Volkswagen Concept: Schwimmer

During WWII, the Type 166 Schwimmwagen boasted a four-wheel drive system that not only improved cross-country ability but offered better weather protection than the motorcycle/sidecar combination that was used for reconnaissance at the time. Harsh conditions, especially at the eastern front, proved the Schwimmwagen's simple mechanicals and light weight to traverse difficult terrain with ease and reliability. Initially planned as a reconnaissance vehicle, better weather protection, and outstanding amphibious capabilities were much appreciated by the soldiers who used them.

This Volkswagen Concept Schwimmer pays homage to both the sturdy Schwimmwagen and the iconic Meyers Manx dune buggy, made popular during the sixties. Made out of durable fibreglass, the Schwimmer uses dune buggy manufacturing techniques while remaining faithful to the the design of the original war-time original. Both the top and the windshield were chopped 8 inches to give a more purposeful profile.

Using a standard Type1 Beetle chassis, the Schwimmer forgoes four-wheel drive capabilities, allowing for a much lowered stance complete with Porsche "Gas Burner" rims and performance radials for the street. It's aquatic acrobatics are not compromised with a near duplicate of the Schwimmwagens propeller and shaft connected to the VW motor.

The engine itself is a much modified Type1 displacing 1800cc with dual Weber 44 carbs sealed water tight for soujourns into flooded areas. The exhaust is routed up above the body to make it as amphibious as possible.

A perfect vehicle for typhoon season.

Volkswagen Concept: RostKubel

Field Marshall Erwin Rommel has gained near mythical status because of his successes in the field from his command leadership during the campaign of France and in North Africa. The AFRIKAKORPS was the original and more famous name for the German Sperrverband or “Blocking Force” sent to Libya in 1941 during the North African Campaign of World War II. The AFRIKAKORPS, became a major German contribution to Panzer Army Africa - Panzerarmee Afrika and the Army Group Africa - Heeresgruppe Afrika.

Based heavily on the Volkswagen Beetle, the Kubelwagen (Bucket Car) became known internally as the Type 82. With its rolling chassis and mechanics built at Stadt des KdF-Wagens (Stadt des Kraft durch Freude Wagens, now Wolfsburg) and its body built by US-owned firm Ambi Budd in Berlin, the Kübelwagen was for the Germans what the jeep was for the Allies. A survivor of WWII, a rusted shell was all that remains of this once mighty war machine. This Volkswagen Type82 KubelWagen was rodded up using techniques popularized by the SOCal group.

It is this model that is the basis for a California VRod inspired rendering. Giving the RostKubel (RustBucket) a radical Volksrod Look. The rusty body was left untouched while new underpinnings and new pan halves give it a new lease on life.

A new top, sidings, and upholstery make trips enjoyable. Military camouflage materials especially suit this ex-personnel transport. A lot of cutting, twisting and extending of the torsion front suspension was required. Early Porsche Fuchs and Potenza Advan tires give it more grip on the road. A thumpin 2180CC with dual QP headers, 009, and alternator sing with daily driver dependability. Dual Weber 48s motivates this vintage Volksrod to sub 12 second quarter miles slips.

Volkswagen Concept: VW California

Two-tone silver and black coat the massaged early Type1. VW California evokes the much-loved Porsche 356 Speedster treatment. Which means a lightweight, stripped-down, bare-bones track rat. First, the bumpers are removed. The body panels then are painstakingly straightened before paint is sprayed on.

Michelin radials hug 15 inch Porsche Gas Burner alloy rims. Lowered trailing Arms with Koni adjustable shocks accept Porsche 912 brake upgrades. Front trailing arms and dropped spindles on a narrowed beam with same Porsche brake upgrades firm up the front.

The interior is bathed in rich ox-blood leather, complemented with aluminum accents. VDO gauges complete the track inspired interior. The only concession to comfort is the iPod powered sound system.

The Topchop is the single strongest visual statement. The roof, door tops and quarter windows are unceremoniously removed. A V-shaped Auburn-like windscreen and side panels are made out of plexiglass replacing the heavy OEM parts.

A Gene Berg, close-ratio 5-speed gearbox tames the grunt of the blueprinted 2180cc Type1 engine.

Volkswagen Concept: IPIS, A Reprise

Volkswagen Concept: IPIS, A Reprise

Volkswagen Concept: Raspberry Maple Woodie for 2009

Volkswagen Concept: Raspberry Maple Woodie for 2009

Green Hornet - The top video clips of the week are here

Herbie and Ghia are CLEAN :)

After a thorough washing, Herbie and Ghia are under wraps waiting their turn for a complete re-greasing and change of fluids (Oil, brake, transmission, gas)

It would take a couple more weeks but they both will be back better than before :)

Ghia and Herbie Got Trapped in the APC Basement During Typhoon Ondoy’s Fury

Typhoon Ondoy (international codename Ketsana) ravaged Metro Manila, Philippines last Saturday September 26, 2009. Both Ghia and Herbie got trapped in the school’s basement which promptly filled with flood waters.

Took some time to clean some of our belongings before the tow truck comes

It’s hard to feel sorry for myself when a lot of my countrymen have NOTHING left! As far as my VWs go, they will be torn down and rebuilt hopefully better than before. I tried to make Herbie a HGTMC clone but I think I have a very convincing Bananas Herbie no? Hahaha. All I can do is laugh. (on the outside)

Need to disinfect them both

At least Ocho is on dry land. I’m having them (Herbie and Ghia) towed to a Volksbuddy that has a VW repair shop. The upholstery is gone, need to be replaced. Need to tear down the engine, suspension, brakes.

Cmon Ocho… TRY!, TRY!

Will keep you guys posted

More pictures from the basement here

Pictures of when we managed to pull them out to dry land