Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Volkswagen Concept: Kamagong Ghia Surfwagen

What if Volkswagen produced a limited number of these sport wagens. Capitalizing on it’s popularity in the 60s California beach scene, and transforming a sleek sports car into a surf wagen, Volkwagen could’ve offered an alternative to the ultimate beach ride, the VW Bus.

Or you could do it yourself. Weld-in a rust-free Volkswagen Type3 Squareback top, side windows and rear hatch to fit a solid 60s Volkswagen Karmann Ghia. Kamagong is one of the hardest woods used in traditional Philippine furnitures.

Often mistaken for Mahogany, the Kamagong is actually a different tree altogether.Pinoy craftsmen used lots of kamagong veneer and strips to form a wooden frame for the area around the squareback windows. Expertly shaped and sanded into shape, the new phantom body is a welcome concept.

This Surfwagen is fitted with classy polished 17" BRM-replica rims with Michellin tires. Power comes from a 2-liter, dual Weber-fed, pancake motor that clear precious rear space.The roomier interior is blessed with cappucchino leather, with an eggshell colored headliner and brown carpeting.

The pearlescent orange paint accentuates the dark wood of Kamagong Ghia.

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Volkswagen Concept: El Toro


In July 1958, DMG Incorporated, the exclusive assembler and distributor of Volkswagens in the Philippines started delivering VW Transporters, initially with the Kombi model. The following months saw the arrival of the other Type2 VW’s - the delivery vans and pick-ups. Soon, the famous Beetle made their appearance and were available through 17 dealerships.

BY 1969, DMG introduced the Sakbayan, considered the first Filipino car. Next model introduced was the Trakbayan, a commercial vehicle. Both used the VW Type 1 engine and VW components.

With the popularity of the Volkswagen model line in the Philippines, DMG embarked on "Project Toro". The sporty Toro was intended to provide local car enthusiasts with a "sporty" model designed and built by DMG. Andy Ferreria was the chief project leader of the "Toro Project" back in the early 70's.

Information on these elusive VW models are courtesy of fellow VW enthusiast, Gilbert Chan. As far as he knows, and based on little bits of info Gilbert has been able to gather from other local enthusiasts, there were several versions of the Toro made. No one is sure of the actual production numbers but if Gilbert is not mistaken they were all based on the Type14 chassis. The more common ones had Ghia floorpans, Ghia windshields, door glass, and door hardware. There were subtle differences with the exterior trimmings. Some used Brasilia headlight and tail light assemblies while others used generic rear light assemblies that looked to have came off of the Sakbayan/Trakbayan parts bit. There were also 2 or 3 variations of the hood. Some were rounden while others had a sunken-in portion. The rear C-pillar (flying butress) also differed somewhat in that some had Empi-like scoops fitted to feed air into the engine bay, while others had grills on the decklid. The front seats also came off of the Type14 Ghia or Brasilia depending on the year model. The design of the Toro itself is commendable. In side view, it pays homage to the VW SP2, one of the most beautiful VW "specials".

Heavy-handed approach to the headlight and tailight design was dissapointing to say the least but still incorporated off the shelf VW parts. All in all, a handsome design.

Volkswagen Concept: El Toro aims to resurrect local VW passion by re-inventing the car imagined by the DMG engineers of decades past. An abandoned VW Toro was quickly located for the basis of this build. The VW sat in a backyard for over 30 years but the fiberglass shell was intact. Almost everything else was worthless but a good solid 70s Beetle donor car provided enough parts to make this Toro whole. Complete ball-joint front and IRS rear suspension assemblies were removed, cleaned, inspected for wear and parts replaced as necessary. A complete floorpan rebuild with fresh high grade metal pan halves provide a strong foundation while performance shocks and brakes complete the rejuvenation. A set of polished 15 inch original Porsche Fuchs wheels (4.5 inch front, 5.5 inch rears) were donated to the project along with Nankang performance radials (195/50x15 fronts, 205/70x15 rears). A High-speed transmission was sourced and installed along with urethane motor mounts and fresh linkages. An 1835 engine was built for moderate performance with Dual 44 Weber carburators providing enough grunt. An aircondition was installed as well as a 75 amp alternator. The elecronic distributor does away with the flimsy contact points and a merged header system completes the motor.

VW Concept: El Toro is covered by deep black urethane paint that highlights the expert body work done to the ageing fiberglass panels.Early Brazilia talights and Beetle H4 headlights complete the Vintage look.

The interior boasts seats and door panels covered in black ultraleather and black german wool carpet adds elegance. A Porsche 944 steering wheel was used, a complete set of Speedwell gauges were refurbished, and a Sony sound system installed.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

VW Concept: Superspeed


Chopping the roof of a VW Beetle is no picnic, but as soon as the body massaging is done, the whole enchilada looks like something designed from the start as a slick speedster. The chopped windscreen and persplex side glass provides minimal protection from the elements. There is no provision for a top. None! Better bring a raincoat! A twin-hulled reardeck is designed to counter the aerodynamic turbulence left by cutting the roof off.

Volkswagen Concept: Superspeed was sprayed with a candy red epoxy paint, rubbed to perfection. A matching KAMEI-style front airdam looks menancingly cool.

Built for heavy-hitting circuit racing, Nuespeed adjustable coilovers replace tired VW McPherson struts and the Brembo brake upgrades are decades more advanced. Porsche 944 Turbo trailing Arms with koni adjustable shocks and same Brembo brake upgrades round out the rear. A blueprinted Eurorace 3.0 liter fuel-injected, Type4 engine, mated to a rare Berg 5-speed gearbox provide the juice.

Superspeed wears the latest Concept One 5 Spoke Rims with ADVAN rubbers. 19 inches front and 20 inches rear add teeth to this no-nonsense beast that manages to leave acrid white smoke while drifting.

Red-piped, black alcantara Recaro racing seats hug the driver, 3-point belts anchor him. Paint-matched carbon fiber deck combined with VDO gauges and custom carbon-fiber door panels and rollcage quickly clean up and lighten the interior. No radio is allowed as the sweet rumble of the massive flat four provides enough accompaniment.

Sunday, October 10, 2010

Wednesday, October 06, 2010

VW Concept: Pula Kahula Front Quarter View


This pula kahula was shreddin the gnarl. There were no men in grey suits for this totally tubular ride into the shore. This gidget was crushin it. Notice the righteous switchfoot maneuver and aggro kickout.

The frogs on toast were riding their fibro tiki style just watching the babanees babelini jazzing the glass.

VW Concept: Pula Kahula Revealed!


Here's a diagram of the Pula Kahula