Luke
07-24-2007, 09:30 AM
The titile of this segment ("junk" in the trunk) is by no means meant to down-play the wonderful legacy of early VWs. Although a few SoCal NBC members did not own older air-cooled models before buying their NBs, most did. Many of us either still own one or more of these early cars or have purchased them as a result of our connection with the New Beetle.
Presently, I own three water-cooled models and five air-cooled cars (several each of Type 1s, 2s and 4s from 1958 to 1978). Sadly, I have begun to sell a few to reduce my 'fleet'. These early VWs are fantastic cars and, I believe, the new models possess the same 'spirit' as the older models. The New Beetles, however, works much better at competing with the rigors of todays high-speed traffic conditions.
As a teenaager I was first exposed to a '64 beetle that one of my older brothers owned for a while. After that first up-close look, I was hooked. I got through most of my college days college with my first VW: a 1960 Type 2 thast I drove back and forth from Utah to SoCal. A van was a VERY fun car to have in college.
While finishing college years later in Kentucky (and regularly driving a 1968 Westfalia camper), I came upon a 1964 bug with a blown engine for $75. The car was fairly nice, but needed a motor. I was working in an auto repair garage during the day, while I finished my degree requirements at night. Days later a very nice 1300 cc engine showed up in the repair shop needing a car. Well I still have that '64 all these years later. There's a big chunk of my life that has occurred while owning this car. It has been refurbished once and needs it again. This one's a 'keeper' for me.
Feel free to add comments here about past, present or 'dream' aircooled VWs you own, have owned or would like to own. You are welcome to add a story or two about how an early air-cooled VW 'sold' you on deciding to buy a newer water-cooled VW.
During our NB cruises it is almost a certainty that someone will approach us and tell us they once owned an older beetle. It is amazing that they all recall the year and the color. A few even ask if the engine is still in the rear!!
- Luke
Presently, I own three water-cooled models and five air-cooled cars (several each of Type 1s, 2s and 4s from 1958 to 1978). Sadly, I have begun to sell a few to reduce my 'fleet'. These early VWs are fantastic cars and, I believe, the new models possess the same 'spirit' as the older models. The New Beetles, however, works much better at competing with the rigors of todays high-speed traffic conditions.
As a teenaager I was first exposed to a '64 beetle that one of my older brothers owned for a while. After that first up-close look, I was hooked. I got through most of my college days college with my first VW: a 1960 Type 2 thast I drove back and forth from Utah to SoCal. A van was a VERY fun car to have in college.
While finishing college years later in Kentucky (and regularly driving a 1968 Westfalia camper), I came upon a 1964 bug with a blown engine for $75. The car was fairly nice, but needed a motor. I was working in an auto repair garage during the day, while I finished my degree requirements at night. Days later a very nice 1300 cc engine showed up in the repair shop needing a car. Well I still have that '64 all these years later. There's a big chunk of my life that has occurred while owning this car. It has been refurbished once and needs it again. This one's a 'keeper' for me.
Feel free to add comments here about past, present or 'dream' aircooled VWs you own, have owned or would like to own. You are welcome to add a story or two about how an early air-cooled VW 'sold' you on deciding to buy a newer water-cooled VW.
During our NB cruises it is almost a certainty that someone will approach us and tell us they once owned an older beetle. It is amazing that they all recall the year and the color. A few even ask if the engine is still in the rear!!
- Luke