2975

In exchange for 1900cc. As 1·9 (left) but with 2000cc pistons and liners, and new heads. DIY: £2425

EXCHANGE GEARBOXES Type 1 Type 2 Type 4

BIG BORE TRANSPORTER 2400cc

BIG BORE WATER-COOLED TRANSPORTER

New: main/big end bearings, valves, guides, springs, barrels, pistons, rings, small ends, oil pump, plugs, seals, gaskets; refaced flywheel; reground crank; crack-tested crankcase and cylinder heads.

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New to our range of engines is The Mexico Range. This is an ALL NEW engine assembled with all new components. Every single part supplied in this engine is 100% new and built by The Engine Shop in the UK. Supplied and test run with a distributor fitted and a full written warranty.

BIG BORE TRANSPORTER 1910cc

New: main/big end bearings, valves, guides, springs, barrels, pistons, rings, small ends, oil pump, plugs, seals, gaskets; refaced flywheel; reground crank; crack-tested crankcase & brand new heads.

DIY PRICE: £1825

MEXICO ENGINE

In exchange for 2100cc Injection. As above but fitted with 2200cc pistons and liners, and new cylinder heads. xes guaranteed All engines and gearbo supplied with and p Sho DIY PRICE: £2485 ine Eng

by The . a full written warranty CALLERS ARE WELCOME! Enjoy a coffee in our airy, clean, modern premises.

You are also welcome to phone us for free helpful technical advice.

• Machining service available for home rebuilds, etc.

• All single port engines feature recon. cyl. heads.

NOTE: Prices are subject to change without prior notice.

t he e ngine s hop Specialists in Volkswagen and Audi Engines Unit A2, Darenth Works, Ray Lamb Way, Erith, Kent. DA8 2SP Telephone: 01322 350022 • Email: info@theengineshop.info Website:www.theengineshop.info

07/01/2022 10:47

EMPI SPORTSTER The steel-bodied EMPI Sportster was one of the first commercially available buggies.

EMPI was even granted a special licence in California so was effectively recognised as a small vehicle manufacturer

Sport for all When Joe Vittone launched EMPI in 1956, one of his early projects was the low-cost Sportster, a VW-based buggy kit you could build at home in a weekend Words and pics: James Hale and Ultra VW archive

n the aftermath of World War II, a surplus of military Jeeps offered the opportunity for many ex-servicemen to buy them cheap and head for the wide-open spaces of America.

It became such a popular pastime that, fairly soon, commercial production of dedicated off-road vehicles began in earnest, and four-wheel drive clubs started forming.

More resourceful people started building their own buggies at home, utilising domestic chassis and engine combinations, but it didn’t take long for the superior traction offered by the rear-engined Volkswagen platform to be recognised.

The Beetle was still a relatively new import to the US at that stage, but once they started showing up in scrap yards and on the second hand market, their popularity soared.

One could be stripped of its bodywork in a day, and the resultant floorpan, with its suspension, running gear and even seats all still attached, could be driven as a separate vehicle, with just the addition of a fuel tank and a means of supporting the steering column.

The VW design, with its independent, torsion bar suspension and rear-mounted, air-cooled engine, put the weight distribution exactly where it was needed for cruising the soft sand dunes. Fitted with wider-thanstock wheels and flotation tyres, a VW-based buggy could

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travel across terrain that was deemed impassable previously.

Double vision

Modifying the chassis by shortening it made it lighter still and reduced the turning circle, further improving its offroad ability. All that was needed now was someone with the vision to make a body to sit on top and commercialise the concept.

Hilder T. Thompson, with his ‘Burro’ Buggy in 1960, was one of the first, but the real prize went to Joe Vittone, a young entrepreneur who ran a VW dealership in California, with the Sportster.

Vittone was in the right place at the right time. Seeing the growing interest in the Volkswagen Beetle, he set up a dealership, Economotors, in Riverside, California in the mid-1950s.

Frustrated with VW’s attitude that its cylinder heads be considered disposable, his first venture was to develop a tool to replace the valve guides, enabling them to be rebuilt. The tool was popular, and the business flourished.

So much so, Vittone created a new business called European Motor Products Inc. (later re-named Engineered Motor Products Incorporated, EMPI for short) to develop a range of performance parts to soup up the air-cooled VW.

Two early Sportsters made the cover of the July '63 issue of Motor Trend, and a later one appeared on the first (Winter '67) edition of Dune Buggies and hot VWs

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EMPI SPORTSTER

“two men can do it easily in a day” The location of the company in California meant Vittone was exposed to the growing off-road movement too, and the development of VW-based buggies didn’t go unnoticed. When in 1956 a friend, Les Prestwood, asked Vittone for help in turning the crashed Beetle he had in his yard into a useable car again, the Sportster idea was born.

Crash course

The pair concluded the easiest way to repair the front and rear accident damage was simply to cut off the bent metal.

Fitted with wider wheels and bigger tyres, along with a souped-up, EMPI-equipped engine, the pair had a rugged, off-road vehicle that could take on the trails with ease.

Some refinement of the concept saw a rather angular looking buggy that, by the time it became a production version, was named the EMPI Sportster.

Built on the stock-length floorpan of a VW Beetle, the simple body was constructed from sheet steel, and was a definite case of function over form.

Two different versions were available. The four seater used a stock floorpan, while the better proportioned two-seater pick-up required the 'pan be shortened, which made building one more complicated

Period cutaway drawings show the VW basis of the concept, which used all stock Beetle running gear

Do it yourself

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he cheapest way into Sportster ownership was to buy a set of plans for just $9.95 and build one yourself. The plans were very detailed, showing exactly where and how to shorten the floorpan the 12 inches required for the two-seater version.

For the bodywork, dimensions, fold angles and recommended material thicknesses were all included, even down to the size of the holes required in the front bulkhead for the wiring, speedo cable, steering column and dimmer switch. Those shown here are dated 1963, and note 'US patent rights pending or applied for.'

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EMPI SPORTSTER

The largely flat steel panels were cheap and easy to manufacture by the company, or equally by a customer, without the need for specialist tools or skills. You could buy a set of plans for $9.95, or the basic Sportster kit for $895, by that time in either a two-seat version with a small pick-up bed for a shortened VW ’pan, or a four-seat family version for a stock-length chassis.

Deluxe kits were also available with lights, a wiring loom and other additional parts.

Mod cons

Choose the four seater and the only modifications required were to the neck of the recommended VW Transporter fuel tank.

Building a short-wheelbase version was a bit more involved, with the ’pan, cables, conduits and gearshift rod all needed reducing in length, as well as the seat frames.

With a written-off Beetle available from a breaker’s yard for a couple of hundred dollars, though, the whole caboodle could be put together very economically.

The basic kit had no top, no side windows and little in the way of protection, but the plans included dimensions for a simple roll hoop and side bars.

The front windscreen was typically Jeep-like, folding flat onto the spare wheel mounted to the bonnet.

The utilitarian nature of the concept left the Sportster owner plenty of room to tailor the vehicle to their requirements, be it colour, trim or additional details.

The removable pick-up bed option offered a useful space for camping gear, or shopping for those who preferred to use their Sportster around town.

The build manual that accompanied the kit certainly made the whole construction process sound easy, advising that the only tools required were “regular mechanic’s hand tools, plus welding equipment (arc or acetylene), and a spray-painting outfit.”

Donor car

From the donor Beetle, the customer needed “A good engine, transmission, chassis, wheels, steering, seats… and a few other parts like the VW speedometer and switches, indicators and rear lights, etc.”

For the four-seater model, which didn’t require any floorpan modifications, EMPI claimed “two men can do it easily in a day.”

Besides selling kits, EMPI also sold turnkey Sportsters, and even built a huge vat to chemically clean floorpans prior to building up. Shortened chassis were additionally strengthened with box section side members.

Such was the level of activity, the company was granted state of California licence plates for its factorybuilt cars, recognising it as an independent automobile manufacturer.

EMPI was one of the first companies to realise the benefit of catalogues, advertising and promotional material,

With much of the car's minimal weight over the rear axle, the VW design lent itself well to this kind of off-road activity This shot from the Motor Trend feature shows all the parts you needed to supply to build your own Sportster.

It noted the Corvair flat-six engine was an option, too

“a definite case of function over form”

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EMPI SPORTSTER Original Sportsters do occasionally turn up on eBay and the like, and those built by EMPI are considered the most valuable.

Alternatively, you can build your own, as The Paintbox here in the UK did with this funky four-seater version with frilly lid years ago

flotation’ tyres, wide wheels and headlights, alongside its growing range of performance engine tuning parts and accessories for regular VWs. It wasn’t just VWs the company concentrated on either.

Noting the use of six-cylinder, air-cooled Chevrolet Corvair engines in some of the earliest dune buggies, Vittone’s own Sportster demonstrator used Corvair power, giving it exhilarating off-road performance.

Enter the Imp

Ah, the good old days. No roll bar, no seat belts, no crash hat (and no teeth when an errant stone was thrown up and hit you in the face!)

“pushed into the shade by the development of lightweight glass fibre bodies” and built up a sophisticated marketing campaign and a nationwide network of dealers stocking and promoting its products ever-expanding range of products.

The annually updated EMPI catalogues listed a wide range of accessories for the Sportster kit, such as ‘Hi■ 66

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Despite early enthusiasm for it, the all-metal EMPI Sportster was pushed into the shade by the development of lightweight glass fibre bodies, which could be bought in bright gelcoat finishes that didn’t require welding and painting and so built up even quicker. EMPI’s Imp from 1969 was one of the true challengers to the dominance of Bruce Meyer’s Manx, though it wasn’t quite as pretty and never sold – or indeed was copied – in equal numbers.

Ever the clever marketeer, Vittone licensed the Imp for production in Europe too, originally by Autohaus Süd-Hannover, and later Karmann.

Today, original Sportsters (and Imps for that matter) are a reasonably rare find, especially those with provenance that can prove they were manufactured

by EMPI (do some Googling and you'll also find reference to versions built by Land Sea Air Inc. in Riverside, which some say was another company set up by Joe Vittone to manufacture buggies).

As was the case in the 1960s, few would choose to build a quirky, steel Sportster over a glass fibre buggy today, but they remain an important part of VW history nonetheless. ■

The buggy boom of the 1960s led to a raft of glass fibre body manufacturers appearing around the world.

Vittone wanted a bit of that action too, so launched the short wheelbase Imp in 1969.

It was a high quality kit, with a firm emphasis on street legality

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21/01/2022 14:26

BUYERS’ GUIDE  TYPE 2 WESTFALIA

o, you’ve decided it’s time to buy a Bay Window Camper.

Welcome to the fold, there are many thousands of happy Bay owners out there, but almost all you come across will have a cautionary tale pertaining to the purchase of any new project, especially for the first-time buyer.

To get you fired up, we’ve used pictures of one of the best Bay Window restorations we’ve ever seen

by Dutch Type 2 specialists, Kieft ’en’ Klok. This Tiger Green ’77 was a rust-free import from the States, but has since been fully overhauled to the highest possible standard in Europe.

It’s just about as good as they get, and an archetypal example of the classic Volkswagen Camper.

Of course, not everyone can afford to have a Camper built to this kind

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of specification, but there are enough horror stories around regarding cheap Campers that it doesn’t hurt to aim high.

Budget first

The very first thing you should do is to work out what you can afford.

Don’t guestimate this, and don’t kid yourself either. Get your finances in order before you look at anything.

Now, are you looking to buy a ready-to-go Bus, or a project that needs a little, or even a lot of, work?

We’ve lost count of the number of times we’ve heard of projects that have spiralled out of control, ending up a costly nightmare and most certainly not the fun ‘hobby overhaul’ the owner hoped it would be.

From the beginning, VW’s advertising campaigns for Westfalia Campers sold the outdoor dream. Back then, though, these were new cars. Today, they’re at least 54 years old

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Universally acknowledged as the best camping conversion around, we show you how to go shopping for a Westy Words Paul Knight Pics Dokke Sahertian, Kieft & Klok

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What to look for

This is the Type 1-based 1600cc engine. All motors are prone to abuse due to the heavy weight of a fully-laden Camper, so check crankshaft end play, oil pressure and look for leaks INTERIOR his is tricky, as Campers vary so much but, as we’re talking Westfalias here, it simplifies things a little. Do you research first so you know what you’re looking at and then check to make sure everything that is supposed to be there is still fitted and functional.

• Does the bed operate correctly?

• How about the fridge, cooker and tap?

• Ask about the electrics, especially if it has an older hook-up system or internal power kit.

• If there’s an auxiliary heater, be sure everything operates properly.

• Ask when any gas pipes were last changed

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The larger capacity Type 4 engines (this one is the big daddy 2.0-litre) are undoubtedly better, but return less mpg and can be harder to find parts for

(they should be done regularly, no points for 50-year-old originality here!).

• Make sure all the fixtures, fittings and soft furnishings are present and up to scratch.

• Open cupboards and lift cushions and seats.

Is it reasonably clean in / under there?

You’ll pay a premium for a Westfalia, regardless of condition, but they were high quality builds in the first place so should still be in good order.

Even if you decide they’re too expensive for your pocket, look at some anyway to see if you can live with what’s missing, or not so convenient, in other conversions.

To go with the vivid outisde colours of the late ’70’s models, interiors came in a variety of equally startling check (plaid in Amrican speak) trim. These materials have become a bit of a Westy trademark, and are now reproduced Convenience, functionality and quality are all Westfalia bywords

BODYWORK s you approach any potential purchase, look past the twee curtains and inviting interior and concentrate on the exterior of the Camper.

You’re looking for nice straight sides, with no ripples or unusual looking areas. Look for the vertical body seams, are they all visible, or hiding under filler? A small magnet can be your friend here as, even if it’s been skilfully hidden, it won’t stick to a load of filler.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions either. Has the Bus had any bodywork repairs? If so, where, when and by whom?

• Look carefully at the rear lower corners and around light apertures etc. for bubbling paint.

• Peer closely at the sills. Are they nice and straight, or buckled and wobbly? Don’t forget the ends inside the wheelarches.

• How does the lower section of the front panel look?

• How about around the windscreen – any bubbles?

• Open and close the pop top, does it operate smoothly? Check the edge of the roof where it seats, and have a good nose around in the rain gutters while you’re up there.

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MECHANICAL he best way to get a feel for a Bus is out on the road. If you can’t drive a prospective purchase, and it’s your first Bus, we’d advise walking away, or at least taking along a friend with good specialist knowledge.

Check for: • Obvious wear in suspension balljoints and dampers.

• Excessive play in the steering (could be worn track rod ends, steering box or idler pin in the centre of the front beam).

• Brakes should be quiet and firm, with only short pedal travel until they lock up, any pulling to one side, or sponginess, suggests a problem.

• Check gearbox for fresh leaks and whines (possible worn differential), though they’re generally pretty robust units.

• Listen for worn (clicking) CV joints.

• If you encounter an automatic transmission, ensure it engages smoothly up and down through the gears.

• Check Type 1 (1600cc) engines for excessive end float (you’ll know it when you feel it!), low oil pressure and rear oil seal leaks.

• Check Type 4 motors for oil leaks and signs of general poor maintenance. Bear in mind that this style of engine can be more expensive to rebuild.

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There’s a certain amount of model snobbery in the VW scene, and with Bays it comes down to Early and Late.

The position of the front indicators is one of the most obvious giveaways.

Late Bays, like this one, have them high up on the front panel

• Do all the doors fit neatly in the holes, and open and close with a decent clunk? Check the sill area around the loading door carefully.

• Front wheelarches and cab steps are notorious rust spots.

Lift the carpet / rubber mats and check the cab floor, too.

• Finally, look at the seat belt mounting points just behind the seats, and check the condition of the belts themselves.

• Now open the engine lid and check the battery tray and opposite side tray.

• Armed with a torch, slide underneath and check the main chassis rails, then the outriggers that extend out towards the inner sills. If there’s lots of sticky or recent looking underseal, check very carefully for hidden rust. If there are large sheets of steel between the chassis rails, known as belly pans, it’s not possible to see all these areas, but make sure you’re happy with what you see.

It’s worth noting here that some evidence of welding or repairs isn’t necessarily a bad thing, provided it’s been done properly. However, an obvious plate that sits proud of the surrounding metal suggests a quick bodge. It’s all about learning to recognise how things should look following a repair, and having an experienced eye with you can pay dividends here.

Our advice is to be realistic about the level of work (if any) you are capable of undertaking yourself, and the space you have to do it. The loan of a friend’s lock-up without power for six months is not going to get a full restoration done, so try not to bite off more than you can comfortably chew.

To be perfectly honest, if you’ve never restored a VW before, we wouldn’t recommend starting with a Camper. The sheer scale of one can fast become soul destroying.

If, however, you are confident about going down the project route, try to have any vehicle you consider assessed by a competent, knowledgeable friend / enthusiast who you can trust to keep a level head.

The basic principle when looking at any project is not to buy on a whim.

Take your time and try to add up what you think it might cost in your head.

If you don’t know the price of parts, find out before you take the plunge.

Then double the figure you arrive at.

Seriously. Double it. Hmmm, that finished Camper doesn’t seem so expensive now, does it?

If that’s the way you choose to go, we’d always suggest buying the very best example you can find, though that doesn’t necessarily mean the most expensive.

“if you’ve never restored a VW before, we wouldn’t recommend starting with a Camper” W W W. V O L K S W O R L D. C O M

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BUYERS’ GUIDE  TYPE 2 WESTFALIA Bay Window prices can be a little difficult to get your head around as some models / years command considerably more than others, but it’s worth remembering while that cheap Panel Van or basic Kombi window Bus may seem like a bargain, it’s a long way – and a lot of work and expense – from being a Camper.

Model options

If you’re only looking for something for very occasional camping, a Day Van (essentially a Kombi with a rock ‘n’ roll bed) might well suffice, and will give you something to ferry the

family around in during the week.

And check out the Deluxe models with the large, steel sliding sunroof.

These are great fun in the summer although, as with any sunroof, they can be expensive and difficult to fix.

If it’s a proper Camper you’re after, you can narrow your search further by deciding whether you’re bothered about having an early or late model. It can make a big difference to the price.

Early (T2a) models with the more rounded bumpers, smaller tail lights and low front indicators command a fair premium over a similar condition T2b model, with its chunkier

bumpers, larger lights and high front indicators. That’s fashion for you.

That said, when it comes to Westfalia Campers, good late models hold their value well, so the correlation between price and age becomes a bit more blurred.

If you’re planning a lot of driving, the comparison between an early, single-port 1600cc Bay on drum brakes and a late model 2.0-litre automatic with discs and servo brakes is like night and day. These are factors you need to consider carefully, as function is a major factor if you’re planning a serious road trip.

“you’ll pay a premium for a Westfalia, regardless of condition” Check the operation of the sliding door, and the state of the lower rail it runs along carefully

The chances of finding a Bus that looks like this underneath in the small ads is remote, but it’s a great example nonetheless. Make sure all the heater tubes and cables are present and in good condition. You definitely don’t want to drive a Camper without heating!

The Bays from Brazil

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ne anomaly you’ll come almost certainly across is the Brazilian Bay Window. Production recently ceased, but there are a large number of these in the UK, many having been converted into Campers.

Early Brazilian models were fitted with 1600cc fuel-injected motors, but later ones have a VW Fox-sourced, 1.4-litre, water-cooled engine and options such as power steering and brakes. With around 70bhp on tap, these perform better and return greater mpg than their older brethren, but the front-mounted radiator is a turn off to some. Also, because they were built for the Brazilian home market, check bodywork very carefully.

As for price / value, they are a different entity entirely and so not really comparable with a traditional Bay Window Camper.

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BUYERS’ GUIDE  TYPE 2 WESTFALIA

LHD vs RHD

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his is only a problem if you’re adamant you don’t want to drive a left-hand drive Bus. If you’ve never driven LHD and plan to use your Camper regularly in the UK, you’ll definitely want to test drive a few examples first. It’s not a problem, but it is different.

Due to the huge number of US imports in recent years, RHD examples are considerably less common, and you need to look especially closely when inspecting for rust.

It’s fair to say most UK-market Bay Windows will either be rusty, or will have been treated to a fair amount of rust repair over the years.

There are exceptions, of course, but they are rare.

You’ll find a few Australian RHD Bays on offer, which may well be less rusty, but have often covered colossal mileages, in which case check any service history and / or maintenance plans carefully.

It sounds silly, but make sure you are comfortable with the driving position.

Forward control style can take some getting used to

Some very late T4-engined Buses (usually US imports) were fitted with factory fuel injection. Yes, they’re nice to drive, but parts are difficult to find, and consequently many will have been converted back to carburettors.

Gearboxes are either a four-speed manual or three-speed auto’, which was available in some later Buses. A good auto’ ’box is a joy, a well-used, or not-so-well maintained, one can be an expensive headache.

Moving on to brakes, it’s important to note that early models were fitted with so-called ‘wide 5’ drum brakes all round. These are okay when well maintained and adjusted, but check for leaks and brakes that pull to one side or fade.

Later models gained disc brakes at the front, which are an obvious improvement, though the pedal will still very heavy when compared to modern vehicles. If you’re lucky, you might stumble across a model fitted with servo-assisted brakes. Those feel much more ‘modern’ and are the best standard option available.

Stock or not?

Note steering idler in the centre of the beam – this is a key area to assess when checking for vagueness in the steering

Thankfully, all Bay Windows will have a 12V electrical system, and most Type 1-engined versions (1600cc) will return mid-20 to low-30 mpg figures if driven conservatively.

Move up to the 1700, 1800 and 2.0-litre Type 4-powered models and, whilst you might appreciate the additional bhp on tap, you probably won’t welcome the extra fuel consumption that comes with it.

Talking of standard, be aware that you’re likely to stumble across a lot more modified Bay Windows than factory stock ones, but we’d strongly advise you drive a few ‘stockers’ before venturing into the world of modified VWs. This neatly brings us to lowered Campers. A large percentage of those featured in this magazine have been lowered and otherwise modified.

Sure, they look cool, but there are definite downsides if you plan to go touring around Europe in one.

A bumpier ride and reduced ground clearance (which can be a major issue on ferries etc.) are just two of the things to consider, especially if you’re buying it for the family. Buses are also designed for high profile, commercial tyres, so those fitted with low profile car tyres will drive very differently.

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“a good VW Camper should be a pleasure to own and drive, not a chore”

Personal imports

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e’ve all heard tales of ‘rust-free Californian imports’, but this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still proceed with caution. Far from it. As the value of Campervans has increased, so has the number of people importing them, hoping to make a bit of money along the way, and most of the good ones were snapped up years ago.

The good news is that so many of the Campers on sale in the UK and Europe originated in America (remember not all states, and not even all of California, is ‘dry’, so don’t believe everything you read in adverts) so you’re just as likely to find a good candidate for sale here, that you can go and view in person, as you are thousands of miles away that you have to rely on pictures of to make a decision.

Shipping and registering a Camper in the UK is not as cheap as it once was either so, if you’re planning on bringing one in yourself, make sure you do your homework and work out all the additional costs first. That cheap one on eBay in America may not be so cheap by the time it’s here and driveable in the UK.

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Where to look

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heck out the vans for sale on eBay or on websites such as www.autotrader.co.uk here in the UK. You should also look at Facebook groups and websites such as www. vwt2oc.co and www.earlybay.com, as well as the websites of VW traders and advertisers that specialise in Type 2s. www.type2detectives.com is one that comes to mind.

If you’re happy to look a little further afield, you could try the guys that built this Bus, www.kieftenklok.nl, or the likes of www.autoscout24.de and www.bugbus.net. A firm favourite in the USA is www.thesamba.com.

Good traders, such as Kieft & Klok, can organise shipping to the UK and even help locate a specific vehicle if you know exactly what you’re after. Or, as in this case, undertake restorations to stock, or your personal spec.

You may pay a little more, but you’re already spending a

chunk of money and the help and advice of a trusted trader can be invaluable, not least because there are so many scams on the internet these days. We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend giving good guys such as Maurice Klok a call.

WHEN TO LOOK You may not have considered this, but off-season (October to April) is the best time to buy a Camper. You’re not paying the summer is coming premium and some people will prefer to sell later in the year rather than leave an old VW sitting outside getting wet and dirty over the winter. There will be fewer potential buyers out there, too. Unless they’ve all read this guide of course!

And finally – if a Campervan for sale seems too good to be true, keep your wits about you as it could be a scam...

As a ’77 model, the Bay shown here features factory disc brakes up front and drum brakes at the rear. Servo assistance makes a big difference in driving feel Check all engines carefully for leaks In summary, a good VW Camper should be a pleasure to own and drive, not a chore, so the most important thing is to consider your proposed use of one carefully, and then drive a few different examples – ideally different engine / gearbox combinations if possible – to get a feel for them before diving in.

Do your research first, be honest about budget and take your time with any inspections. The better the Campervan you buy, the easier and more fun your life will be.

How much mister?

All Bay Window models are fitted with IRS gearboxes.

This is a 2.0-litre unit, identified by six ribs on the bottom of the case, which features taller gearing Early Bays may have the looks, but Late Bays benefitted from useful upgrades such as disc brakes.

This one has had every possible service part renewed, but most won’t have, so check everything for obvious wear and tear and leaks

We’ve deliberately not put any prices in this guide as Westfalias, in particular, vary so wildly. But, to put things in some sort of perspective, the bottom end of the market comes in around £3,000, though that will only get you a rusty project that will cost a lot more than that to put right.

Up around the £20,000 mark, you’ll be able to find a good, ready-to-roll Westfalia that you can be straight out on the road in.

If you want one as good as the one picture here, your budget will need to be two, three or more times that.

Hence why we’d suggest checking out a few websites and viewing as many as possible before you commit.

Good luck, and happy shopping! ■ Special thanks to Maurice Klok and the team at www.kieftenklok.nl for their help in compiling this feature.

W W W. V O L K S W O R L D. C O M

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ESSEX CHARITY CRUISE

Rollin’ into ’22 like...

My New Year’s resolution is to hit as many VW shows as possible in 2022, starting with a Southendbound Charity Cruise on January 1 Words and photos Oscar Knight

ollowing a somewhat disappointing ’21 summer show season (let’s not even mention 2020), I was really looking forward to the annual New Year’s Day cruise as, having tagged along with my dad (Paul Knight, the Ed) and his best mate, Jolly Jim, for the past few years, this time round we were planning to take my blue and white Bug to ‘our’ first VW show. Or so I thought…

Regular readers may recall that my / our project Bug was stolen in October last year and, despite a huge effort by the VW community, as well as the police and the insurance team, it has never been found. Much to my dismay.

However, in the post-Christmas period, the pops mentioned he was thinking about attending the local Cruise, “To start ’22 on a positive note.”

Okay, we wouldn’t be in my car, but I agreed it would be cool to attend, assuming we’d be taking the Notch. But then he mentioned he hadn’t had time to check the car over this year and, as Jolly Jim is taking his new Lupo, we could follow up in the Boxster – with heaters, wipers and all the mod cons.

What?! Now wait a minute. Not only had I lost my first air-cooled car, but now the two old boys that have banged on about their air-cooled history and ‘Still Doin’ It!’ since I was born were planning on attending a local VW cruise in a 1.0-litre water pumper and a hairdresser’s daily? Nah,

F

Paul Geary's wide 'arch 1302S is fitted with a turbocharged Wasserboxer motor

Darren Claggett brought the family from Kent in his daily driven, turbocharged Oval

Another family outing, this time all up in a mildly lowered Early Bay Camper

There's no missing Mike Downham's Baja, even when he tries hiding behind a Type 25

Pic by Paul Barnett

Team Knighty know no fear, going topless and 'screenless in the family 181

Wooly hats in this neat looking panned Bug tell us two things: either it was a cold day (it was) or it's got j pipes on the exhaust

The cruise regrouped on the seafront at Chalkwell before setting off for Uncle Tom's cabin in Shoeburyness

No such worries in this equally panned T6 Transporter. Hell, they've probably got heated seats and a brew on the go in there!

W W W. V O L K S W O R L D. C O M

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ESSEX CHARITY CRUISE

Those pressings in the cab steps and radiator inlets in the front panel of this late Bay tell us it's a Brazilian water-cooled version

This is what we love about the Volkswagen scene. Two '65 Beetles, but count the differences. And did you clock one was left-hand drive?

These guys were keeping the Christmas vibe going. And notice the LED headlights, too

This sweet '65 Karmann Ghia coupé belongs to Southend local, Russ Andrews

With the Baja revival, we're now going to have to start playing the is it a new build or a survivor game.This one belongs to Ian Chambers

Jolly Jim purchased this 17k-mile Lupo for his daughters. Lime green ensures they're seen

“Big shout out to Jimmy who picked up the Spirit of the Cruise award, and then promptly donated the £50 cash prize back to the Essex Blood Bikers”

All are welcome, but when dad suggested we go in the budget Boxster, I had to call his bluff, so the 181 was pulled out of hibernation ■ 78

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The lesser-spotted Kamei front spoiler, seen here on a '72 on GT steels, nestled between a Type 25 pick-up and a Bay Camper

Late model Transporters present spanned all years, models and ride heights, from stock T4s to air bagged T6s

MARCH 2022

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ESSEX CHARITY CRUISE

Remember Darren's turbocharged Oval? Here it is again, being fitted with a new throttle cable

that’s not at all how I was expecting to roll into the New Year, so I voiced my disappointment at their lack of aircooled dedication.

Having shamed the old man enough already, he redeemed himself on the day by pulling his Trekker out of winter hibernation just hours before the cruise was due to hit our manor. That's more like it.

Better still, the weather was unseasonably fair (18degC, with a hint of blue sky, too) so we ditched the side screens, dropped the top, laid the windscreen flat and set off to meet the 7th annual Charity VW Cruise. Okay, we might have been a bit ambitious there as our eyes were soon watering and our fingers were frosty but it brought my aircooled mojo back in full effect. Thanks pops.

As ever, the cruise started at The Grange in Boreham, near Chelmsford, at 1pm and cruised 16 miles along the A130 to the halfway meeting point at Seevic College in Benfleet. That’s where we were waiting with some friends to join the parade.

The second stage departed at 1.45pm, covering a further 9½ miles, including the full length of the Essex Riviera / Golden Mile, on route to Uncle Tom’s Cabin.

Matt Barnes has jacked his ’53 for a Type 82E vibe

Summer loving

A very rare photo of spanner-shy Jolly Jim with dirty hands, having assisted in the above pic

We don't know about the collars and cuffs matching, but the lei and curtains certainly do Honestly, you park up for five minutes in Southend and this is what you come back to!

It soon became clear we weren’t the only ones making the most of the unseasonal weather as the seafront traffic was like a typical summer weekend.

Led by the Essex Voluntary Blood Service motorcycles, the cruise regrouped at Chalkwell on the seafront, before setting off en masse for the reserved car park at the end of the promenade.

I guess one bonus of the heavy traffic was the public had plenty of opportunity to snap some photographs of the brightly coloured parade of air and water-cooled VWs as they crept past at not much more than walking pace.

Previously, the show team has collected cash donations in a bucket upon arrival but, due to Covid restrictions, this year participants made a £10 suggested donation via PayPal (+£1 for an event sticker).

Big shout out to Paul Bridger at SX Dub Club, Lara T’urner at Spooky VW Club and everyone that helped to organise the ’22 New Year’s Day Charity VW Cruise, which raised £1,320.23 for the Essex Voluntary Blood Service.

If you’d still like to support this worthy cause, PayPal donations are welcomed via nydcc@mail.com If you want to take part in the next event, look up New Year’s Day VW Charity Cruise on Facebook. ■

It was nice to see some early cars at the cruise including this sweet Barndoor Kombi 'Jimmy' picked up the award for Spirit of the Cruise and a £50 cash prize, which was kindly donated back to the Essex Blood Bikers

Well done to all the club crew that took time out on New Years Day to organise the Essex Charity Cruise

This hi-rise Syncro very nearly didn't make it under the height restriction at Uncle Tom's W W W. V O L K S W O R L D. C O M

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’72 KARMANN GHIA

“I had, in effect, loaned the car to the guy and his family for 25 years”

Bought in 1980, sold in 1982, bought back again in 2007, never to be sold again...

Words Gordie Woollacott Pics Sam McElroy

eremy Clarkson said “Non-car people don’t get it,” when he theorised cars as living entities. He went on to suggest we can even develop a relationship with a car. Perhaps he’s read too much Stephen King but then, when would he have the time? No, it’s more likely he’s actually on to something. And if one marque embodies the notion that cars could have personality above all others, it is, of course, Volkswagen.

In which case, the quite unbelievable tale behind 66-year old Sam McElroy’s reunion with his 1972 Karmann Ghia becomes more plausible.

If a car really was “just a ton and a half, two tons of wires, glass, metal and rubber” (sorry, Clarkson again) then this story would not exist, and chances are neither would the car.

Here goes: “I’ve been into air-cooled VWs since 1976 when I purchased my first car for £200,” says Sam. That first ride, a 1968 1300 Beetle that Sam describes as “cream and rust coloured” set a path of VAG ownership that he has followed steadfastly to this day.

“I think I’ve had around 14 VWs in total, plus a couple of Seats and an Audi.”

But the focus today is on the 1972 Ghia he bought for the first time in August 1980, and then a second time in November 2007.

J

Avid reader

“I read all the usual VW mags back in the day,” he continues. “Beetling, Safer Motoring, VW Trends, and of course VolksWorld from the word go.

When I had my first Beetle in ’76 I came across a Karmann Ghia on the front cover of Safer Motoring and immediately fell in love, seeing it as the perfect VW. From that day on, I always dreamt of owning one.

However, as I had never seen one here in Northern Ireland, you can imagine my surprise when I drove past my local VW dealers in Newry one night in 1980 and saw one in the showroom, the same colours as the Safer Motoring cover car.”

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Two-tone colour schemes were a Ghia option from the very beginning, and work brilliantly on all years Despite being covered in a thick layer of dust when Sam went back to look at the car 25 years after he sold it, the original interior has cleaned up amazingly well. Only the headlining and carpets are new

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We don’t know if Sam fitted all these accessories when he owned the car in the ’80s, or more recently.

Either way, they allow him to monitor oil temperature, voltage, rpm and plug in a sat nav or ’phone charger A service book is nice, but an original log book, with your name already on it, is absolutely priceless

19/01/2022 16:51

’72 KARMANN GHIA

“25 years later… I came across a post entitled ‘VW collection for sale’” Sam wasted no time and paid a visit to the dealers the next day, bagging himself the memorable Ghia for just £400. Adjusted for inflation, that’s still well under £2,000 in today’s money.

“It was a 1972, one-lady-owner car with a genuine 22,000 miles on it,” he recalls. The Karmann body also came complete with long scrapes along each side where the owner frequently caressed the gate pillars on her drive, no doubt reflected in the great price.

“It still had the original crossply tyres on and would tramline on road surfaces,” remembers Sam wistfully of the car’s wayward handling.

He treated it to a quick respray, some new front calipers, a full set of Michelin XZX tyres and a service, after which, “It became my daily driver for the next two years, during which I added 24,000 more miles.”

Collect call

Sam took the car over the water to VW Action in 1981, and it was while camping there that he was approached by a fellow VW enthusiast from Ballymena who asked if he would be interested in selling it.

“From memory, he had 32 air-cooled VWs and Porsches, and wanted a Ghia to complete his collection,” details Sam. “I declined, but took his ’phone number, just in case.”

In May 1982, Sam’s head was turned by a new Ford Fiesta XR2 and, needing to raise the funds to buy one, decided to sell his beloved Ghia.

“I know, mad or what?” he laughs now. “I ’phoned the guy from Ballymena and he came down that weekend and gave me what I asked for the car.”

About 10 years later, he ’phoned again, to see if he could buy his old car back, but the answer was no.

Look closely and you might just make out 47937 on the refurbished odometer. This was a 22,000-mile, one-owner car when Sam first bought it.

According to the log book, he’s still only the second owner W W W. V O L K S W O R L D. C O M

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’72 KARMANN GHIA

4.5 x 15 GT Beetle steels are a perfect period addition, spiced up here with trim rings, centre caps and black plastic bolt covers. Tyres are 165s all round

Swoopy roof rack is

by Vintage Speed

Not as big as Ghia tail lights became, that honour falls to the ’74, but still significantly more visible that the more sevelte earlier units.

Harrington Group stainless bumpers are a worthwhile upgrade

“I still have the original wheels with the Michelin XZXs I fitted in 1980”

That wasn’t the end of it, though, as Sam reveals: “25 years later, in 2007, I was on the local NBOC (Northern Beetle Owners Club) website, when I came across a post entitled ‘VW collection for sale’, by someone from Ballymena.” Thinking it was too big a coincidence not to follow up, Sam sent a private message and discovered it was the son of the guy he’d sold the Ghia to who had put up the post, his father having passed away and it falling to him to reduce the collection.

“Of course, I had to ask if he had a Karmann Ghia registration DIJ 7694.”

The answer was that classic combination of good news and bad news.

Think outside the box

“He did have the car, but he told me it was just a ’shell and boxes of parts after his father had stripped it to restore it, but then lost interest. Was I still interested?”

Clearly to Sam, it was more than just a collection of wires, glass, metal and rubber, so of course he was still interested.

Things didn’t get better from there though.

“It was in a real sorry state. The body was part covered in storage paint and part bare metal with rust. There were no windows, bumpers or chrome, and the interior had a thick layer of dust.

“Both rear wheelarches were non-existent, and the rear valance and sills were rotten.”

After digging through the boxes of parts, only some of the glass could be found, and just one battered bumper.

“In fairness, before he lost interest the guy had fitted a new genuine nose and front wings, so it wasn’t all bad. n 86

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Under the bonnet Sam has added a plush, carpet liner.

Note also the VW / Audi first aid kit

The original motor has been treated to a fresh oil cooler, a replacement clutch and a little sympathetic detailing – otherwise it’s exactly as it was when it left the factory W W W. V O L K S W O R L D. C O M

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’72 KARMANN GHIA “The thing I found incredible, though, was that the mileage was what I sold it with, apart from the 70-odd miles that had been added on the journey from my house to Ballymena in 1982!

“Even more unbelievable, the green registration log book was still in my name. I had, in effect, loaned the car to the guy and his family for 25 years.”

Weekend warrior

Fortunately, Sam had a garage to store the car in while he found time between his busy and stressful job to devote the odd hour in the evening to it and weekends.

“I removed the sorry looking original engine and stripped out the whole interior,” he recalls. From there, the car was entrusted to Leslie Girvan Classic Restorations for five months to complete the welding and panel replacement before preparing the ’shell for paint.

The striking finish in the original L21E Tangerine and L41 Black is thanks to local paint maestro, Matt Donnelly.

“The painted ’shell was returned to me and I spent the next three and a half years completing the restoration in my limited time in the evenings.”

The engine was partly stripped down to receive a new oil cooler and seals, flywheel seal, a fresh clutch kit and new rocker covers and gaskets. Other than that, it’s exactly how it was in 1972. Even the Solex 34 PICT carb is the original one fitted at the factory, just rebuilt.

With an eye on longevity, Sam fitted a stainless exhaust system and, after searching around for some decent original bumpers, gave up and invested in a pair of stainless steel versions from Harrington Group in Vietnam.

Aside from that, as much of the original car as possible has been refurbished and kept, including the interior, dashboard and gauges, all of which was done by Sam. Newton Commercial carpets keep the OEM vibe going, whilst a new headlining and Wolfsburg crest steering

wheel with leather effect rim from a US-spec Beetle Cabriolet brings some additional style.

“I also refurbished and fitted a set of 4.5 x 15 GT Beetle wheels,” Sam points out. “A costly eBay purchase for a whopping £28! But can you believe, I still have the original wheels with the Michelin XZXs I fitted in 1980.”

It was April 2012 when the Ghia finally sprung back to life, her engine fired up for the first time in over 30 years.

The following month, she sailed through the MoT test first time, testament to the meticulous work put in by both Leslie Girvan and Sam. “The car is mainly taken out during the summer months now, and to local car shows,” says Sam. It was at the local Gosford Vintage Show in 2014 where the Ghia was awarded Car of the Show.

Matching numbers

“I felt when finished it was too good and straight to modify, either engine-wise or the suspension, so she’s basically stock. It’s the original colours, mostly the original interior, the original floorpan and is matching numbers with its original engine and gearbox. I think it deserves to stay that way, don’t you?

“The heads have never been off the engine, it still has its original dynamo and distributor and even now only 48,000 miles on the clock. It’s truly a time warp car.”

The only deviations from stock, apart from the wheels and couple of stainless steel parts already mentioned, are the Vintage Speed roof rack and Australian marketstyle rear Venetian blind, both adding a classy touch.

What is it they say about cats? If you move home, you’re supposed to keep them indoors for two weeks so they get used to the new environment, otherwise they may try and find their way back to the old place. Who knew it was the same for Karmann Ghias? n

A younger Sam with the Karmann Ghia when he bought it the first time around. There’s a bit less hair, but the ‘tache is still there, and now so is the Ghia, too!

“the mileage was what I sold it with… in 1982” 082-88.VW.2022.MAR.Ghia-MPPK.indd 88

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Untitled-1 36

Katie 07900 892362 Bournemouth

11/07/2019 20:39:54

CKO FLIPTOP BEETLE

Hermann's wheels Another take on the Kellerman & Co. Verwandlungs Words and photos Bob Gilmore

n the latter part of 1938, the Porsche werks produced the VW38 series of cars. It comprised 34 vehicles with designations VW38/01 through VW38/44 (an oddly non-consecutive numbering system with some gaps).

On June 17, 1939 Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring was presented with VW38/37, a Cabriolet version, at the Carinhall Hunting Lodge, his country residence in Brandenburg, Germany. The KdF Wagen was painted in what is said to be Göring’s favourite colour of metallic blue / green, the same colour apparently as used on a number of other cars in his automobile collection. At the time of the presentation, VW38/37 was still wearing the temporary Porsche Stuttgart number plates of IIIA-0427.

I

“early versions represent the correct era of KdF Wagen” ■ 90

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Despite the additional engineering required, Cabriolets were built from the very beginning of Beetle production The VW38 series cars were mostly given to Nazi officers

MARCH 2022

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CKO FLIPTOP BEETLE Görings green / blue Cabriolet was used in some early KdF Wagen promotional photos, presumably as it looked a little less austere than the black versions

The Cabriolet also appears in this image, which shows the VW38/13 experimental car, as well as two sunroof models (out of shot)

It appears the presentation was quite an event, with Dr. Ferdinand Porsche and his son, Ferry Porsche, both present, as well as Reichskommissar Robert Ley and other high ranking military officers.

I have often thought it would be nice to create a model representing this particular car, and the German-made Georg Kellermann CKO flip-top toy we focussed our attentions on last month would be the perfect candidate from which to create a replica of the VW38/37 KdF Wagen Cabrio.

You’ll recall the CKO flip-top car has a special feature in which the top section ‘flips’ to turn a saloon model into a Cabriolet. More importantly, early versions represent the correct era of KdF Wagen.

Pretty beat up

And so the process began. After a year-long search on the internet, I located a couple of older, beat-up versions in need of repair – and so less desirable, and valuable, to the collectors.

The two toys were disassembled, the old lithographs removed and the parts stripped back to bare metal in readiness for primering.

The painting of the body section was a two-step process as the inside was to be painted a black colour.

Pre-purchase inspection was extremely thorough!

First job on the restoration list was a complete strip down

Hermann Göring (in waistcoat) checks out his new ride, while Reichskommissar Robert Ley and both Ferdinand and Ferry Porsche look on One of the two battered examples bought to build the replica from.

Looks like it's been slammed 'n' narrowed doesn't it?

W W W. V O L K S W O R L D. C O M

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CKO FLIPTOP BEETLE For the unusually coloured – for a KdF Wagen at any rate – outside body, I used an automotive grade metallic blue / green paint, while the top section, consisting of two tin parts, was also painted black. All the parts then received a coat of clear lacquer before the decals went on.

I created the custom scaled decal set using a graphics program, and then printed them onto clear and white water transfer decal paper using a Xerox colour laser printer. You’ll recall I have used this technique successfully on many other models in the past and it worked great again here.

Once neatly cut out, the decals were meticulously placed on the painted body and top parts. After drying, the parts were again clear coated to seal the decals in place and give them some protection.

Figure head

The final touch was to transform the original CKO driver figure into a German military staff driver of the time. I used reference images found on the internet for colours and uniform style.

The pair of CKO flip tops were then put back together and brought back to life as Reichsmarschall Hermann Göring’s one-of-a-kind VW38/37 KdF Wagen Cabriolet. Having two models means they can be displayed together, one with the top up, the other with the top down.

I hope you like them. ■

Primer coats first... ...followed by the colour coats. I used regular car paint for the green / blue metallic colour, and modelling paint for the black

Stripped to bare metal, the main body sections are ready for the painting process In case you get the wrong idea, Göring didn't drive around with his name and rank emblazoned on the side of his car

“I used reference images found on the internet for colours and uniform style” ■ 92

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CKO FLIPTOP BEETLE

Two-tone colour scheme was chosen to better suggest a Cabriolet with its fabric roof

An appropriate scale figurine was found and painted to represent a staff driver of the period.

Note the Split Window Beetle-style dashboard graphic in the CKO model W W W. V O L K S W O R L D. C O M

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VOLKSWAGEN BAY CAMPERVAN

VOLKSWAGEN CAMPERVAN

1991, 120.000 miles, £8,000. VW left h/d German knaus coach built 2 bed motor home, 2.5 Audi 5 cylinder petrol and LPG engine recent new clutch rebuilt 5 speed gear box, new cam belt, all new hoses, shock absorbers, springs, front disc’s and pads with alloy wheels. Please call 07422382245, East Midlands.

110774

VOLKSWAGEN CAMPERVAN

1975, 40000 miles, £21,500. Australian imported Westfalia RHD. In Excellent condition.

Tax and Mot exempt and regularly serviced.

Owned and garaged by me for the last 15 years.

Reconditioned 1600cc lead free engine fitted in 2007 and driven 10,000 miles since fitted. Newly fitted Rosewood steering Wheel And radio, CD player. Reupholstered seats and interior with Van Wurks units which includes cupboards, 2 burner hob, stainless steel sink with electric water pump.

Please call 07944656660, West Midlands.

110497

1970, 109500 miles, £29,500. Dormobile. Only two owners from new (including us), with a full history. Great condition inside and out. We bought the van in 1999 and since then, we have done a lot of camping and a range of restoration / repair and also upgrade work. It has been stored under cover since 2003. The interior is in really excellent condition, largely original (including Grundig radio) except for the curtains and rear seat fabrics / carpet. Please call 07780992405, South East.

112391

1963, £89,995. VW 23 Window Deluxe Samba.

Manual, green, right hand drive, leather interior, fully restored. Please call 01765 609798, Yorkshire and the Humber. (T) 111324

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VOLKSWAGEN CAMPERVAN

1972, £5,995. T2 Van / Camper requiring completion of restoration. New panels have been fitted well and there is just small amount of repair required on LH floor edge (see last picture) and maybe a couple of other small bits, but most of welding is complete. It runs and drives very well with no end float, but on a slave fuel tank as the main tank is not plumbed in. All of the glass is there, as are seats. Please call 01763262263, East of England. (T)

VOLKSWAGEN GOLF MKII

1990, 40000 miles, £3,000. GL Auto. 1781cc, 5-door, silver hatchback. Full service history, only two careful owners since new. Good condition, in regular use. Power steering, electric windows.

Please call 02089 922303, Greater London.

111406

VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER

1998, 71000 miles. Private Collection of 7no VW T4 Transporters For Sale. Been in dry storage for several years, all run but require recommissioning before road use. Years from 1998 - 2003 Sharknose, Mileages from 71 - 188k. 1.9’s and 2.5’s, 800 Specials, 1 x LongWheelbase, 1 x Camper-van. Immaculate bodywork on all. For Sale Individually or as a Group. Genuine Enquires Only. Please call 07836 551 227 , Yorkshire and the Humber.

112296

VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER

VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER

110363

VOLKSWAGEN CAMPERVAN

2006, 180000 miles, Offers. Transporter, LWB, high roof, new MoT, new full service, cam belt 10,000 miles ago, recon gearbox, 1900cc diesel.

Please call 07806 931170, Greater London.

2018, £52,000. Showroom condition.Full MOT. This van has a huge Spec.For all details and photos. Please call 07711 418559, Yorkshire and the Humber.

111637

110312

VOLKSWAGEN CARAVELLE VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER

2017, 15000 miles, £43,995. 2017 Euro 6 VW Transporter T30 TDI Kombi campervan, highline, blue motion technology, 7 speed DSG gearbox, 150 HP, full VW service history, 15000 miles, lined in grey and burgundy and insulated, sunglass holder, heated seats, heated front and rear screens, tailgate with wash/wipe, 2 captain seats on rib swivels, 5 seat belts, 4 berth, VW seat covers from new, front and rear cameras, front and rear parking sensors, multi functional steering wheel, air conditioning, and more. lease call 07935746690, West Midlands.

112190

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1981, 87865 miles, £14,500. T25, Air Cooled Transporter. MoT one year, good unrestored condition, owned 10 years, MoT and Tax April 2022, Exempt. Exchange Harley Combo or Servi Car Harley 45. Please call 07863 262603, Greater London.

112225

OR EMAIL:

2000, £8,750. 11 months MoT, petrol 2.5 litre.

New steering rack, battery. Front/rear braking pads/discs/calipers renewed. New spark plugs, handbrake cables, injectors No, No1. Three new seals, Flamma bike rack. Interior like new, been in storage for many years. Full service, prize winner in VW shows. Please call 01613 037501, North West.

110473

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BORDER PATROL

THE GODFATHER RETURNS

Mark Walker on Emory Motorsports’ old and new Baja

’ve mentioned Gary Emory’s first Baja Bug, that he built with his father, Neil, in 1967 before in this column. The yellow Oval ragtop was built from a rear-ended ’57 and captured the imagination of many, not least Volkswagen of America, who gave the green light to the car being used in one of its legendary series of Doyle Dane Bernbach adverts.

I’ve also mentioned that the car was crashed badly after Gary gave it to his daughter, and the fact that Gary and his son, Rod, were beginning to build a replica.

Well, this month I can report that the original car has been dug out of storage in preparation for restoration.

It’s still owned by Gary’s daughter, and he is helping her with what, as you can see from the pictures, is a pretty big job.

Fantastically, the car still sports the original 5 x 205 Ansen slot wheels, reputedly the first set ever produced in the early VW bolt pattern, and several other defining features.

You can see the Porsche 356 steering wheel is still present, but notice the severe roof damage – the result of several rollovers, one being end over end!

I

in the hobby, or stopping working for that matter. At 78 years old, he still runs Parts Obsolete in Oregon, selling used early Porsche spares and, a year or so ago when we spoke on the ’phone, he let me into his plans to build not one, but two new Bajas.

He described both cars in detail, but there’s no substitute for pictures and so I was delighted when those shown here arrived via Messenger just as I was trying to come up with something exciting and relevant for this Baja special issue.

Slot machines

They may not be quite what you were expecting from the godfather of the Baja, but there are some tell-tale signs nonetheless. For example, the stretched ‘limo’ Baja wears a set of Ansen wheels matching his first car, though this time ceramic coated in bronze.

As with the Oval Baja, all four wings are steel front wings that have received plenty of work to make them follow the contours of the body, while the upper side panels have been blacked out to mirror the black vinyl side screens on his first car.

The regular-sized ‘Caca de Baja’ also packs plenty of unusual features, to the tune of satin butternut paint, a Porsche ducktail spoiler (perhaps to hint at the Emory family’s Porsche roots?) and twin recessed fuel cans in the rear quarters – one for gasolina (fuel) and one for agua (water).

Although full-on builds like Mike’s and Spike’s cars in this special issue are cool, Baja Bugs for me have always been about low budget, accessible fun. Gary’s current builds are both based on cheap-to-buy late model Beetles and look ready to get dirty and banged up on the trails. Just the way I like ’em. ■

The car that started the Baja Bug craze still exists. Here it is at the start of the restoration process

Back from the dead

Whilst the replica build at Emory Motorsports slowed down due to Covid and general workload, it’s very exciting news that the first ever Baja Bug is being brought back to life, even if it won’t be done in time for the highly anticipated ‘Gathering of Hot VWs’ at the 2022 Grand National Roadster Show in January this year.

55 years after he created the first Baja Bug, Gary Emory shows no sign of stopping his involvement

The same car was used by Doyle Dane Bernbach in the classic ‘Is nothing sacred?’ advert. Note the flames were never on the car, but were added by the ad agency to jazz it up for the picture. Gary was told the ad would run on one billboard. In fact, it was used all across the USA, and in print media, too

Look at the details and you’ll see it’s unmistakably the same car. It’s going to take some panel beating to straighten it out but it’ll be fantastic to see this piece of history brought back to its former glory ■ 98

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Pics courtesy Gary Emory

“the first ever Baja Bug is being brought back to life”

The limo Baja is one of two current Baja builds under way at Emory Motorsport

This is the other one.

We’re sure you can work out what Caca de Baja means…

MARCH 2022

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