Luke
07-23-2007, 12:45 PM
A World Without SoCal NBC?
Random Rants
by VW Professor Luke
Along the road of life many unforeseen events can occur. The most delightful are those which provide unexpected, yet positive elements to our lives in ways we never anticipated. Often these are the most rewarding of all.
When the old air-cooled Beetle convertible ceased U.S. distribution in 1979 (1977 for the sedan) it was a sad day for me. Sure, I liked the air-cooled V Dubs; I bought, sold and owned many happily (still do). It was the Beetle, however, that really seemed to fully capture my imagination. Although the early bugs were a bit antediluvian, they were very drivable. The sad fact remained, however, that after 1979 we could no longer replace our aged and affable Beetles with new models to act as daily drivers.
As you all know that changed in 1997 when the 1998 model New Beetle was introduced. Many of us had been following the news closely since the ‘Concept One’ was unveiled to the public around 1995 (designed by J. Mays in Simi Valley, California). The eventual announcement that VW would, in deed, produce and market the California-designed New Beetle was fantastic news for millions of people (I hope that is not an exaggeration).
VW of America sponsored two great west coast cruises along sections of PCH (Pacific Coast Highway) about the time the first New Beetles were available. Things were really looking up for the VW scene from my perspective.
The news got even better when the New Beetle Club began its formation initially under the tutelage of Randy Carlson of TVA. Later, local members re-designated the club as the Southern California New Beetle Club (SoCalNBC) that we know today. Shortly thereafter (2000), the Roswell events began. I was in seventh heaven: Beetles were back on the map, so to say.
I was in for one more huge surprise that I never foresaw which was bigger and more powerful than the rest. I meant a group of friends via this little round car that have become an integral part of my life. Presently, I cannot imagine a world (or my life) without the SoCal NBC.
Thanks to you all,
Luke
Random Rants
by VW Professor Luke
Along the road of life many unforeseen events can occur. The most delightful are those which provide unexpected, yet positive elements to our lives in ways we never anticipated. Often these are the most rewarding of all.
When the old air-cooled Beetle convertible ceased U.S. distribution in 1979 (1977 for the sedan) it was a sad day for me. Sure, I liked the air-cooled V Dubs; I bought, sold and owned many happily (still do). It was the Beetle, however, that really seemed to fully capture my imagination. Although the early bugs were a bit antediluvian, they were very drivable. The sad fact remained, however, that after 1979 we could no longer replace our aged and affable Beetles with new models to act as daily drivers.
As you all know that changed in 1997 when the 1998 model New Beetle was introduced. Many of us had been following the news closely since the ‘Concept One’ was unveiled to the public around 1995 (designed by J. Mays in Simi Valley, California). The eventual announcement that VW would, in deed, produce and market the California-designed New Beetle was fantastic news for millions of people (I hope that is not an exaggeration).
VW of America sponsored two great west coast cruises along sections of PCH (Pacific Coast Highway) about the time the first New Beetles were available. Things were really looking up for the VW scene from my perspective.
The news got even better when the New Beetle Club began its formation initially under the tutelage of Randy Carlson of TVA. Later, local members re-designated the club as the Southern California New Beetle Club (SoCalNBC) that we know today. Shortly thereafter (2000), the Roswell events began. I was in seventh heaven: Beetles were back on the map, so to say.
I was in for one more huge surprise that I never foresaw which was bigger and more powerful than the rest. I meant a group of friends via this little round car that have become an integral part of my life. Presently, I cannot imagine a world (or my life) without the SoCal NBC.
Thanks to you all,
Luke