2024 - Hot VWs Magazine
Regular price $9.99
Hot VWs Magazine December 2024: Meyers Manx at 60 From Beaches to Baja
On the cover: Three days on the trail... Rubicon was a brutal adventure. (Photo: Shin Watanabe)
Vintage Vibes
With its vibrant 1970s-style graphics and the growl of a Corvair engine, John McBeath’s Manx buggy is more than a tribute to the past—it’s a time machine. And at the heart of this retro creation is the collaboration of John and world-renowned VW builder Dave “Pip” Pipoly of The Compound.
Rock and Roll
If I had known the entire route and how difficult it would be to drive, I would never have joined this adventure. It was one of the toughest challenges I’ve ever experienced (even though I didn’t drive) in my VW life. It was an unforgettable opportunity to be part of a wild adventure: driving Volkswagen-powered dune buggies through the Rubicon Trail.
A Bright Feature
The late and beloved Bruce Meyers sold his well-known business in 2020. What has happened since? As this year marks the 60th anniversary of the Meyers-designed Manx, we decided to stop by Meyers Manx, LLC’s headquarters to find out. It turns out the company has expanded greatly!
Celebrating the Meyers Manx 60th Anniversary
The Manx Club took over Big Bear Lake again, celebrating Meyers Manx Buggy’s 60-Year Anniversary.
Honoring the Oldest Type 34
Volkswagen built three types of Karmann Ghia: the Type 14, the Type 34, and the TC in Brazil. The Type 34, VW’s most expensive and fastest sports model, was produced from 1962 to ‘69. The oldest known is chassis #0 001 200, and this is the story of how a team of friends restored it to perfection.
Buggy Wonder Years Part 21
The Berry Mini-T Corporation produced a handful of interesting VW-powered fiberglass vehicles circa 1970, with the wildest being the C-Cab inspired by a commercial version of the Ford Model T. Digging through our archives, we found a handful of unpublished color slides…
Orange Bug Beachside Festival
If you’re a hardcore VW enthusiast, there’s a must-see event you may not have heard about yet—the Orange Bug Beach Festival. While Germany may be the birthplace of Volkswagen, the Far East has developed its own unique Volkswagen culture, and we’re here to take you to one of Japan’s premier air-cooled events, which should be on the bucket list of all VW fans.
Riding Out The Storm
The promoters had everything set. One of the biggest VW event weekends in Texas was ready to roll, and we were looking forward to returning to it. However, a huge thunderstorm hit the Dallas/Fort Worth area just one week before the meet, causing the venue to close. The organizer didn’t give up…
Lost in the Rust
In the rolling hills of northeastern Pennsylvania lived a man whose passion for VWs surpassed anything most of us could fathom. Imagine if you had the money and means to collect nearly every model of air-cooled Volkswagen. Many of you have seen YouTube videos of people claiming to find a forest of abandoned Beetles. The truth is both amazing and controversial.
Readers Showcase
Show your passion & share your story!
And More!
Hot VWs Magazine November 2024:
On the cover: It gets driven for sure! That’s Jake Miller’s 1951 Split Beetle. (Photo: Chadly Johnson)
EMPI ENGINE BATTLE
Who Made the Most HP and Took the $15,000 Check? VW engines roared and anticipation buzzed as the third week of SoCal VW Week in 2024 turned Anaheim, California, into the epicenter of horsepower. The global VW community watched as the EMPI Engine Battle unfolded, seeking the ultimate powerhouse.
DRIVEN SPLIT!
As VW enthusiasts, we all have fantasies of owning a dream car someday, and for many of us, a Split Window Beetle would make that list of cars. If that dream was to become a reality, what would you actually do with that car?
LITTLE RED
A hardcore Volkswagen enthusiast with a penchant for Type 3s, Michael Runyon had been dreaming of owning an early Ruby Red Notchback for decades – until a close friend mentioned one that might be for sale. As the car came equipped with a range of hard-to-find parts the previous owner had collected over the years, he soon realized it could be the perfect base to complete as his own project.
ISABELLA!
This ’73 Bus, known as Isabella, certainly wasn’t pampered in its early life. Built in Brazil, it served as a delivery workhorse and, despite over two decades of abusive service, remained road-worthy with the original drivetrain. It now resides in British Colombia, where it morphed into a superb, fully customized camper.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Even two decades ago, VW campouts often flew under the radar of enthusiasts, being typically small and seen as “side gigs” to larger events. Times have changed and some of them now enjoy an impressive turnout. Take the Spring Picnic and Campout, a get-together created in the 1990s, which gathered 860 vehicles this year…
EL CARRERA KARMANN
“It’s a bit of rolling art, a project from my creative side done just to have some fun,” explains Randy Carlson about his ’57 Ghia, which was inspired by Mexico’s famous Carrera Panamericana race held during the 1950s.
TWICE THE LOVE
It has Half the number of cylinders, but arguably twice the amount of love... Grant and Dawn Rilveria decided to forgo returning to the V8 world in exchange for becoming part of the Ohana.
BUGGY WONDER YEARS 20
Go to any VW event today and you can be certain to see a few dune buggies. Yet the situation was a bit different during the late 1960s and early ’70s – they were everywhere. This article takes a look at a bunch of them that joined the first Bug-Ins at OCIR…
VOLKSJAM BY THE PARKER DAM
Making its return, VolksJam by the Parker Dam is highlighted by a new venue alongside the Colorado River, and new activities including valve cover races and a raffle for a convertible Beetle!
READERS SHOWCASE
This section is dedicated to all Volkswagen owners and enthusiasts, allowing them to be featured in HotVWs. Show your passion and share the story about your VW! Photos/descriptions submitted by our readers.
And More!
Hot VWs Magazine October 2024:
On the cover: Mountain Dew, anyone? That's Tom McGrane's custom VW Thing. (Photo: Eric Arnold)
READERS SHOWCASE
Show your passion & share your story!
JUST DEW IT!
When you’re an avid collector of something, it’s natural for that item to make its way into your VW build in some fashion. For Tom McGrane, his love of Mountain Dew spawned a complete transformation of this everyday 1974 thing to a caffeine-induced one-of-a-kind splash!
STRATO SILVER LOVE
Eleven years ago, Ivan Ferenc discovered a diamond in the rough in his hometown of Vancouver, Canada. He poured much love into it and went through everything, finally bringing this jewel to Concours condition.
HOT ROD BUGGY
You can’t deny the parallel between 1960s hot rods and dune buggies. This safari model, a true survivor with a great story, certainly proves the point. It belongs to a longtime rod and custom aficionado, Henrik Forss, a fairly newcomer to the buggy world.
SILVERADO
Silverado is a three-day event that welcomes a wide assortment of Volkswagen campers and swappers. On Sunday, the car show featured over 100 additional VWs on a large grass area.
WAXON!
A blend of survivor car and modern Sandrail – could this be the perfect sand toy?
OHANA REUNION
ʻOhana: a Hawaiian term meaning “family”, in an extended sense of the term, including blood-related, adoptive, or intentional. Indeed, family is what the Volk's group Ohana reunion was all about.
RED PAPRIKA SPICY!
Happily together for over three decades... That’s quite a feat in the world of automotive enthusiasts. Eddie Galvan bought his ’60 Bug in 1991, and over the years, the paprika red convertible underwent numerous phases before being fully restored – it acquired over 20 rare accessories along the way.
APPLE VALLEY VOLKSFEST SHOW
Car shows are great! They are an opportunity to gather with friends and likeminded enthusiasts to spend time focused on the cars that we are so passionate about. That in itself is already a good thing, but we sometimes wonder... What makes a really great car show? What is it about a particular event that makes is stand out above the rest?
BUGGY WONDER YEARS 19
“From its bullet-like nose to its box-like tail, the Black Shark is an unmistakable Indianapolis machine in street trim,” stated our article back in October 1969. Indeed, this little known fiberglass two-seater had a distinctive design, unlike any other ’60s buggies!
And More!
Hot VWs Magazine September 2024:
On the cover: In this Type 2-oriented issue, you will discover some crazy adventures during Shasta’s Bus trip. (Photo: Richard Kimbrough)
THE JOY OF PERSEVERING
Downed trees, rising creeks, six engines full of water, and a gas station engine pull were just some of the Shasta Snow Trip fun this year.
WESTY WITH A TWIST
Jeff and Michelle Nall enjoy a beautiful, fully restored 1967 So-42 Westfalia featuring what might appear to be a rather uncommon attribute: a new, British-made Dormobile pop-top roof.
PATIENTLY PERSISTANT
After hanging out with his German Folks Klub pals for 20 years, Mauricio Vargas finally became a full-fledged member of the group, thanks to his rare, over-the-top RHD ’56 cabriolet.
RAILWAY VW BUS
This unique Barndoor Bus doesn’t take to the road at all; instead, it’s an extraordinary vehicle that operates solely on steel rail tracks and doesn’t even have a steering wheel!
OCTO WINTER MEET 2024
If you are a VW bus fan, you are very likely to know about this group and its gatherings. Based in southern California, the Orange County Transporter Organization (OCTO) is one of the largest Type 2 organizations, specifically restricted to 1967 and earlier models.
OLD SCHOOL POWER! PART 7
Part seven: Dyno-testing our 1700cc street engine. Building a California Look 1700cc street engine.
PERFECT BLEND
On a dark January night, a guy who knew just a little about buses or Volkswagens at all dropped cash on a table in Kingman, Arizona. He buckled his small daughters in the back seat, took a deep breath, crossed his fingers, and hit the road to Las Vegas in his newly acquired 1977 deluxe Westfalia.
ISLAND GIRL BUS
Annette was born and raised on the Big Island of Hawaii and later moved to Oahu. In 1985, she met Brian Brensinger, a Marine who was stationed at the Kaneohe Marine Base.
BUGGY WONDER YEARS PART 18
Several famous custom car builders ventured into the dune buggy world during the 1960s. George Barris, the man behind the Batmobile, comes to mind.
HOT VWS DRAG DAY
With its action-packed, fast VWs 1/8-mile drag race, top-notch show ‘n shine, and giant swap meet, the HotVWs drag day is always one of the most popular Volkswagen events in southern California!
And More!
Hot VWs Magazine August 2024: Karmann Ghia Special Issue
On the cover: Brandon Jackson’s ‘58 Ghia, photographed in San Jose, California’s Kelley Park. (Photo: Shin Watanabe)
Karmann Ghia for Life
A lifelong Volkswagen enthusiast, Brandon Jackson’s dream car journey culminated in the acquisition and restoration of a ’58 Karmann Ghia Convertible. Talk about dedication, passion, and unwavering love for classic VWs…
Karmann Collection
Special thanks to the Volkswagen Classic and Heritage department for inviting hotVWs to a rare opportunity: they opened the doors to the private Karmann collection preserved at Volkswagen Osnabrück in Germany.
Misfit ‘58
While on a hunt for a desirable early Karmann Ghia, Joe Alexander stumbled upon a model that might be considered a unicorn: a very early 1958 coupe featuring a variety of late ’57 characteristics. The car recently came out of a 5-year-long restoration – and it looks remarkable.
Old School Power! Part 6
PART SIX: Linkage setup, headers, and ready to break-in on the dyno.
Buses by the Bridge XXVII
Buses by the Bridge (BBB) is put on by the London Bridge Bullis, on the shore of Lake Havasu, on Arizona’s border with California. The event is a favorite place for VW travelers from all around the country, especially places with cold climates, to travel to for a respite from frigid weather and enjoy a weekend under the sun.
Black Pearl Ghia
People don’t usually get a chance to reverse their mistakes unless your name is Chris Luke from El Dorado Hills, CA.
Buggy Wonder Years Part 17
Empi had become the world’s largest purveyor of aftermarket VW products by the late 1960s. So, not surprisingly, it ventured into the then-hot fiberglass dune buggy market, thanks to its good-looking Imp model released in 1968…
Until we meet again, old friend
We will never forget the day Robert Amar Barrilleaux passed away. He was one of a few people that would be remembered simply by one name — Bear. To the Volkswagen community, Bear was larger than life.
WAGONS & WATERFALLS
What happens when you combine the love of VWs, a world famous natural landmark, and tourist destination into one weekend? You get the Niagara GermanAire Car Show & Social, a weekend you won’t forget.
And More!
Hot VWs Magazine July 2024:
DEANO DYNO-SOAR: The Untold Story
On the cover: Dean Lowry in the DDS Oval, a photo never seen before! (Photo: Dean Kirsten)
CREW CAB CRUISER!
Unlike today’s trucks that come with all the bells and whistles, VW’s Single and Double Cabs offered the bare minimum during the ’60s, akin to what you might expect from a European commercial vehicle at the time. Robin Lewis’ 1966 model shows what happens when one such workhorse receives a “Deluxe treatment” with extra trim and colors, a cozy interior and 2.0-liter power!
A TRUE LIFETIME OF ADVENTURE!
Ray Saul, from Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada, grew up tending to his father’s passion—Volkswagens. He now carries on his dad’s legacy: This Type 181, commonly known as Thing in the US market. It has a unique story, having been assembled in Wolfsburg, Germany for the Mexican Government.
BUG-O-RAMA ICT
It’s always exciting to visit a place and VW event you’ve never been to before. You will discover a new area, learn different habits, make new friends, enjoy the local food, etc. This time, hotVWs magazine flew to the Sunflower State to join the Bug-O-Rama ICT.
THE DEANO DYNO-SOAR!
A look back at the first H/Gas sedan. Dean Lowry built after he left Empi
SARA’S JOURNEY WITH TURTLE
A couple of months ago, we highlighted Mimi, a 91-year-old young lady who purchased her brand-new Bug in 1969 and still drives it today – one of the best VW stories I’ve ever heard. But this month, we bring you another amazing story almost too good to be true: a teen’s love affair with a classic VW Beetle, a 16-year-old high school girl who chose a ’69 Bug for her first car and now drives it every day.
JUST NORTH OF INSANITY
Scandinavian Cal Look and Classic. A small pine forest just north of Oslo, Norway has been home to the biggest air-cooled festival in Scandinavia for over twenty years..
OLD SCHOOL POWER! PART 5
PART FIVE: Valvetrain, Weber mods, and a whole bunch more.
THE UTAH VW CLASSIC 2023
The Beehive State welcomed visitors with picture-perfect weather as the Utah Transporter Association prepared to host the area’s largest annual Volkswagen gathering, the Utah VW Classic.
BUGGY WONDER YEARS PART 16
It’s always a blast going through the color slides – often unpublished – featuring old buggies, which fill our archive boxes dating back to the 1960s and early ’70s. Among the treasures we unearthed, let’s take a look at the Berry Mini-Tub, built over a stock-length VW chassis and reminiscent of century-old automobiles.
NOT SO FAST #39
This year, the Fast Times at Farmington events had something missing: the “fast” part. Yes, we missed our Drag Racers fiercely! Why do you say?
And More!
Hot VWs Magazine June 2024:
THE ART OF BARE METAL
On the cover: It's almost a shame to paint Eliot Vancil's very rare 1949 Heb... It's absolutely perfect! (Photo: Stephan Szantai)
A METAL MEISTERPIECE
There is some rationale for featuring Eliot Vancil’s bare-metal, unfinished 1949 Bug in our pages, starting with the rarity of the model – a Type 14 Hebmüller....
IDAHO HUNTING BUGGY
Jeff Elrod grew up in a drag racing as well as off-road racing family, competing with air-cooled power for over five decades......
OLD SCHOOL POWER PART 4
Welcome back to our on-going series on building a mild performance street engine. What is different about building a so-called “Old School” engine is that you are using a mixture of new....
DETHROD!
Nathan Howe has built a Bug that turns heads wherever he goes. His Volksrod, which he describes as “a kind of kooky, nostalgic TV hot rod,” has been redone three times, with this version being the wildest.
OLD VOLKS SHOW OKLAHOMA
At the heart of every active VW community always lies a vibrant VW club. The VW Club of Oklahoma stands as one of the greatest examples......
BUILDING BEATRICE
Kevin Davis grew up in the Hot Rod culture; he was a Mopar guy and still is today. Even so, like many, he had an appreciation for Volkswagens which began in high school and culminates in a custom 1957 Oval that is truly one of a kind.........
PUDDLES
Three generations of the Clough family transformed a project car from the Arizona desert, establishing roots in the Pacific Northwest........
PUYALLUP REVIVAL
Digging deeper into our archives, we uncovered a set of color slides dating.......
BUGGY WONDER YEARS PART 15
As the traditional custom car craze began to fade during the 1960s, several builder.......
And More!
Hot VWs Magazine May 2024:
Forever Young Bought New And Still Driving It!On the cover: Mimi purchased her Bug new in 1970, and has covered over 400,000 miles since! (Photo: Shin Watanabe)
MIMI’S 70 BEETLE GO, LOVEY, GO!
This one-owner, original Beetle is the property of a 91-year-old lady – and the car is still going strong. It looks like driving an air-cooled VW is the way to keep you young and in good shape!
Canada’s Biggest VW Show Weekend
On a personal level, experiencing the vibrant VW scene in Vancouver, Canada, evokes a sense of nostalgia. It’s almost like returning to my hometown. Despite not being a native, the connection runs deep, as both of my beloved air-cooled rides originated from this picturesque city. It feels like a homecoming to the breathtaking landscapes of Beautiful British Columbia.
Comfort on the Go!
Being based on the stark 11-window Kombi, VW campers such as the Westfalia offered few exterior frills during the Split Bus era. But what if Volkswagen had used a “more window”, better appointed version for its camper conversations? Well, it might have looked like this 1966 model, owned by Gerry Gutierrez, a model loaded with accessories!
Old School Power! PART 3
Welcome back to our nostalgic 1700cc engine build. In this issue, we will tackle the cylinder heads, as back when I first built my engine there were basically only one dual-port casting available – Type 3! I purchased a pair used for $50, and drove with them, stock, for months, until one Friday morning, Ron Fleming and I took them off, stripped them down and began porting on them.
Fiesta En La Playa #10
The City of Imperial Beach hosted the 10th Annual Fiesta VW Show, bringing together participants from all over Southern California & Mexico. Beautiful blue skies and the Pacific Ocean as the bacK drop were sure to create a party atmosphere and a family-friendly day of Volkswagens and surf!DREAMS do Come True!
Envision a dream taking shape, a dream which transcends the ordinary. For Serge Le Flohic, this dream materialized in the form of an extraordinary Woody Beetle. Guided by the creative brush strokes of artist Pascal Meslet’s illustrations, Serge’s project emerged as a unique creation, a testament to his unwavering passion for the world of cars and customization.Smileage Guaranteed
Do you remember the days when air-cooled models graced the showrooms of Volkswagen dealerships? Or have you daydreamed about a nostalgic journey back to the vibrant 1950s and ‘60s, where dealerships were adorned with classic air-cooled VWs? At Capistrano Volkswagen in San Juan Capistrano, California, this dream became a reality for vintage fans during one unforgettable day.The Purple Padilla Ghia
Colorado’s Bobby Padilla practically grew up around Volkswagens. Since the age of four, they’ve been a part of his life. Naturally, when he decided to restore a car, the choice was an easy one. What he didn’t know, is he would be restoring the same car he was treasuring years before.
THE BEN PON SHOW
Following two successful editions in 2014 and 2018, many Volkswagen enthusiasts were eagerly looking forward to the next Barndoor meet. Participants therefore prepared their vintage VWs for the trip and organized convoys from Germany, the UK, Scandinavia, Spain, the Czech Republic, Italy, and more. Ultimately, the event drew spectators from more than 30 countries.
And More!
Hot VWs Magazine April 2024:
2 Billion Dollars! A VW Fan Hits The Lottery JackpotOn the cover: On the cover: So, you won BIG playing the lottery... Guess what happens now? (Photo: Stephan Szantai)
Just One of US!: Record California Lottery Winner
In November 2022, Powerball executives announced the winner of the largest jackpot in the history of the lottery: 2,04 billion dollars. His name is Edwin Castro Jr. and he happens to be a hardcore Volkswagen enthusiast. In a worldwide exclusive, hotVWs magazine met the California native at his new home, where he keeps his growing collection of rare Vee Dubs!
VW Culture in Paradise! 21st Annual Shaka VW Weekend
We flew 2,000 miles over the Pacific Ocean to the tropical islands once again, eager to be part of the biggest VW event weekend.
CHECKMATE! Hawaiian Look Buggy from the Usual Suspects Club
Every time we have visited the magical islands of Hawaii, we’ve been impressed by their unique “VW style”. Despite being the 8th-smallest and the 11th-least populated U.S. state, the Aloha Vee-Dub scene is vibrant and passionate, consistently creating new and interesting project cars. This month, we highlight a mega-detailed Hawaiian Look buggy created by one of the key members of a local club, Usual Suspects.
A Family’s Journey in Classic VWs
What inspired you to start driving a VW? Here’s a story about a Hawaiian fellow who began driving a Bug because of his cousin. That same family member built a top-notch show car Beetle for his dad too.
All-Star Game Texas VS. The World VW Shoot Out
The All-Star Game of VW Drag Racing – this was our first thought about the Shoot Out. Clint Cox and Jason Poynter called upon all VW racers who believed they were the fastest. Ultimately, 137 race cars from coast to coast (and from Mexico too) showed up at the midpoint of the United States: Xtreme Raceway Park in Ferris, Texas. And the promoters paid BIG cash prizes of more than $40,000 to the competitors.
A Beautiful day in the Neighborhood!
You don’t always have to look far to find the perfect VW. Dave James will substantiate this statement. His neighbor Roy, who owned a Westfalia he bought new in 1971, peered over his fence one day and told Dave he was ready to sell it. And so began this camper’s new journey, which involved a restoration and various improvements.
The Final Run at Bandimere Colorado Bug-In
When the announcement was made declaring this to be the final season of the famed Bandimere Speedway in the outskirts of Denver, Colorado, we knew the Painter’s Grinding Bug-In was going to be a must-attend event. The VW faithful did not disappoint, all wanting to be a part of the final run at Thunder Mountain.
Buggy Wonder Years
Digging deeper into our archives, we uncovered a set of color slides dating back to over half a century, depicting another gem by genius automotive designer Bruce Meyers. Not the Manx dune buggy mind you, but the lesser-known and gorgeous Manx SR…
Tech Alert 74 Synchronizing Dual Carbs
D ual carburetors aren’t for everyone, but they do offer maximum performance over a “single” in most cases. Let’s take the mystery out of the synchronizing process to get a smooth running engine!
And More!
Hot VWs Magazine March 2024:
Twin Turbo Insanity!On the cover: Jose Salazar’s insane twin-turbo 1953 Barndoor! (Photo: Stephan Szantai)
El Rey de Splits
On page 42 of this issue, you will discover the twin-turbo 1953 Deluxe Microbus owned by Jose Salazar. Guess what… Jose also owns a second, highly detailed turbocharged beast, based on another rare model, a 1952 “11G” Split Window Beetle – a car that has raised the standards within the VW scene.
TWIN-TURBO TERROR!
Barndoor Buses have become some of the most sought-after VW models ever, especially the elusive 23-window version. Can they be improved? Certainly not, will shout the vintage fans – yet the custom fringe of our scene might disagree. This leads us to introduce to you Jose Salazar’s ground-breaking twin-turbo 1953 Microbus…
Dave Pipoly’s Compound!
Since 2002, Dave Pipoly has created some of the vehicles most wanted by VW publications around the world. The brain behind The Compound (Long Beach, California), Dave is one of the top-tier builders of mega-detailed Volkswagens, who constantly wows enthusiasts while continuing to raise the bar. As he was involved in two of the cars featured in this issue, we decided to find out more about the man.
OH-SO-FUN TREFFEN
Southern California’s Vintage VW Treffen has a special place in the hearts of many Volkswagen enthusiasts, due to its astounding selection of vehicles – only the rarest models can join the festivities. The 2023 event inaugurated a new venue, which pleased participants and visitors.
A ‘69 Red Hot notch!
We come across many modified Volkswagens here at hotVWs, however few are as thought out and detailed as Chris Gosting’s 1969 Notchback build from Pahrump, Nevada. Featuring a 2.7 liter Corvair conversion and outfitted with air conditioning, this bright red Notch is lighting up the highways!
The BEAST IN THE EAST!
The annual VW Nationals takes place each year at Mason Dixon Dragway in Boonsboro, Maryland. The ninth event proved to be another great success with 99 VW racers taking to the track while 128 cars signed up to be judged in the show.
Old School Power!
PART Two: INTERNAL COMPONENTS GET A CLOSE INSPECTION
Building a 1700cc screamer just like we did back in the ’70s
Buggy Wonder Years
While some dune buggies were clearly designed for off-road adventures, others had a definite “street edge”, being longer and lower. This is the story of one such vehicle, the superbly penned Deserter GT which came out of the East Coast.
A Big Surprise ‘67
During the Volks Group Summer Showdown event (see our February 2024 issue), the organizers, along with the rest of the participants and track officials, celebrated a special individual who has been dedicated to supporting local drag racing – with a fully restored ’67 Cal Look Bug. However, the awardee was unaware of this gift until she was presented with the key. It was a big Surprise.
And More!
Hot VWs Magazine February 2024
On the cover: Garage scene with Mark Akullian’s 1961 Ragtop. That’s Mark, polishing his real BRM mag rims. (Photo: Shin Watanabe)
My Hot ‘56
Larry Schultz has been a Cal Look enthusiast for over five decades and grew up in the golden era of Southern California’s VW scene. During his young days, his memories were filled with drag racing at Orange County International Raceway with his brother and father. Today, he resides just a few blocks away from Route 66 in Oklahoma, at the very top edge of the Kansas state border, 1,500 miles away from the Cal Look Mecca. However, he indulged in a traditional Cal Looker – a true flash back to the 1970s at OCIR.IT’S BACK, JACK!
Back in September 1984, hotVWs magazine unveiled Angie and Jack DiGiacomo’s black ’66 sedan, which changed hands in 1994 and disappeared shortly after from the VW scene. Their son Jack Jr., who had fond memories of the car, managed to track it down and buy it back… To the family’s amazement, the Cal Looker has remained untouched!California Gold
During his childhood back in the 1970s and ’80s, Mark Akullian was heavily influenced by Southern California’s Volkswagen scene. Along the way came the vision of a yellow Beetle and he soon started collecting parts. Turning this vision into reality took 30 years – the long journey led to this amazing project car.Old School Power! Part 1
Building a 1700cc screamer using both new and vintage performance parts.The Volks Group Summer Showdown 1
After helping run the successful Fast4Cartel VW drag race series for six seasons, Jeff “JK” Kramarsic – a 50% owner of the organization – left the group based in the Northern California and Oregon area in early 2023. It was shocking news to many. Drag racers and fans were curious about his next move. Well, here it is: the new VW Drag Race series organized by JK – The Volks Group. SMALL TOWN BIG DREAMS
Old towns and old Volkswagens truly go hand in hand, when it comes to car shows. To prove the point, team hotVWs traveled to the 2nd Nor Cal Dub Affair, hosted in beautiful San Juan Bautista. You can bet it will turn into a local favorite in years to come!BUGGY WONDER YEARS
Dune buggies had a huge following during the 1960s, hence even companies outside the VW scene took notice. Among them, Sears which relied on its catalogs and extensive chain of department stores to market the Rascal buggy, an obvious Meyers Manx copycat. You’re in luck: We found great, never published color slides of the model in our archives!Big Wednesday
The organizers of this event, Periscope Enterprises, purposely avoid promoting this happening. Yet if you want to be part of this VW and surf gathering by the beach, you simply need to remember the following: On the second Wednesday in August, VW boys and girls skip work, bring surfboards and drive their Volkswagens to San Onofre State Beach.Tech Alert #72
R unning a stock Solex carburetor can be a beautiful experience. Let’s take a look at how to fix up an old one you may have in your box of spares.
And More!
Hot VWs Magazine - January 2024
On the cover: On the cover: Could this be the most significant Bus find of the decade? (Photo: Chadly Johnson)
THE SCHULWAGEN KOMBI
The most significant Bus find of the decade. Some stories are so unbelievable that I wouldn’t even think them real if I had not seen and felt the evidence with my own eyes and hands. At times, I am not sure that I am not just living in the matrix or some dream. This is the story of an almost unbelievable find, the Schulwagen.
VW BUS FESTIVAL HANOVER, GERMANY
For seven generations and over 70 years, the VW bus has been one of the most iconic and popular vehicles in the world. Volkswagen wanted to celebrate this remarkable history and invite all fans to the VW Bus Festival 2023 at the Hanover exhibition grounds, promising an unforgettable weekend. We flew over the Atlantic Ocean to the hometown of the VW Bus, Hanover, Germany, to witness more than 6,000 VW Buses camping together.
AUTOBAHN EXPRESS
Residing in Northern Germany, a father of two and a devoted husband, Arne Steffen became enamored with air-cooled Volkswagens at the age of 18 in 1984. After four decades, he is still a dedicated VW enthusiast. We will showcase his current vehicle, the high-speed Autobahn Express van.
KÖWABUNGA VAN KLAN BUS SHOW
This is way beyond cool. Who would have ever imagined we could have a VW show taking over a pier, especially when the location is one of the most popular tourist spots in southern California? Don Ramsey and the Huntington Beach VW Van/Surf Club Köwabunga Van Klan have done it again – they parked 100 VW buses on the Huntington Beach pier!
DOUBLE BACK
Some say two is always better than one. Morgan Ingmire, whose family has owned a 1973 Squareback since it rolled off the showroom floor, didn’t hesitate to bring home a second orange Type 3 when he had the chance to add it to his stable.
BLUE BY YOU
Some VW folks have all the luck. Steve Mizzi received a ’61 Beetle as a present seven years ago. It soon evolved from a tame stocker into a ferocious animal, with a wide and low-to-the-ground stance, complemented with a 330-horsepower flat-four.
BUGGY WONDER YEARS
By now, many of you will know about the hundreds of buggy-related color slides – most dated from the late ’60s – which we have fortuitously found in our archives. This month’s article focuses on the low, aggressive and innovative Bugetta, conceived by legendary Indy car builder Jerry Eisert.
BUG-IN #47
Starting in early June, southern California began a VW extravaganza that extended over three weekends & featured eight major events. The culmination of the 2023 So Cal VW week was the legendary Bug-In.
TECH ALERT #71
Although disc brakes hadn’t quite caught on in American made cars, VW introduced air-cooled Type 1 and Type 3 customers to disc brake systems as early as 1965. Let’s take a look at this most popular caliper format, and see what’s available in disc brake upgrades.
And More!