Hot VWs Magazine October 2023

Hot VWs Magazine October 2023

On the cover: On the cover: Cruising the back roads of America, Mike Russell’s perfect ‘64 Notch. (Photo: Chadly Johnson)

GOTTA BE A ’50
Cars built by German Folks Klub members keep on getting better… and older. This is the story of one of their latest rides, Donnie Howard’s genuine 1950 Ragtop, a powerful ground-scraper finished to the highest level and laden with rare accessories.

A DREAM COME TRUE!
Following a U.S.-based German Folks Klub Bug (see previous article), how about another GFK rarity from... the Netherlands? Richard Krom is making waves in the European VW scene, being heavily influenced by the VW culture some 5,600 miles away in California. He especially fell in love with the iconic German Folks Klub based in So-Cal, 15 years ago – the group inspired him to build a mega-detailed Beetle. Richard has since become the first official member of the club’s Dutch chapter.

THE AMAZING AUTOMOTIVE ART OF STEVE STANFORD!     
The always imaginative Steve Stanford has been treating hotVWs magazine readers to fantastic drawings for 25 years. Recently, we hooked up with Steve to see what new VW art he had created. This visit also allowed us to ask him about his remarkable journey within the car world. 

BUGGY WONDER YEARS Part 7
The stack of color slides from the 1960s/early ’70s uncovered in our archives have brought out some gems, most of them revolving around dune buggies. While many of the latter were destined for dirt roads, others enjoyed the limelight of indoor car shows. Such was the case of the distinctive Bugs Buggy, penned by famous automotive designer Harry Bradley.  

A NOTCH ABOVE!
A lifetime of dreaming of the perfect Volkswagen. The concept, style, color, stance and other details trapped in the head of each dreamer. As car lovers, we all have them, but few are fortunate enough to make theirs a reality. Nonetheless, all are held closely on the off chance that their dreams can become reality.

SILVERADO CAMPOUT 2023
Silverado is a 3-day event with numerous enjoyable activities open to campers and swappers from Friday to Sunday. Additionally, there is a VW car show on Sunday as well. The venue exudes a serene, national park-like atmosphere on a private property in Southern California. Upon entering the park, you will immediately feel disconnected from the “real world”. 

HOT ROD 36HP MOTOR V2.0 FINALE
In last month’s article, we showed you that my 1488cc, 36-horsepower hot rod V2.0 motor was finally installed back in my ’58 Bug, and mated with a newly built tunnel case transmission. The engine oil and transmission fluid have now been filled up, the fuel line hooked up, and the accelerator and clutch cables connected to the drivetrain. It should be ready to roll back onto the street. Let’s see how it runs!

KELLEY PARK WEEKEND
This event weekend is a must-have on all VW enthusiasts’ bucket list. The Golden Gate Chapter of the Vintage Volkswagen Club of America (GGCVWCA) presents the Annual Spring Meet at History San Jose (aka the Kelley Park Show), which is a one-of-a-kind VW meet you don’t want to miss. The 38th edition enjoyed a huge turnout.

VOLKSFEST CURITIBA, BRAZIL
Traveling for over 25 years to Brazil, I have been visiting suppliers and, in the last couple of years, customers alike. I love the coffee, the meat, and the warm, big-hearted people with their generous hospitality. However, I have never had the chance to attend one of their incredible Volkswagen festivals, of which they have several.

And More!