Latest Issue
Hot VWs Magazine February 2025: The California Look Special 50th Anniversary
On the cover: “Impossible Dream”—Dean’s ’67 Sedan, photographed in front of the iconic Volkswagen factory in Wolfsburg, Germany. (Photo by Shin Watanabe)
THE IMPOSSIBLE DREAM
If you are old enough to recall your very first Volkswagen with clarity, then you might enjoy the following story. Back in 1972, the first of many 1967 VWs that rolled down my driveway came to be…
THE CAL LOOK CARAVAN
In late June, Cal Look enthusiasts from around the globe gathered in Wolfsburg, Germany—the birthplace of Volkswagen—for a 500-mile road trip spanning three countries, culminating at the European Bug-In (EBI) in Chimay, Belgium…
STRATO SILVER BULLET
Since Dune Buggies and HotVWs magazine coined the term “California Look” to describe a certain type of customized Volkswagens, it has influenced enthusiasts worldwide for over five decades…
OWEN’S 10TH BIRTHDAY PRESENT
If your parents or relatives are hardcore VW enthusiasts, how could you possibly avoid becoming a VW fan yourself? Many of our readers likely developed their love for Volkswagens through the influence of family members…
CARLSBAD MEMORIES
While we take VW drag races for granted today, they were most uncommon during the 1960s. Der Kleiner Panzers club should be credited in part for paving the way for such events. Guess what…
THE SPEEDWELL WAGEN
If you’re a Cal Look fan and active on social media, chances are you know Fabian Dewar, better known as “Speedwell”, from Belgium.I would say he is the librarian or the archivist of Cal Look VW history. When we traveled to Belgium, we finally got an opportunity to photograph his beloved ride, this ’61 Cal Look Bug.
THE ROAD TO YESTERDAY
Back in 1971, Dave Kanase purchased a seven-year-old Beetle, which he slowly morphed into a Cal Looker. He completed its resurrection in the early ’80s, black paint and custom interior included. Would you believe the car hasn’t changed much since?
UNOBTANIUM MAGNESIUM
Team HotVWs recently had the good fortune of attending a unique get-together, open solely to owners of Volkswagens equipped with real BRM wheels – an item intrinsically linked to the California Look. With the latter being celebrated this month, we decided to find out more about these magnesium wonders!
THE VOLKS GROUP MEMORIAL DAY MEYHEM!
The roar of engines, the smell of burning rubber, and the crash of waves just steps away—Samoa Dragstrip came alive as The Volks Group kicked off Memorial Day MAYHEM, blending thrilling drag races with a unique seaside vibe.
THE KRUST REPAIR BUS
While attending the Volksfest show in Moxee City, Washington, one camper across the park caught our attention—it looked as though it was on fire! Thankfully, the fire was contained within a potbelly stove inside the Transporter’s distinctive and inviting interior.
BUG-IN 48
Every June, Southern California transforms into a hub for VW enthusiasts during SoCal VW Week, attracting fans from around the globe. Spanning three weekends and featuring seven major events, the festivities culminate in the legendary Bug-In at Irwindale Dragstrip.
And More!
