manilaghia

Volkswagen Concept: V30Rod

2011-11-11T16:03:00.001-08:00

Volkswagen Concept: V30Rod is based on the 1937-1940 Volkswagen prototype V30. After the 1st VW prototype proposal, orV3, a series of prototypes called V30 followed. Although closer to the eventual Beetle, they still lacked a rear window.

Centered on Adolf Hitler’s specific requirements for the “people’s car”, Ferdinard Porsche proposed a design that would be durable and space-efficient; it would cruise at its maximum speed of 100 kilometers per hour (62 mph) and average about 40 mpg of gas; it would easily climb hills; it would have an easily repairable air-cooled engine; it must be large enough for 2 adults & 3 children plus their luggage; and its platform must be adaptable to a variety of uses. The batch of thirty V30 prototypes were produced for Porsche by Daimler-Benz and underwent 2,900,000 km of testing in 1937 proving the reliability of the design. The prototype V30 already had the distinctive round Beetle shape and the legendary air-cooled, rear-mounted engine.

What if one of these prototypes survived? Albeit badly worn out? An enterprising Volkswagen fanatic could “rodderize” this ride, applying traditional “Volksrod” techniques, such as lengthening the wheelbase and deleting front and rear fenders altogether.
V30Rod is totally “gangster”. Fenderless,bumperless, with the Wheelbase extended, It gives a menacing profile.
To give V30Rod enough horsepower to back up its tough look, a 200HP Type 1 Volkswagen engine was built bulletproof. It has full-flow oiling with a Maxi30 pump. 94mm Mahle pistons with A Race Pro 84mm crankshaft with Chevy journals and forged 1.4:1 rockers bump the stocker to 2332cc. Other goodies include a lightened flywheel, wedge-port heads with 44×37 valves, Dual 48mm Weber IDA carbs and a 1 3/4″ merged ceramic coated exhaust round out the specs.
18 inch BRMs with 235/40X18 front and 255/45×18 rear Yokohama Advan AO48, single block with a race-ready compound provide fantastic grip. The front end features a CB Performance dropped spindle and the rear torsion bar was adjusted 2 notches to bring the ride height down to the pavement.
A close ratio Volkswagen Type 1 Pro Street IRS transmission, features a Super Diff, Aluminum side covers, Welded 3-4 hubs, and hardened keys.
Driving through the city, the eye-searing Green comes from the Super Beetle factory colors of the 1970s. New HiD headlight are housed in the original headlight buckets while LED tail light conversions brighten the way. Four-wheel disc brakes and Koni shocks firm up the handling.
Comfortable black leather Volkswagen interior are used as well as matching black leather door panels and ebony German wool carpeting. These prove to be perfect complements to the frog green exterior.
The dashboard is home to classic white-face VDO gauges and updated with a contemporary sound system. A Pioneer AVIC-D1 In-Dash Mobile Nav head unit, makes sure that Jake doesn’t get lost on the way to the clubs. Rockford Fosgate 3Sixty DSP pumps Punch subs, and the Audiobahn A12005DN amplifier keep the beat thumpin’.

Volkswagen Concept: Sophia Carmen

2011-09-16T17:39:00.000-07:00

Sophia Carmen is one of the cleanest Bay Window Type 2 Single Cab Volkswagens in this part of the world. She lives with Tox Joel of the VIP (Volkswagens In Pampanga). Recently, Tox mounted 17″ Fuchs type rims to fill in the Type2 wheelwells. In my opinion, a little lowering job would make it the sweetest Bay SC in town.

Volkswagen Concept: No Mercy Emergency Ambulance - Qtr View

2011-09-09T18:18:00.000-07:00

Designed as a “Fly-Car”, this emergency response vehicle can be used to reach a scene more quickly than a standard ambulance to bring a skilled resource to a scene.

Who are you?, huhu huhu Who are you? Huhu Huhu

Volkswagen Concept: Lil’ KaferHaus

2011-09-01T05:54:00.000-07:00

Aside from being a Volkswagen fanatic, my Dad was into a lot of mechanical contraptions. He was an avid “tinkerer” and like him, most of the stuff I tinkered with, usually ended up in the trash. He would always bring home the latest issue of Popular Mechanics and Mechanix Illustrated.

One issue of MI that stuck to my psyche was the one that featured the Minihome. This was a Volkswagen sedan hacked in half and a whole motorhome body shell grafted on! While I did not share my Dad’s passion for the great outdoors, I fancied a Minihome camper for my very own.

Motorhomes and Recreational Vehicles (RVs) were as popular as Dune Buggys in the 60s and early 70s. And while they were all the rage then, a Volkswagen Beetle Motorhome just simply pushed the boudaries over the edge! One look at one and you would wonder if it spawned the term FUGLY!

It is it’s eye-poppin outrageousness and ridiculousness that makes me want one. A little bit too much frickin’ LSD for the tree-huggin hippie love-child.

Click on this link for a nice array of Beetle Motorhomes. http://weburbanist.com/2010/06/13/vw-rv-ftw-the-amusing-amazing-beetle-minihome/

Volkswagen Beetle Truck Concepts

2011-08-30T19:44:00.001-07:00

Some Volkswagen Beetle-Truck concepts:

Clockwise from upper left:

der KleinTransporter, a single cab Beetle pickup. See http://volkspinoy.blogspot.com/2011/08/volkswagen-concept-der-kleintransporter.html

ACSR Pickup: A single cab Air-Cooled Search and Rescue Volksrod Pickup. Coming Soon

TruckVRod: an open-top Beetle Pickup Volksrod. Coming Soon

No Mercy Emergency Ambulance: A Volksrod Emergency Fly-Car. See http://volkspinoy.blogspot.com/2011/08/volkswagen-concept-no-mercy-emergency.html

The Pula Kahula: A Volksrod Woodie. See http://volkspinoy.blogspot.com/2011/08/volkswagen-concept-pula-kahula-reprise.html

The Raspberry Maple Woodie. A Pink Stylized Volkswagen Woodie. See http://manilaghia.multiply.com/journal/item/159/Volkswagen_Concept_Raspberry_Maple_Woodie_for_2009_?sms_ss=blogger

The Trajes Sedan Delivery: A Volkswagen Beetle Panel Delivery. See http://volkspinoy.blogspot.com/2011/08/volkswagen-concept-trajes-manila-sedan.html

Der Truckster: A Volkswagen Beetle Open-top Pickup. Coming Soon.

Volkswagen Concept: Jake, Doors Open

2011-08-26T18:58:00.001-07:00

Are you Tuff Enuff?

Blacked out 18 inch BRMs with 235/40X18 front and 255/45×18 rear Yokohama Advan AO48, a close ratio Volkswagen Type 1 Pro Street IRS transmission, bulletproof 200hp, dual 48mm Weber IDA fed and a 1 3/4″ merged ceramic coated exhaust, 2332cc Type 1 Volkswagen engine. Ultra black House of color paint, HiD headlight and LED tail light conversions, VDO gauges, Pioneer AVIC-D1 In-Dash Mobile Nav head unit, Rockford Fosgate 3Sixty DSP pumps Punch subs, and Audiobahn A12005DN amplifier adds serious street cred to the Rometsch Taxi-styled Volksrod.

See VW Concept: Jake

Volkswagen Concept: Big Al

2011-08-25T21:39:00.000-07:00

Need a little bit more room for your Tommy Guns?

This stretched Volkswagen Concept is based on the Rometsch 4-door. An updated Beetle body accommodates the full red leather interior worthy of Capone. Bulletproof Radials, 18 Inch Der Steiner Rad Alloys smooth out the ride through dangerous streets. An equally bullet-proof, dual Weber 48 IDA-equipped, Porsche 914 2.4 liter engine and Gene Berg 5-speed installed via a custom flywheel provides enough juice to outrun the cops. Big Al is not afraid to boogie.

Driving through Ayala Avenue, the deep House of color, Cherry Black paint glistens from the fresh detailing, new HiD headlight and LED tail light conversions brighten the way, and four-wheel disc brakes and Koni shocks firm up the handling.

The shorter front and additional rear doors open butterfly style, revealing the red-hot leather Recaro interior. Red leather door panels and blood red German wool carpeting are perfect complements to the maraschino cherry exterior.

The split dashboard is home to classic white-face VDO gauges and updated with a contemporary sound system. A Pioneer AVIC-D1 In-Dash Mobile Nav head unit, makes sure that Big Al doesn’t get lost on the way to the clubs. Rockford Fosgate 3Sixty DSP pumps Punch subs, and the Audiobahn A12005DN amplifier keep the beat thumpin’.

The early split-window roll-up ragtop is restored and opens to spectacular views of the moon and stars. Big Al shows them how it’s done.

Top of the World, Ma!

Volkswagen Concept: SuperSally

2011-08-23T20:34:00.000-07:00

What about a 1979 Volkswagen 4-door 1303S? What if a couple of VW engineers decided to build the Ultimate Super Beetle. Based on the Rommetsch Taxi of the early 50s, this 80s interpretation is bigger, faster, and safer. Taking a box-stock Euro-spec 1303S, they custom engineered the four doors exclusively using original parts. They intentionally updated the engine to add more muscle for the extra weight. Unfortunately, the time was nearly over for factory air-cooled cars, so the idea was never considered.

The story might not be true but you can start on your own SuperSally with a sad and neglected Volkswagen 1303. While still plentiful, the recent interest in them have been driving up prices on solid examples. The four-door conversion itself takes careful planning but only require another set of doors and the services of a skilled bodyman.

Shocking Pink SuperSally is roomy and comfortable. 17' front and 19" rear polished BRM replicas and Michelin radials provide extreme grip and traction with a little sacrifice in ride comfort. But the rebuilt McPherson front end with Koni shocks and Porsche disc brakes handles the bumps and jumps brilliantly. Reworked rear torsion leaves, Porsche 944 control arms, Porsche disc brakes and Koni shocks lower the rear end.

The recovered Recaros replace the original VW seats. Matching cappuccino custom door panels follow the original VW style. Everything else, even the steering wheel , gauges and switches are original VW.

A 1915cc Type 1 motor, discrete dual quiet packs with CB-Performance fuel injection provide SuperSally sass. Ride Sally ride, ride Sally ride. . .

Volkswagen Concept: Jake

2011-08-21T16:51:00.000-07:00

Volkswagen Concept: Jake was built out of an abandoned Brazilian VW sedan and patterned after the 4-door Rometsch Taxi, with a Volksrod flavor that is totally "gangster". Fenderless,bumperless, with the Wheelbase extended, It gives a menancing profile to go along with the rear split window, and the classic VW "W" decklid.

To give Jake enough horsepower to back up its tough look, a 200HP Type 1 Volkswagen engine was built bulletproof. It has full-flow oiling with a Maxi30 pump. 94mm Mahle pistons with A Race Pro 84mm crankshaft with Chevy journals and forged 1.4:1 rockers bump the stocker to 2332cc. Other goodies include a lightened flywheel, wedge-port heads with 44×37 valves, Dual 48mm Weber IDA carbs and a 1 3/4? merged ceramic coated exhaust.

18 inch BRMs with 235/40X18 front and 255/45×18 rear Yokohama Advan AO48, single block with a race-ready compound provide fantastic grip. The front end features a CB Performance dropped spindle and the rear torsion bar was adjusted 2 notches to bring the ride height down to the pavement.

A close ratio Volkswagen Type 1 Pro Street IRS transmission, features a Super Diff, Aluminum side covers, Welded 3-4 hubs, and hardened keys.

Driving through the city, the deep House of color, Ultra black paint glistens from the fresh detailing, new HiD headlight and LED tail light conversions brighten the way, and four-wheel disc brakes and Koni shocks firm up the handling.

The shorter front and additional rear doors open butterfly style, revealing the jet-black leather Volkswagen interior. Black leather door panels and ebony German wool carpeting are perfect complements to the black exterior.

The split dashboard is home to classic white-face VDO gauges and updated with a contemporary sound system. A Pioneer AVIC-D1 In-Dash Mobile Nav head unit, makes sure that Jake doesn’t get lost on the way to the clubs. Rockford Fosgate 3Sixty DSP pumps Punch subs, and the Audiobahn A12005DN amplifier keep the beat thumpin’.

The early split-window roll-up 3-fold ragtop is restored and opens to spectacular views of the moon and stars.

Volkswagen Concept: the Trajes Manila Sedan Delivery

2011-08-19T19:23:00.001-07:00

Fun Truckin’

Like cruizin’ above the crowd? Even lowered trucks are taller than regular Hot Volkswagens! Trucks are also tough; they have uh . . . pluck! Wazzat? Trucks are fun without all the fuss. They’re cozy, courageous and confident. And they’re cheap - cheaper than most other body styles.

If most show ‘n’ shiners scratched a fender, they’d be headed for the paint repair shop. But delivery truck owners shrug off small imperfections. Some even feel their ride doesn’t have much character without at least a small scratch.

If your a trucker, truckette, truckee, or truck-on type of volksrodder, you’ll want to get to see what’s already obvious: How much fun truckin’ can be.

Emmy needed something more spacious for her deliveries. Her dresses and couture gowns hardly fit in a regular VW, so this Trajes Manila Sedan Delivery concept is a perfect marriage between a vintage air-cooled and something a little more imaginative. Not wanting to settle for any run-of-the-mill transporter, we grafted the rear of a cast away kombi to a front end of a regular bug.

Reupholstered front seats offer comfy seating for two while the rear seats were tossed and a flat floor and sufficient cubby holes built-in the rear. Replica Empi 5-Spoke 17 inch rims add more chutzpah to the unique profile. Fresh coats of Bali Green cover straight bodywork with minimal chrome trim. A Hot Volks panel truck created from an early-model Volkswagen and left-over van panels, this Sedan Delivery is dedicated to fun truckin’. It’s another way to get your kicks on Route 66 . . . . or Rodeo Drive, if you prefer.

Volkswagen Concept No Mercy Emergency Ambulance

2011-08-15T20:36:00.001-07:00

Here’s a cool ambulance concept! Guaranteed to turn the heads of the medical staff.

Volkswagen Concept: No Mercy Emergency Ambulance aims to resurrect local VW passion by re-inventing the Ambulance with a more radical Beetle-based theme. An abandoned late model

Volkswagen sedan was quickly located for the basis of this build. The VW sat in a backyard for over 30 years but the body was intact. A VW Type 1 modified into a panel truck.

Using an early Type2 panel, the rear pieces were metal-worked into shape by dedicated craftsmen.

I updated the suspension with a complete rebuild. The 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. The frame head was extended to give the concept a Volksrod flavor and a A set of polished Empi 5-spoke replica 18 inch rims (7 inch front, 9 inch rears) were donated to the project along with Nankang performance radials. A High-speed transmission was sourced and installed along with urethane motor mounts and fresh linkages. An 1835 engine was built for moderate performance and handles all emergencies. 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: No Mercy Emergency Ambulance is covered by an eggshell urethane paint that highlights the expert body work done. Early Split Bus talights and Beetle H4 headlights complete the Roddin' look.

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

Designed as a "Fly-Car", this emergency response vehicle can be used to reach a scene more quickly than a standard ambulance to bring a skilled resource to a scene. The fly-car enables the crew (often a lone responder) to bring their equipment quickly to the scene of an emergency, and may carry most of the same equipment as a full size ambulance.

Outfitted with an electronic siren, equipped with a PA, the latest portable two-way radio, mobile data terminals, or MDTs,and a Laptop computer with Wi-Fi docked within the vehicle. An in-ambulance cardiac monitor capable of acquiring 12-Lead EKGs, portable cots and backboards that are used to load patients into and out, and keep them secure while in transit. The No Mercy Emergency Fly-Car is also equipped with an Advanced Life Support System. The system contains a number of medical supplies, such as intubation equipment, intravenous drug administration tools, and administration sets. Administration set tools run the gamut from syringes and saline solution to defibrillators and electrodes. Other EMS equipment included includes catheters, endotracheal tubes, and padded arm boards.

Who are you?, huhu huhu Who are you? Huhu Huhu

Volkswagen Concept: der KleinTransporter

2011-08-11T19:04:00.000-07:00

Aside from the Type825 military pickup, Volkswagen never produced a Type1-based pickup truck but in 1946, the factory toyed with the idea of one and made a prototype Beetle pick up truck. They used it in the factory but ultimately designed and created the Type-2 to serve as the workhorse of the Volkswagen fleet.

It is not to say that a Beetle-based pickup truck is anything new as a lot of people have cut off the rear end of a standard Beetle and grafted on the rear of a pickup truck. One of the cleaner designs utilize the rear of a Type 2 and with a lot of metal work, manage to convince VW fanatics of an alternative truck design.

Volkswagen Concept: der KleinTransporter follows on that theme of a practical late model Beetle-based pickup truck. Using a late-model standard Beetle, the rear of the sedan had been cut off and remnants of an old Type2 Single Cab grafted on.Countless hours were spent on shrinking and fitting the larger Type2 panels to fit and make factory-like.

The truck was then anewed with a complete chassis rebuilt with a 3 inch narrowed beam with dual adjusters and shorter Koni shocks. The rear was adjusted 3 notches to bring the ride height down to respectable levels.

Powering the small pickup truck is a bullet-proof 1776cc, dual Weber40-fed engine. Instead of massive horsepower, daily driver reliability and smooth power delivery was the priority. A custom designed air-conditioning system was mandatory for pleasurable cruising in and out of town. The two-seater cockpit is a pleasure with beige leather seats and door panels. A charcoal carpet absorbs as much road noise so that the iPod-powered simple single Woofer-fed sound system gets the tunes across. A freeway flyer geared tranny with blacked-out 18-inch replica 8-Spoke rims with Bridgestone Potenza rubber adds the 1-2 punch.

A Bekowa-inspired roof-rack adds additional functionality, freeing the rear bed for more substantial hauling. Painted an eye-searing Yellow, the truck quickly draws a crowd at the local Jollibee burger joint.

Volkswagen Concept: Pula Kahula, a Reprise for 2011

2011-08-04T18:34:00.000-07:00

See original artwork

http://volkspinoy.blogspot.com/2010_09_01_archive.html

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.

translation c/o http://rippinh2o.com/dropzone/surflingo.shtml

pula kahula (hot mama)
shreddin (executing repeated turns)
gnarl (difficult waves)
men in grey suits (sharks)
tubular (awesome)
gidget (surf chick who can hang with the crew)
crushin (surfing hard)
righteous (honorable, awesome)
switchfoot (surfer who can surf with either foot forward)
aggro (aggressive)
kickout (controlled exit from a wave by riding up the face and over the top)
frogs on toast (boogie boarders)
fibro (surfboards)
tiki style (surf the white water standing still. . . like a tiki)
babanees (sexy)
babelini (girl)
jazzing the glass (surfing the waves)

The only identifiable VW sheetmetal left are the Brazilian front cut and an early VW hood. Flattened black paint was chosen that helps endure salty water sprays from the beach and reduces glare. HiD headlight and LED tail light conversions provide “modern” lighting at night while four-wheel disc brakes and Koni shocks firm up the handling. The off-white interior features Batangas-sourced embroidered linen for the seats and the door panels with Manila hemp carpeting are perfect complements to the wooden exterior.

Volkswagen Concept: Pula Kahula was built out of another abandoned Brazilian VW sedan and made into a Volkswagen “woodie”, again, with a Volksrod flavor. Handcrafted wood panels built around the extended Volkswagen pan echoes the extremely popular SoCal surf woodies. Fenderless, bumperless, with the wheelbase extended, It gives a hot rod flavor to the Volkswagen. Pula Kahula was designed to be more of a scooter than the feature-laden Lemonade Volksrod. The woodwork is much simplified, is shorter and lighter. Original VW Speedometer and gas gauge was used to keep the interior simple. No mega-buck sound system is needed. Instead, a simple iPod setup with Rockford Fosgate 3Sixty DSP pumps Punch subs, and the Audiobahn A12005DN amplifier keep the rock rollin’.

18 inch BRM-style alloys with 235/40X18 front and 255/45×18 rear Yokohama Advan AO48, single block with a race-ready compound provide fantastic grip. The front end features a CB Performance dropped spindle and the rear torsion bar was adjusted 2 notches to bring the ride height down to the pavement.

Pula Kahula’s got horsepower to burn! A 200HP Type 1 Volkswagen engine features full-flow oiling with a Maxi30 pump. The 2332cc four-banger has 94mm Mahle pistons with A Race Pro 84mm crankshaft with Chevy journals and forged 1.4:1 rockers. A lightened flywheel, wedge-port heads with 44×37 valves, Dual 48mm Weber IDA carbs and a 1 3/4″ merged ceramic coated exhaust complete the muscular powerplant. A close ratio Volkswagen Type 1 Pro Street IRS transmission brings the power to the pavement. The beefed-up tranny features a Super Diff, aluminum side covers, welded 3-4 hubs, and hardened keys.

Volkswagen Concept: iROCK Scirocco

2011-07-25T22:58:00.000-07:00

Hot dry air pushes northeastward up from the Sahara Desert and spins in a counter-clockwise rotation across the southern coasts of Europe. The Italian name for these winds is Sirocco and it carries red Sahara dust along the African coastal regions causing abrasion in machinery and magageing to penetrate buildings. The winds peak during March and November with wind speeds up to 100 kilometer per hour.

Like these winds, storms, heavy rains and lots of water usually followed.

Volkswagen desperately wanted to modernize it's product offerings and realized that the air-cooled platform so successful from before the war had run it's course. A new breed of
water-cooled Volkswagens were in the works.

The Volkswagen Scirocco, a small 3-door coupe was developed during the early 70s as a replacement for the venerable Karmann Ghia. Using the Golf/Rabbit platform, the model's all-new wedge shaped styling was penned by none other than Giorgetto Guigaro. His other notable "Wedge" designs include the "James Bond 007" Lotus Esprit S1 and the "Back to the Future" DeLorean DMC-12.

In 1974, the Scirocco officially went on sale in Europe and in North America in 1975. The Mark I, manufactured from 1974 to 1982, featured four-cylinder engines ranging from 1.1 to 1.7 Liters, all having 2 valves per cylinder and single overhead camshafts. Most came with a 4-speed manual transmission before the 5-speed American version was made available in 1979.

This Volkswagen Concept: iROCK Scirocco uses a late (1979) US Version of the Mark I Scirocco. This is a car I lusted after when I was in college. It was not offered in the Philippines and the best I could do was the 1st generation Passat 2-door which I painted black (from white) including the rims and installed front fender "windsplits" and a FOHA rear spoiler. I also installed a Clarion "component" car stereo with Jensen Speakers.

But this IROCK Scirocco was the look I was gong for. I was always fond of the single wiper which parked on the passenger side of the windshield and the one-piece wrap around bumper. To make the dream complete, this concept includes the windsplits and FOHA spoiler as well as a quartet of Bosch fog lights.

Volkswagen Concept: iROCK Scirocco is powered by a turbocharged version of the 2.0 FSI engine, producing 200 PS (147 kW; 197 hp) from a Mark V Volkswagen Golf coupled to a 7-speed DSG (Dual Clutch) from the new Mark 6 Golf all tied up on a PQ35 platform from the Golf Mark V.

The interior features comfortable gun metal grey leather while the exterior was painted a 1981 "S" version Cirrus Gray Metallic color to keep it stealthy!

Volkswagen Concept: Hebmeuller Superbe

2011-07-20T19:12:00.000-07:00

Throw away the book.

Guaranteed to turn heads is this Heb-style 1303 Super Beetle. A look at what could have been if Hebmeuller Coachcraft survived the war and continued to produce it’s 2-seat Convertible into the Super Beetle era.

Most assuredly, Hebmeuller would be at the forefront of VW advancements. As the VW Convertible evolved into the 1303 model, Hebmeuller also followed suit.

The Hebmeuller Superbé is a Volkswagen Concept based on a late model 1303S Convertible. The Superbé features the distinctive curved 03 windshield, the re-engineered VW top, and at the rear, the smoothened hood that echoes the sexy Heb shape.

Giving Superbé the visual jolt is the bright tangerine sides with the straight black body. Bilstein adjustable coilovers replace tired VW McPherson struts and the Brembo brake upgrades are decades more advanced. Polished EMPI 18-inch replica wheels with Fulda rubber fill-in the reworked fenders quite nicely. Modifying the Hebmeuller in the popular German-Look formula, Porsche 944 Turbo trailing Arms with Bilstein adjustable shocks and same Brembo brake upgrades round out the rear. A fire-breathing, blueprinted 3.0 liter Type4 engine, mated to a rare Gene Berg 5-speed gearbox pushes the Hebmeuller Superbé flat out at the ‘Bahn.

The “Burnt Orange” leather interior is luscious, it hides the audio/video gear from prying eyes. The clean dash features VDO white faced gauges. Twin Recaros in matching orange leather regularly gather crowds at the local Mickey D’s.

Volkswagen Concept: The Girl From Ipanema

2011-07-16T18:07:00.000-07:00

A cutesy Volkswagen Brasilia made into a tasty woodie!

It’s a little known fact that Brazil, the country, was named after the precious dye extracted out of her native trees. Interest was minimal at first, but the discovery there of a type of wood containing a valuable red dye, know as brazil, was treasured by the Portugese who quickly exported boatloads of the expensive stuff to Portugal and the rest of Europe.

The Brazilian rainforest, essential to the worlds ecosystem, also provides an appropriate link to this Volkswagen Concept.

The Brazilia, a model Volkswagen sold locally is poised for a big comeback. The ugly duckling of the local VW scene, is a rare bird these days, more so the four-door. The styling, different to say the least, was designed by Brazilian Marcio Piancastelli and was a courageous effort.

The front headlights do bear a slight resemblance to a rare air-cooled prototype, the SP1 and the rear ties very well with the design of the 1st generation Golf (nee Rabbit).

The pointed nose suggest a more nautical theme perfect for this interpretation. The Volkswagen Concept: The Girl From Ipanema is an ideal summer surf wagon for a family of four. The car is best used during the warm summer season at a beautiful seaside neighborhood like Ipanema, located in the southern region of the city of Rio de Janeiro.. Instead of an early T2 Split Panel, or a T3 Square, the Brazilia can be a very enjoyable VW to wood up.

This Volkswagen Concept was very much influenced by the popular song with the same name. "The Girl from Ipanema" is much-loved bossa nova song, written in 1962, with music by Antonio Carlos Jobim and English lyrics by Norman Gimbel. The version performed by Astrud Gilberto, along with João Gilberto and Stan Getz, from the 1964 album Getz/Gilberto, became an international hit, reaching number five in the United States pop chart.

Taking a few styling tricks from the SoCal surf scene, this VW Brazilia is measured and fit from the doors to the rear hatch with a light brazilian hardwood. Once fitted, custom framing is masterfully done by a cabinet maker ensuring a smooth finish. A generous urethane stain protects the wood from typhoons and monsoons. A bright “Pink Blush” House of Color “Brilliance Series” urethane topcoat is sprayed on the hood and fenders, while an eggshell white top and windshield posts adds a little class.

The door panels, twin Bucket seats and the stock rear seats are reupholstered in white vinyl with rose piping, with a set of Batangas embroidered seat covers reserved for formal functions.

Styled as a woodie, the interior boasts more timber than your average daily driver. Wood-grip steering wheel, wood shift knob, wood console, wood speaker boxes. Ultra-durable Abaca Carpet is used throughout and a modest audio-video system provide just enough samba.

17-inch Volkswagen Jetta 7-spoke rims are dressed-up with black center caps and with hi-performance Pirelli radials brighten up the package and provides excellent grip on the slippery stuff.

An otherwise rebuilt IRS suspension, steering, brakes, transmission, and DP 1600 engine with a dual exhaust provide just enough power and economy for everyday use.

Take care of her and she’ll run forever.

Volkswagen Concept: Jiu Jitsu

2011-07-15T18:39:00.000-07:00

Jiu-Jitsu came to international prominence in the martial arts community in the early 1990s, when Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu expert Royce Gracie won the first Ultimate Fighting Championships. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu teaches that a smaller, weaker person can successfully defend against a bigger, stronger assailant by using leverage and proper technique.

in 1970, Volkswagen of Brazil's president, Rudolf Leiding, wanted to create a "People's Car" with the Brazilian market in mind. He envisioned the car to have the Beetle's reputation of practicality, reliability, and economy. He also wanted the car to have a Brazilian flair! Using the Volswagen's german-engineering, the air-cooled Volkswagen Brazilia was a successful model, with a good reputation of reliability and extremely popular throughout the ‘70s and ‘80s in its time of production. The Brazilia, despite its Type 1 underpinnings, was perceived as a modern looking urban car.

To add more flair to the Brazilia, what if the designers offered a fastback model? Echoing the Type3 Fatsback, the Volkswagen Concept: Jiu Jitsu strikes a handsome profile while maintaining it's practicality.

This particular example is updated with 18-inch EMPI 8-spoke replica rims and Potenza rubber. A front and rear spoiler adds aerodynamic downforce at speed. Power comes from a dual Weber-34 fed 1835cc Type1 engine while the exhausts are blown through a 1 1/2 inch merged header with dual quiet-pack mufflers.

Of course, the car is bathed in Brazil's colors of Green and Yellow.

G O A L ! ! !

Volkswagen Concept: Riva

2011-07-07T00:46:00.000-07:00

Those in the know, treasure a small exclusive Italian sports boat company with the Riva name. As in the case of Porsche, the family of Pietro, Serafino, and Carlo Riva, produces a product lusted after by the rich and famous. From the 60s on, anyone who’s anyone owned these sleek, fast wooden watercraft. Sean Connery, Prince Rainier of Monaco, Frank Sinatra, the list goes on.

The exquisite shape is mimicked by this Riva. Based on a Volkswagen Brazilia, this concept embraced a life close to the sea. The Volkswagen Brazilia, long considered the ugly duckling of Philippine Volkwagen mania, is finally turning into a much loved swan! No longer trapped in the city, Volkswagen Concept: Riva frequents the local hot spots of Boracay. The additional room is quite unexpected but appreciated. It really is much roomier than a comparable Volkswagen Beetle. While the white sand gets into practically everywhere, Riva is built to party.

After chopping of roof and sides of the abandoned donor Volkswagen Brazila, pinoy craftsmen thoroughly and painstakingly measured and fit Philippine wood to frame and dress up the sides and rear of Riva.

The rear hatch gives the rear the shape critical to the Riva mystique.

Solid dark red is painted on the front of this early and rare VW. A removable, folding canvas “bop-top” provides minimal solar protection when needed.

Power comes from an 1835, dual Weber 40-fed, motor that offers brisk performance while maintaining economy. Safety first with the rebuilt suspension, steering, and brakes.

Big 17 inch BRM Classic rims and Dunlop tires provide enough contrast for the woodwork.

OUTLAW 356

2011-06-02T16:03:00.000-07:00

out·law [out-law]
–noun
1.a lawless person or habitual criminal, especially one who is a fugitive from the law.
2.a person, group, or thing excluded from the benefits and protection of the law.
3.a person under sentence of outlawry.
4.a person who refuses to be governed by the established rules or practices of any group; rebel;
nonconformist: one of the outlaws of country music.
5.Chiefly Western U.S.
a.a horse that cannot be broken; a mean, intractable horse.
b.any rogue animal.

An increasingly popular trend among Porsche circles today is the proliferation of what is known as the Outlaw 356s.

Most of the people who build outlaw 356s normally are not taking historically significant, rare, or untouchable 356s and cutting them up. Instead of restoring more common 356 models which could prove to be extremely expensive, many would rather customize these cars.

However, there is nary a line that is not crossed which upsets the Porsche purists greatly.

Dean Jeffries is generally credited with building the very first 356 Outlaw. In 1957, he immediately customized his new 1956 356 Carrera to draw attention to his fledgling custom shop in Southern California. "Back then", he said, "only the sports car guys had any money. Most of the hot rodders were broke."

Following Jeffries was Gary "The Oulaw" Emory. Emory was christened "The Outlaw" because of his extensive collection of customized 356s. After an exceptional career in concours restoration, he found himself building cars he could enjoy more, and drive more, much like an Outlaw 356.

One of the Outlaw 356s I've lusted after is the black 1964 Porsche 356 owned by Chris Toy. At first glance, you could mistake it for a well-cared for classic Porsche. Chris intentionally kept the exterior as original as possible, concentrating on stealthy performance. Open the hood and you would not believe the engine he managed to squeeze into the 356 engine bay. Chris dropped a 1979 930 Turbo engine into the car. This is a 356 with the soul of a Porsche 911 Turbo.

Mama Mia!!!……..

My passion for cars is epitomized by the Outlaw 356. Having a car that blends modern technology with vintage romance has always boiled my kettle. A vintage car that is fun to drive. Old school with new vibe!

For this concept, I would have gladly started out with a clapped-out 356 Speedster but a fiberglass replica makes the process that much faster.

Flared fenders front and rear covers massive 18x7 inch front and 19x10 inch rear Fuchs. The interior is gutted and a rollcage protects the driver from serious injury in the event of a rollover.

In order to escape the long arm of the law, this outlaw packs a Turbonetics ceramic coated T-66
turbocharger that feeds a fire-breathing 2387 monster engine. Plumbed completely with AN fittings and hoses, a 5/8 inch fuel line delivers the juice to the fuel injectors at a constant 75 pounds. Aeromotive billet fuel system with filter pump and rising rate regulator combine with a Canton Accusump/pre-oiler and a Canton high flow filter to protect the engine/bearings from
start-ups. The system has an additional 2 quarts of oil ready if pressure drops below 25 psi.

A CB performance fully clearanced raised roof aluminum case wears 86 Scat forged billet crankshaft with 5.7 inch Pauter rods with Chevy journals. 94mm JE pistons with Mahle Millenium cylinders push the gases through a pair of CB Performance Street Eliminator heads with titanium 46mm intake and 38mm exhaust valves reshaped 66cc chambers and k800 springs. An Engle FK87 camshaft wity .320 degree duration and .561 inch lift at the valves with 28mm lightweight lifters and CB chromoly pushrods, forged 1.4:1 ratio rockers. An 8:1
compression ratio ignition system consists of a JayCee crank trigger firing an MSD 1AL3 box with HVC2 coil going through a JayCee billet distributor. A CB Performance fuel injection system with Quick Tune computer and trick Sync Link cable linkage and a 1 5/8 inch Hideaway Turbo System exhaust, lightened 200mm flywheel, and KEP Stage 2 clutch and Super Black Magic
disc round out the engine specs.

The engine is dynoed at well over 500 HP with VP race fuel, methanol and 30 pounds of boost. For the street, the detuned setup with 12 pounds of boost, using premium fuel still tips the dyno at 300 HP.

A race-tough transmission using a gusseted Rhino case, Weddle 1st through 4th gears, Gene Berg side covers, case stiffeners, solid mounts and a Pro Shift was built to handle the massive horsepower.

Despite the fender flares, a custom 4 inch narrowed beam with offset shock towers and longer arms by KCW in Colorado fiited with QA1 adjustable billet shocks, CB dropped spindles and disk brakes with Airkewld master cylinders were needed to fit the massive front tires.

Sway-A-Way adjustable spring plates, JayCee retainers, Eyeball Engineering torque bar, camber compensator, Sway-A-Way axles, torsion bars, CB performance disc brakes were also fitted to the rear to fill in the full rear flairings.

Custom windscreen, side windows and an aerodeck pump up the bodywork while a quartet of foglights brighten night-time assaults on the twisties.

Porsche 356 Speedster R

2011-06-01T17:48:00.000-07:00

In order to give better performance and handling for races in the 50s and 60s, several Porsche 356s were stripped down in weight and modified. A few notable examples include the factory Porsche 356 SL, and the uber-delectable Porsche 356A Carrera GT with it’s infamous 4-cam engine. With racing seared into the Porsche DNA, many owners wasted no time in proving the car’s worth in racing. In Porsche’s own unending quest to improve performance over merely face-lifting their cars, each year brought some performance gain in either the powertrain, suspension or brake system. This trend continues to this very day with Porsche-philes incorporating modern Porsche technology into the popular 356 frame.

This particlar concept, the Speedster R marries the Porsche 356 with modern Porsche and Volkswagen components. Starting with the obvious 18 inch Porsche Fuchs instead of the 15 inch steelies. Koni adjustable shock absorbers and stouter sway bars firm up the suspension while CB performance front and rear disc brakes handle the stops.

A 200hp 2332 nose-bleeder engine using a machined late model Volkswagen case stuffed with a 84mm Pauter forged crankshaft, 5.5-inch Scat H-beam rods and 94mm Cima pistons. Engle FK-46 camshaft with straight-cut gears blow fuel and air through fully ported and polished heads with 46mm x 37.5mm vaqlves. The compression ratio is set at 10.0:1. The springs are ERCO triples and dual-tapered CB performance pushrods. A pair of 48mm Italian Weber 48s with modified 3rd progression hole and 42mm venturis are used. The much ported Skat Track manifolds is matched with a 1 3/4 inch LowDown system with 3 inch Renn Kafer muffler and V-band clamp. A Setrab oil cooler and Mallory 70 GPH fuel pump and bypass regulator are also brought into action.

A Berg 5 speed with a modified Erco one piece mainshaft is used. A Berg Positraction unit with Erco side covers, a 12.5 pound flywheel and a Berg/Kennedy 1700 pound pressure plate with Super-Diff round out the transmission.

Of course all of this drives the Porsche purists nuts.

Porsche 356 Speedster

2011-05-31T20:46:00.000-07:00

The Porsche 356 Speedster is one of the most desirable models ever to come out of Zuffenhausen. Max Hoffman's perfect vision of a low-cost, somewhat spartan soft-top sold well in America. The beautiful aerodynamic shape reminds you of an inverted bathtub. The Speedster with a low, raked windscreen, removable for weekend racing, simple bucket seats and minimal folding top was an instant hit, especially in Southern California. It was a lightweight and nimble handling rear-wheel-drive 2 door sports car. Like the Volkswagen Beetle, the other most famous of Dr. Porsche's designs, the Porsche 356 had a rear mounted air cooled pushrod OHV flat-4 engine. So inticing was it that several movie stars, including Steve McQueen, had to have one.

Except for the excessively rare 50 Gmünd cars manufactured in Austria for about two years, the Porsche 356 was built in Zuffenhausen near Stuttgart from 1950 to 1965. The Porsche 356, close to stock or highly modified, has enjoyed much success in rallying, the 24 hours of Le Mans, the 1000 km Buenos Aires, the Mille Miglia, the Targa Florio, the Carrera Panamericana, as well as many other important car racing events.

Original surviving Speedsters are highly sought after and the few mint examples remaining command premium prices, if you can find an owner willing to part with his.

So popular is the model that several companies offer "replica" Speedsters based on the venerable Volkswagen Beetle as it's platform. The simple design and the family DNA makes these replicas so convincing that only true Porsche-philes can distinguish between a copy or the real McCoy.

Volkswagen Concept: Bella

2011-05-18T22:26:00.001-07:00

Opting to black out the previous two-tone, Volkswagen Concept: Bella ups the ante for clean Karmann Ghias in this part of the world.

Embracing German-Look principles, a stout 200HP Type 1 Volkswagen engine powers Bella past the city speed limits. 94mm Mahle pistons with A Race Pro 84mm crankshaft with Chevy journals and forged 1.4:1 rockers bump the stocker to 2332cc. It features full-flow oiling with a Maxi30 pump. A lightened flywheel, wedge-port heads with 44×37 valves, Dual 48mm Weber IDA carbs and a dual 1 3/4″ merged ceramic coated exhaust. the engine compartment, aside from the aluminum firewall and side panels are paint gloss black. The ebony treatment covers the engine shroud, alternator, pulley, aircondition compressor, and distributor. The close ratio Volkswagen Type 1 Pro Street IRS transmission, featuring a Super Diff, aluminum side covers, Welded 3-4 hubs, and hardened keys, all connect to 17 inch Rota Bella wheels with 195/50X17 front and 255/55×17 rear Yokohama Advan AO48, single block with a race-ready compound.

Suspension tuning relies on Koni shocks and a 1 3/4 ” front rollbar. The front end features a CB Performance dropped spindle and the rear torsion bar was adjusted 2 notches to bring the ride height down to street - tough levels.

Inside, black leather adorns the ‘71 Karmann Ghia seats and door panels while black German wool carpet covers the floor area. A restored 71 black Ghia steering wheel with half moon ring coupled with a VDO white-face speedometer with fuel gauge dominates the dash. The stock fuel gauge location was replaced with VDO white-faced temperature oil gauge and the stock clock location was replaced with a VDO white-face oil pressure gauge. A VDO white-face tachometer fit on an external mount rests on the black leather padded dash.

As a crowning touch, a custom-fabricated roof rack rests on Bellas roof that adds a lot of class to this cool ride. Ciao Bella!

Volkswagen Concept: VolkSeven

2011-01-11T20:26:00.000-08:00

Volkswagen Concept: VolkSeven

Based on the immensely popular Colin Chapman original, Volkswagen Concept VolkSeven is a combination volksrod and Colin’s Lotus Seven.

The Lotus Seven was designed by Chapman in 1957 as a small, simple, lightweight two-seat sports car. The Seven has been highly successful with over 2500 cars sold and is considered as the embodiment of the Lotus philosophy. It has been so successful that there have been many companies that have blatantly copied the Seven formula and have produced their own Seven replica even today.

The VolkSeven uses the same principle as Colin Chapman’s original. Use a compact powertrain in an ultralight body and chassis and attack the track. But instead of using a vintage English inline four or a modern twin-cam Japanese four-banger, We Volkswagen enthusiasts ask, Why not use a hopped-up Volkswagen engine that pumps out over 180Hp?

An immediate advantage is that Volkswagen flat four engines are air-cooled and that the lack of a radiator further reduces weight. The original Volkswagen body panels were massaged a bit. The VW hood was used as a template albeit lengthened considerably. The roof was unceremoniously cut and the doors heavily modified. While severe alterations have been done, the remaining parts still retain some VW flavor. In fact, the cockpit is a tad longer and wider than standard Seven fare. It makes the VolkSeven just that more comfortable. Bride race buckets, Simpson’s race harnesses, a rollbar and a single tachometer are all that’s needed in the interior.

VolkSeven’s got horsepower to burn! A 200HP Type 1 Volkswagen engine features full-flow oiling with a Maxi30 pump. The 2332cc four-banger has 94mm Mahle pistons with A Race Pro 84mm crankshaft with Chevy journals and forged 1.4:1 rockers. A lightened flywheel, wedge-port heads with 44×37 valves, and dual 48mm Weber IDA carbs complete the muscular powerplant. All these flow through custom-designed, all aluminum dual free-flow side exhausts.

A custom designed driveshaft connects the flywheel to the flipped VW transmission to achieve the perfect balance. A close ratio Volkswagen Type 1 Pro Street IRS transmission brings the power to the pavement. The beefed-up tranny features a Super Diff, aluminum side covers, welded 3-4 hubs, and hardened keys.

18 inch BRMs with 235/40X18 front and 265/45×18 rear Yokohama Advan AO48, single block with a race-ready compound provide incredible grip. A CB performance dropped spindle brings the front end closer to the ground and the rear torsion bar was adjusted 3 notches to match the front end.

Volkswagen Concept: Raspberry Maple Woodie for 2010

2010-11-10T15:40:00.000-08:00

Simply Heaven. It starts off with the raspberry tang followed with a slight prickling of the tongue then a delicious warmth fills your mouth. I quickly noticed the maple syrup in it and having a major sweet tooth, I was a little overwhelmed, but not for long.

Our Raspberry Maple Woodride, created here by our Volkschef, is great to use with a salad topped with lobster or chicken. It can also be used for cooking and for dipping, perfect for a day at the beach. This termite delight contains red raspberry syrup, pure light maple wood, wide tires on 17″ Escara rims, 1600cc dual-port Type1 engine, cream leather upholstery, and parsley but with no added suger.

Volkswagen Concept: the DEUCE

2010-11-04T16:19:00.000-07:00

Let's start this out right, by admitting that hardly anyone has any idea what a Deuce Coupe is. Sure it's a car, but what kind?

Nowadays, most people don't know what a Deuce Coupe looks like, but if you saw the movie American Graffiti, you saw the very definition of aDeuce Coupe. You know, the yellow hot rod that the cowboy drove? That was a Deuce Coupe.

A proper Deuce Coupe is a car produced by Ford in 1932 (the "2" in 1932 is the "deuce"). Most of them had big V8 engines and were popular for drag racing. Everyone wanted one because Deuce Coupes had great lines, and you could make street rods out of them that looked so dangerously sexy. But the 1932 Fords weren't just coupes - they also came as roadsters and sedans.

The Deuce Coupe would be immortalized in song by The Beach Boys and in the 1973 movie “American Graffiti,” in which a sulking John Milner, prowling the neon-lit streets of a small Southern California town in a yellow coupe, gave new meaning to the word “cool.”

"Little Deuce Coupe" written by Brian Wilson and Roger Christian. The song first appeared as the b-side to The Beach Boys' 1963 single "Surfer Girl". It was released on the Surfer Girl album and then again as the title track of the album Little Deuce Coupe.

Inspired by the legendary Deuce Coupe, this VW Concept starts out with a 1962 VW Sedan. (the “2” in 62 is the “deuce”. Now fenderless, the VW Concept: DEUCE veers away from traditional Cal-Look expressions and breathes Volks-rod inspiration into it. Completely coated in chrome yellow polyurethane, it pays homage to the Milner Coupe from American Graffitti fame.

To give the DEUCE enough horsepower to back up its tough look, a 200HP Type 1 Volkswagen engine was built bulletproof. It has full-flow oiling with a Maxi30 pump. 94mm Mahle pistons with A Race Pro 84mm crankshaft with Chevy journals and forged 1.4:1 rockers bump the stocker to 2332cc. Other goodies include a lightened flywheel, wedge-port heads with 44×37 valves, Dual 48mm Weber IDA carbs and a 1 3/4? merged ceramic coated exhaust.

17 inch BRMs with 195/40X17 front and 225/45×17 rear Yokohama Advan AO48 provide fantastic grip. Time-honored methods of lowering the front end is used, the front end features Avis beam-adjusters, a CB Performance dropped spindles, koni shocks. While extending the wheelbase a little bit pushes the wheels outwards, this modification is the final piece in the Volksrod puzzle. The rear torsion bar was adjusted 2 notches to bring the ride height down to the pavement.

A close ratio Volkswagen Type 1 Pro Street IRS transmission, features a Super Diff, Aluminum side covers, Welded 3-4 hubs, and hardened keys.

Volkswagen Concept: Kamagong Ghia Surfwagen

2010-10-26T16:05:00.000-07:00

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.

Volkswagen Concept: El Toro

2010-10-21T00:51:00.000-07:00

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.

VW Concept: Superspeed

2010-10-14T22:18:00.000-07:00

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.

Volkswagen Concept: Pula Kahula Rear Quarter View

2010-10-10T20:59:00.000-07:00

Volkswagen Concept: Pula Kahula Rear Quarter View

VW Concept: Pula Kahula Front Quarter View

2010-10-06T17:15:00.001-07:00

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

VW Concept: Pula Kahula Revealed!

2010-10-06T17:10:00.000-07:00

Here's a diagram of the Pula Kahula

Volkswagen Concept: Pula Kahula

2010-09-24T18:49:00.000-07:00

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.

translation c/o http://rippinh2o.com/dropzone/surflingo.shtml

pula kahula (hot mama)
shreddin (executing repeated turns)
gnarl (difficult waves)
men in grey suits (sharks)
tubular (awesome)
gidget (surf chick who can hang with the crew)
crushin (surfing hard)
righteous (honorable, awesome)
switchfoot (surfer who can surf with either foot forward)
aggro (aggressive)
kickout (controlled exit from a wave by riding up the face and over the top)
frogs on toast (boogie boarders)
fibro (surfboards)
tiki style (surf the white water standing still. . . like a tiki)
babanees (sexy)
babelini (girl)
jazzing the glass (surfing the waves)

The only identifiable VW sheetmetal left are the Brazilian front cut and an early VW hood. Flattened black paint was chosen that helps endure salty water sprays from the beach and reduces glare. HiD headlight and LED tail light conversions provide "modern" lighting at night while four-wheel disc brakes and Koni shocks firm up the handling. The off-white interior features Batangas-sourced embroidered linen for the seats and the door panels with Manila hemp carpeting are perfect complements to the wooden exterior.

Volkswagen Concept: Pula Kahula was built out of another abandoned Brazilian VW sedan and made into a Volkswagen “woodie”, again, with a Volksrod flavor. Handcrafted wood panels built around the extended Volkswagen pan echoes the extremely popular SoCal surf woodies. Fenderless, bumperless, with the wheelbase extended, It gives a hot rod flavor to the Volkswagen. Pula Kahula was designed to be more of a scooter than the feature-laden Lemonade Volksrod. The woodwork is much simplified, is shorter and lighter. Original VW Speedometer and gas gauge was used to keep the interior simple. No mega-buck sound system is needed. Instead, a simple iPod setup with Rockford Fosgate 3Sixty DSP pumps Punch subs, and the Audiobahn A12005DN amplifier keep the rock rollin’.

18 inch BRM-style alloys with 235/40X18 front and 255/45×18 rear Yokohama Advan AO48, single block with a race-ready compound provide fantastic grip. The front end features a CB Performance dropped spindle and the rear torsion bar was adjusted 2 notches to bring the ride height down to the pavement.

Pula Kahula's got horsepower to burn! A 200HP Type 1 Volkswagen engine features full-flow oiling with a Maxi30 pump. The 2332cc four-banger has 94mm Mahle pistons with A Race Pro 84mm crankshaft with Chevy journals and forged 1.4:1 rockers. A lightened flywheel, wedge-port heads with 44×37 valves, Dual 48mm Weber IDA carbs and a 1 3/4" merged ceramic coated exhaust complete the muscular powerplant. A close ratio Volkswagen Type 1 Pro Street IRS transmission brings the power to the pavement. The beefed-up tranny features a Super Diff, aluminum side covers, welded 3-4 hubs, and hardened keys.

Volkswagen Concept: Twisted

2010-07-15T21:12:00.001-07:00

Opting to black out the previous two-tone, Volkswagen Concept: Twisted ups the ante for custom Karmann Ghias in this part of the world. Embracing German-Look principles, a stout 200HP Type 1 Volkswagen engine powers Twisted past the city speed limits. 94mm Mahle pistons with A Race Pro 84mm crankshaft with Chevy journals and forged 1.4:1 rockers bump the stocker to 2332cc. It features full-flow oiling with a Maxi30 pump. A lightened flywheel, wedge-port heads with 44×37 valves, Dual 48mm Weber IDA carbs and a dual 1 3/4" merged ceramic coated exhaust. the engine compartment, aside from the aluminum firewall and side panels are paint gloss black. The ebony treatment covers the engine shroud, alternator, pulley, aircondition compressor, and distributor.
The close ratio Volkswagen Type 1 Pro Street IRS transmission, featuring a Super Diff, aluminum side covers, Welded 3-4 hubs, and hardened keys, all connect to 17 inch Porsche Twists with 195/50X17 front and 255/55×17 rear Yokohama Advan AO48, single block with a race-ready compound. Suspension tuning relies on Koni shocks and a 1 3/4 ” front rollbar, the front end features a CB Performance dropped spindle and the rear torsion bar were adjusted 2 notches to bring the ride height down to street - tough levels.

Inside, black leather adorns the '71 Karmann Ghia seats, door panels and black German wool carpet dominates the seating area. A restored 71 black Ghia steering wheel with half moon ring coupled with VDO white-face Speedometer with fuel gauge dominates the dash. The stock fuel gauge location was replaced with VDO white-faced temperature oil gauge and the stock clock location was replaced with a VDO white-face oil pressure gauge. A VDO white-face tachometer fit on an external mount sits under the steering Wheel.

Finally, a Streetbeat custom black fabric ragtop designed for a Ghia, is expertly grafted on for open-air motoring.

VW Fun Day and "Pendong" Movie Launch

2010-06-20T15:30:00.000-07:00

VW Fun Day and "Pendong" Movie Launch at the Venice Piazza, the Fort, June 20, 2010

More Pictures Here

Volkswagen Concept: Lemonade

2010-05-20T06:20:00.000-07:00

Volkswagen Concept: Lemonade was built out of another abandoned Brazilian VW sedan and made into a Volkswagen "woodie", with a Volksrod flavor. Fenderless,bumperless, with the Wheelbase extended, It gives a hot rod flavor to the Volkswagen. Extremely popular among the Hot Rod crowd is the ultimate surfer ride, the Woodie.

Handcrafted wood panels built around a Volkswagen pan mimics the 1920s to 1940s Ford Wooden station wagons. Hard Maple gives Lemonade a lighter disposition to go along with it's bright yellow hue. Classic VDO gauges and updated with a contemporary sound system. A Pioneer AVIC-D1 In-Dash Mobile Nav head unit, makes sure that Lemonade doesn’t get lost on the way to the beach. Rockford Fosgate 3Sixty DSP pumps Punch subs, and the Audiobahn A12005DN amplifier keep the beat thumpin’.

18 inch Porsche Fuchs-style alloys with 235/40X18 front and 255/45×18 rear Yokohama Advan AO48, single block with a race-ready compound provide fantastic grip. The front end features a CB Performance dropped spindle and the rear torsion bar was adjusted 2 notches to bring the ride height down to the pavement.

Giving Lemonade horsepower, a 200HP Type 1 Volkswagen engine was built bulletproof. It has full-flow oiling with a Maxi30 pump. 94mm Mahle pistons with A Race Pro 84mm crankshaft with Chevy journals and forged 1.4:1 rockers bump the displacement to 2332cc. Other engine go-fast goodies include a lightened flywheel, wedge-port heads with 44×37 valves, Dual 48mm Weber IDA carbs and a 1 3/4? merged ceramic coated exhaust. A close ratio Volkswagen Type 1 Pro Street IRS transmission, features a Super Diff, Aluminum side covers, Welded 3-4 hubs, and hardened keys.

Chrome Yellow paint covers what is left of the original Volkswagen sheet metal, new HiD headlight and LED tail light conversions brighten the way, and four-wheel disc brakes and Koni shocks firm up the handling. Black leather door panels and ebony German wool carpeting are perfect complements to the wooden exterior.

Volkswagen Concept: Jake

2010-05-16T21:57:00.000-07:00

Volkswagen Concepts HardHeb and the Widowmaker

2010-05-15T18:18:00.001-07:00

The fastest autocross cars are purpose-built "specials" ("A Modified" in SCCA Solo) with small lightweight bodies, sticky tires, powerful engines, and short gears.

Here are 2 sides to the same coin. Both concepts are extreme lightweights, featuring intense lightening, chopped roof, windshield, and doors, no fenders, and hebmeuller style rear ends. Same idea, different execution. While their top speeds are typically limited by the VW gearing, their transient cornering capabilities far exceed those of other vehicles not expressly designed for this.

Autocross, also known as "Solo," or by simply "Slalom", are races around a closed track that features numerous turns. These VW Concepts were designed to compete in extreme Autocross races, specifically, in the gymkhanas. Gymkhanas are an even tighter slalom track than autocross, with numerous turns around cones. It loops back upon itself and looks like a mix between autocross and drifting. Fast times require a lot of sliding and the lightweight racers intend to dominate.
For the slaloms, the Widowmaker uses the age old Beetle platform although trained by years of track racing experience. It comes complete with beam adjusters and lowered spindles for the front end and re-tweaked rear torsion bars, koni shocks all around. Widowmaker has Large-diameter (205/40X18 front and 235/40x18 rear) BRM rims with Pirelli P-Zero "Trofeo" rubber.

HardHeb uses modified 5th-generation Volkswagen Golf Mcpherson strut suspension, front and rear. A custom-engineered space-frame tube chassis and rollbar ties them together. HardHeb wears Large-diameter (235/40X18 front and 255/35×20 rear) Porsche "Gas Burner" style rims with Yokohama Advan AO48 tires.

Both racers feature identical full-flow 2332cc Type 1 engines with dual CB Performance 48mm Fuel injectors. HardHeb displays a custom aluminum twin free-flow headers and exhaust systems while the Widowmaker uses a bright red tuned freeflow exaust and a stinger.

In each racer, a close ratio Volkswagen Type 1 Pro Street IRS transmission is rebuilt. The HardHeb mid-mounted design neccessitated that the ring and pinion be flipped.

Volkswagen Concept: Black Widow

2010-05-13T15:31:00.000-07:00

Volkswagen Concept Black Widow is based on an early Hebmeuller found in the proverbial barn. Features large diameter BRM style rims, narrowed and lowered front torsion suspension, disc brakes front and rear, and a fully-massaged 2180cc Type1 engine. The interior remains largely stock

Volkswagen Concept: SpeedMeuller Quarter View

2010-04-28T20:42:00.001-07:00

Quarter View of Volkswagen Concept: SpeedMeuller

Read here for the original SpeedMeuller post

Volkswagen Concept: SpeedMeuller

2010-04-22T22:27:00.000-07:00

Like a green tree frog, Volkswagen Concept: SpeedMeuller, has long and powerful hind legs and shorter but still strong front legs. Courtesy of 17 inch Escara rims, SpeedMeuller’s fenders fill out nicely mimicing the strength of the frog legs.

At the ends of their fingers and toes, tree frogs have pads that help in climbing because they are rough and are covered with a sticky secretion. SpeedMeuller has Dunlop Direzza DZ101 ultra high-performance tires that offer extra bite for added grip like those sticky fingers.

The Mexican leaf-frog can rapidly change colors from brown to intense green with gold spots, has cream-colored underparts, and has golden eyes reticulated with black. Painted the same eye-searing green hue, Volkswagen Concept: SpeedMeuller does it’s best imitation. Streamlined with a matching fender skirt, it looks like SpeedMeuller is adept at slicing through the water like the best amphibians.

For Volkswagen, speed was never a consideration above normal traffic and cruising. The Beetle was built to transport its occupants from A to B reliably and efficiently and for many years Volkswagen felt it unnecessary to increase the power of the flat four.

Naturally some people can’t help themselves.

Volkswagen Concept: Speedmeuller is powered by the holy grail of Volkswagen vintage speed. The heart of this concept is probably the best engineered engine conversion available for the Volkswagen in the 50s. Okrasa (the name is devired from Oettinger KRAftfahrtechnische SpezialAnstalt), specialised in turning the reliable, if somewhat underpowered, 25bhp Volkswagen engine into something that would allow the owner to hold his head up high on the Autobahn.

The Okrasa kits, initially offered in 1951, gained in popularity thoughout the ’50s, where VW-based exotics, like Rometsch and Dannenhauser & Stauss chose these engines for installation on their brand new cars, giving their sportly-looking vehicles some sports car-like performance.

The ultimate Okrasa kit, and the one used in SpeedMeuller is the Okrasa TSV-1300/30. Consisting of a beautiful chrome-moly stroker crank of 69.5mm (1295cc), special cylinder heads (34.5mm inlets and the Okrasa script cast in between the rocker studs, the compression ratio was set at 7.8:1), a Fram oil filter, Okrasa’s oil cooler, new inlet manifolds (like the later dual-port Volkswagen engines), a pair of Solex 32mm carbs (as used on early Porsche 356s), with filtering courtesy of a couple of chromed Knecht air-filters, and a simple chromed linkage will bellcrank operation.

So, after shelling out hard-earned wages, what could the SpeedMeuller owner expect? Well, quite a lot really. While the stock 30-horse VW just about struggled to 70mph on a good day, Okrasa claimed a top speed of 83mph with a 0-62mph time of 18.5secs for a Beetle. Punching out a whopping 48bhp at 4200rpm, the Okrasa-cranked TSV-1300/30 motor could rev quite safely to 5200rpm, while maximum torque was produced at around 2200rpm.

Driving the SpeedMeuller on today’s roads is no problem as it can easily keep up with the traffic flow. It is quite possible to cruise at a steady 70mph and still record over 34mpg, proving that you can have your cake and eat it too.

Volkswagen Concept: Manx SR

2010-04-20T19:43:00.002-07:00

What about me? Where's my dune buggy? That's the question my wife, Emmy, asked when I posted my Volkswagen Concept MadManx. Seems like she wants to join in on the fun.

So successful was the Meyers Manx that the design was copied, literally overnight. Bruce Meyers fought vainly to protect his design from copycats who wanted to cash in on the craze. Ultimately, Bruce lost the legal battle and an avalanche of similarly designed dune buggies flooded the market. Only a handful of legitimate, original Meyers Manx buggies are left and they command premium prices in the collector car market.

In the meantime, Bruce offered a sports model that would be harder to copy. He re-engineered the buggy concept that not only had a more sophisticated design, but also offered all weather protection for its occupants, and a pair of gull-wing doors ala Mercedes 300SLs. (This was pre-Lambo days) The sleek design of the Manx SR not only made it more difficult to copy but it also made it more expensive, thus, even fewer Manx SRs survive. A rabid cult following of the few remaining SRs prove the desirability of the model.

Based on a similarly shortened Volkswagen Type1 chassis, the SR also exhibited lightning quickness and agility. A true classic, The Volkswagen Concept: Manx SR only needs large diameter rims and tires to make it more dramatic.

Instead of an all-out slalom racer, Emmy's SR relies on a bullet-proof 1776cc, dual Weber40-fed engine. Instead of massive horsepower, daily driver reliability and smooth power delivery was the priority. A custom designed air-conditioning system was mandatory for pleasurable cruising in and out of town.

A freeway flyer geared tranny with 18-inch replica Porsche Fuchs and Bridgestone Potenza rubber adds the 1-2 punch.(ala Pacquiao)

Now Emmy has her ManxSR. Any questions?

Pendong - The Movie Photos

2010-04-18T15:47:00.001-07:00

Some Pictures from the shooting of Pendong the Movie, taken at the Quezon City Hall, April 18, 2010

More Pictures Here

Volkswagen Concept: MadManx

2010-04-14T16:37:00.000-07:00

I always wanted a dune buggy. Ever since the 1st issue of Dune Buggies and Hot VW, the Fun Car Journal came out, I imagined building one. Sure seems like a ton of fun, for not a lot of money.

Designed by the legendary Bruce Meyers, the iconic Meyers Manx dune buggy set a worldwide whirlwind for small, inexpensive, fun cars. An engineer by profession, Bruce was also an artist and surfer and he used his experience in boat building, fueled by his passion for the Californian lifestyle to produce the Manx and other Volkswagen-based fiberglass cars between 1964 and 1971.

A small car, the Manx leveraged on the use of the Volkswagen Beetle frame and engine. The car featured a fiberglass bodyshell coupled with a shortened (14 1/4 inches or 36.2 cm) wheelbase for lightness and better maneuverability. Even a stock VW-engined Manx is capable of very quick acceleration and good off-road performance.

This particular buggy, the Volkswagen Concept: MadManx, was found near an old warehouse along an old railroad. The faded and cracked orange fiberglass gel-coat has seen better times but the buggy was fairly complete. Unused since the mid 70s because of a leaky oil pump, the discovery that this dune buggy was indeed an original Meyers Manx set off plans for a serious slalom race buggy project.

With a solid, proven platform, MadManx adds big tires and an even bigger engine to challenge slalom racers.

18 inch Porsche Twists with 235/40X18 front and 255/45×18 rear Yokohama Advan AO48, single block with a race-ready compound provide enormous grip. coupled with Bilstein shocks and a 1 3/4 ” front rollbar, the front end features a CB Performance dropped spindle. The rear torsion bar was adjusted 2 notches to bring the ride height down to race-ready levels.

A close ratio Volkswagen Type 1 Pro Street IRS transmission, features a Super Diff, Aluminum side covers, Welded 3-4 hubs, and hardened keys.

A 200HP monster Type 1 Volkswagen engine built by Pat Downs of CB Performance pushes this lightweight cat to the maximum. It has full-flow oiling with a Maxi30 pump. 94mm Mahle pistons with A Race Pro 84mm crankshaft with Chevy journals and forged 1.4:1 rockers bump the stocker to 2332cc.
Other goodies include a lightened flywheel, wedge-port heads with 44×37 valves, Dual 48mm Weber IDA carbs and a 1 3/4″ merged ceramic coated exhaust.

To complete the transformation, aerodynamic side pods and gullwing-style doors were designed, reminiscent of the Manx SR. The body was sprayed with Porsche L-Y7Y Zermatt Silver and the lightweight Speedster bucket seats and door panels were covered in red Alcantara fabric. A ghost-style Manx-logo grace the gullwing doors.

MadManx is dead serious.

PENDONG - MOVIE IN THE MAKING

2010-04-12T18:13:00.000-07:00

Earlier this year, the Club promised that it would organize many activities that would make the VW community be more united and feel more proud of their cars.

True to that promise, another major activity will be held on Sunday, April 18, 2010 at the Quezon City Hall parking area starting at 7:00 am sharp ‘till 11:00 am.

An Independent film producer approached the Club to seek help in the making of their film project entitled “PENDONG”. I have a copy of the film’s synopsis but I guess it would be much better if I only tell snippets of it to whet your veedub appetite.

Synopsis
Bingo Cruz thinks he’s had the perfect and complete life – and ultimately deserves the VW Beetle car as his college graduation gift. This is after being the goody-goody son who remorsefully follows the strict codes of his parents for years. But when his mother reveals that his deceased father wasn’t his real dad – and that his biological father lives and owns a business in a far-flung province up north, he will gather his childhood friends, Dennis Lopez – a movie star, and Jay Salvacion – a college dropout, to go on in a masked road trip finding his dad.
Along the way, the Beetle – although has remained to be a road novelty and a subject of that classic Pendong game where a man hits someone who is standing next when he sees a Beetle [popularly called as Kotseng Kuba] – will be the cause of numerous mishaps along the way………
They will pick up a sexy, vixen lady MAYA – who becomes the subject of their trip’s desire. Maya will instead give them not just hard-ons but will put them between a rock and a hard place eventually.
As their situation escalates into worse times – funny but bumpy episodes will prove to be a relief in their long, arduous journey………..

The filming of the movie would entail the presence of 100 VW vehicles of all shapes and sizes. There would be one scene in the film that would be shot showing a gathering/car show of all VW vehicles. Since the producer is an independent one, (whatever that means) and their budget is limited (independent nga eh), they will give one (1) free breakfast meal each to the driver and one companion per VW vehicle participating. The drivers and companions should not expect any talent fee because they have no talents anyway(joke3). It’s the VW cars that’s needed (kaya nga Pendong ang title eh ).

The producer promised that the gathering/carshow scene would be extensive and would be given longer exposure in the final cut of the film

So, if you want to be part of this very first Philippine film involving lots and lots of VWs, sign-up and don’t be left out of this event. The first 100 VW owners to sign-up will be given the meals as mentioned. We will give priority to the guys who have signed up and will actually join in the bugrun/outreach to Tagaytay this coming Friday and to those who will join the mini-run on Saturday from Burger King to Fort Bonifacio.

Concessionaires who wish to sell anything may contact Club Secretary Oscar Dizon (09173977931) for arrangements.

Volkswagen Hebmeuller Superbe, a reprise for 2010

2010-04-09T17:44:00.000-07:00

Throw away the book. Guaranteed to turn heads is this Heb-style Super Beetle. A look at what could have been if Hebmeuller Coachcraft survived the war and continued to produce it’s 2-seat Convertible into the Super Beetle era.

Most assuredly, Hebmeuller would be at the forefront of VW advancements. As the VW Convertible evolved into the 1303 model, Hebmeuller also followed suit.

The Hebmeuller Superbé is a Volkswagen Concept based on a late model 1303S Convertible. The Superbé features the distinctive curved 03 windshield, the re-engineered VW top, and at the rear, the smoothened hood that echoes the sexy Heb shape.

Giving Superbé the visual jolt is the bright Aquamarine body. A nice retro touch is a complete shaving of all chrome, giving the impression of the 80s style euro-look. Bilstein adjustable coilovers replace tired VW McPherson struts and the Brembo brake upgrades are decades more advanced. Polished Porsche 18-inch Fuch Wheels with Fulda rubber fill-in the reworked and widened fiberglass fenders quite nicely. Porsche 944 Turbo trailing Arms with Bilstein adjustable shocks and same Brembo brake upgrades round out the rear. A blueprinted 3.0 liter Type4 engine, mated to a rare Gene Berg 5-speed gearbox pushes Superbé flat out at the ‘Bahn.

Black leather interior is luscious, it hides the audio/video gear from prying eyes. Smooth dash features VDO white faced gauges. Twin Recaros in matching black leather regularly gather crowds at the local Mickey D’s.

Lovemachine pictures

2010-03-07T03:28:00.000-08:00

More Pictures Here

LoveMachines: Car Lovers Unite!

2010-03-05T21:43:00.000-08:00

We would like to invite all car lovers, especially Volksbuddies to participate and support the upcoming inter-club gathering dubbed, "LoveMachines: Car Lovers Unite!". The event promises to be a huge gathering of other car clubs filled with fun and exciting auto racing events. A great opportunity to take photos too! Best time to meet other car afficionados from other car clubs.

Part of the proceeds will also go to help one of the racing icons of the country, Kookie Ramirez in his battle against the big C. Kookie's been a friend and has been an instructor for many of us in driving clinics in the past. It's time we show our support in these trying times for him.

So, don't miss this event!

* What: Race Expo and Car Club Meet

* When: March 7, 2010. Sunday, 6am-6pm

* Where: McKinley Open Grounds, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City

* What: Fun-filled day. No entry fee! Although the Volkswagen Club of the Philippines has been allotted 25 preferred parking slots for those who signed up in the forum (http://www.vwcp.org)

* Who: All Car Afficionados. All models of all eras are encouraged to join. The older, the more exotic, the more mods done, the more super kinis finish the better!

*
6:00 am - Gates open
*
7:00 am - Car Clubs Assembly
*
8:00 am - Registration
*
9:00 am - Practice runs; Start of Time Attack;

Start of Drifting (every other hour)

*
10:00 am - Club Games
*
11:00 am - Sponsors’ Segment
*
12:00 pm - Lunch Break
*
12:30 pm - Opening Remarks & Briefing (Slalom)
*
1:00 pm - Slalom Race Proper; Sponsors’ Segment
*
1:30 pm - Sound Check
*
2:00 pm - Concert; Raffle
*
5:00 pm - Awarding

Participating car clubs:

*
Altis Club
*
Beetle Club
*
Bimmer Club Philippines
*
BMW Car Club of the Philippines
*
Club Mazda
*
E30 Car Club Philippines
*
Euro Car Club of the Philippines
*
Grupo Toyota
*
GR1 Race Project
*
Jazz Club
*
Manila Sports Car Club
*
Mazda Tech
*
Miata Car Club
*
Mitsu Lancer Club
*
Old School Pilipinas
*
Club Silvia
*
Team Flatout
*
Team K / Club Nissan Sentra
*
Trackho’s
*
Volkswagen Car Club of the Philippines
*
Yaris Club

Bring your cameras guys. This is bound to be a photo op for all of us!

Club Games:

- Beer Drinking Contest - Vintage Car - Most number of participants in a club

Castrol has also made a donation of a gallon of "secret oil" (to be revealed to those who sign up), a Castrol polo shirt and Castrol jacket and all will be sold at a giveaway price. Proceeds of the sale will go to the Kookie fund. Thank you Castrol! Remember, only those who show up will be entitled to buy these items.

Herbie is Alive!!

2010-03-03T03:08:00.000-08:00

Herbie is Alive!!

New Flavors.me Portal

2010-03-02T04:46:00.000-08:00

Just signed up in Flavors.me, check it out :)

Herbie is ALIVE!!

2010-02-17T17:25:00.000-08:00

After Ondoy, ( http://manilaghia.i.ph/blogs/herbieinmanila/2009/10/02/herbie-not-spared-by-typhoon-ondoy/ ) Herbie is finally roaming Manilas streets.

While mechanically, Herbie is back, there are still a lot of small details that need to be ironed out. I lost my sounds, need new carpets, need to align the headlights, need to grease minor squeaks and rattles, and I need to get some more hubcap clips.

This was taken the day we got Herbie out of the APC basement parking

Taken this afternoon

Let the goodtimes roll!

Dennis and Herbie Photo Mosaic Experiment

2010-02-09T17:51:00.000-08:00

The rendered image is made up of Herbie pictures from the web and from our personal photos

Volkswagen Concept: New Woodie

2010-02-07T16:29:00.000-08:00

An interesting variation to the New beetle platform

Herbie Revival

2010-01-31T16:54:00.000-08:00

Herbie is in the final stages of repair. Jon is doing the final quality work so that Herbie can roam the streets of Manila once again.

Just the electrical gremlins for now :)

Volkswagen Concept: New Hebmeuller RSI (Front Quarter View)

2010-01-14T19:49:00.000-08:00

Here's another angle for our New Hebmeuller RSI

Volkswagen Concept: New Hebmeuller RSI

2010-01-11T20:01:00.000-08:00

What if Volkswagen resurrected the venerable Hebmeuller?

Volkswagen Concept: Thomas' Novuhair Truck

2009-12-27T20:29:00.000-08:00

Fresh from the 24th VWCP Show. A concept VW pickup by Thomas Adam, a German who is a longtime Philippine resident.

Thomas bought this project at the end of 2008 from Raymond Bayer who's father had started it but, unfortunately, passed away and Raymond had no time nor interest to finish it.

At the time he bought the car the body was almost done. The idea of a VW pickup had been decided. However, Thomas injected a lot of personal touches. He replaced the late fenders, hood, and doors with the appropriate early parts. The paint chosen was 'coral red', an original VW colour of 1953 and 1954. The Dupont paint used was purchased from Highland Trading.

The tinsmithing took almost 4 months and the painting likewise. The project was very much delayed by last year's rainy and typhoon season. In fact, Thomas' place in Taguig was flooded for almost two weeks after Typhoon Ondoy's wrath.

Thomas chose a 1500 engine that he overhauled completely. He also upgraded Other mechanical parts to later era VWs like the bolt joints, dual circuit brake system, high torque starter, etc.

Many of the interior parts were ordered thru TheSamba.com like the very rare oval armrest on the passenger side and the oval ashtray, speaker grill, tachometer with transparent needle, oval sun visor and rear view mirror, handles, etc.

The rims are also special: they come from an early split Kombi (owner decided to upgrade his to Porsche mag wheels), The Alberts outside mirrors are stainless steel reproductions made here in the Philippines (likewise, all the trims, etc.) The steering wheel is an original very early (split) standard steering wheel of Volkswagen which we were able to exchange with Christian (who owns one of the most accessorized beetles in the Philippines) against a new Banjo Steering wheel (Flat4 reproduction). The interior (seats, sidings, headliner, etc.) was made by Mang Rowen in Ortigas. The mechanical installations were done by Mang Bert. The overall supervision of this project had Audwil, who is a fellow vintage volkswagen aficionado. The pick up beetle (no name yet...) has won this year in the "special interest" category.

All in all this project has taken us about one year to finish. There are still many things that Thomas wants to improve, and, of course, has cost him quite a lot more than anticipated. But that's the 'fate' of any restoration project.

The pick up beetle is planned as an advertising vehicle for Thomas' all-natural hair grower (which is being marketed under the brand name Novuhair by Mercury Drug and World of Wellness).

Merry Christmas to One and All

2009-12-18T18:14:00.001-08:00

Volkswgen Concept: Terracotta Slamma

2009-12-10T20:18:00.000-08:00

If given the opportunity, this is what I would have done.

Don’t get me wrong, I love what Thomas did with the bug. It’s just, if it were me, I would have taken this truck to another level.

Volkswagen Concept: Teracotta Slamma builds on the great foundation of the Terracotta Truck and applies my own design cues to interpret the design into something my own.

First off, the things gotta be slammed! Stock is good but this VW’s attitude is a lot meaner, more purposeful. Another big change is the meatier meats on body colored Gas Burner rims to replace the wide 5 rims and ‘caps.

For me, the big change is in the body itself, We start off with a little off the top. A 3 inch top chop and matching “shorty” ragtop makes for a prettier profile. Instead of using flat sheet metal to define the pickup portion of the truck, I opted to use, pieces from another VW icon, the Type2, particluarly the corner windows, jail bars and the side intake vents. The re-design makes the truck look that much more in the 60’s VW design language.

A strong 1835, dual Weber fed, bullet-proof Type 1 handles the load quite well. A Narrowed KP/LP front end tucks the front wheels nicely into the early fenders, while a couple o clicks in the rear make the stance simply tasty.

Volkswagen Concept: Thomas' Terracotta Truck

2009-12-08T19:36:00.000-08:00

Fresh from the 24th VWCP Show, December 6, 2009

Volkswagen Club of the Philippines (VWCP) All-VW Classic and Custom Show 2009

2009-12-01T06:34:00.000-08:00

Volkswagen Club of the Philippines (VWCP) All-VW Classic and Custom Show 2009, Naval Parade Grounds, Fort Bonifacio, Sunday, December 6, 2009

UPDATE: 12/07/09

The turnout was great despite all the calamities that happened earlier this year. It was good to see the Vdubbers enjoy this day even if we had some real bad experiences. It was a time to tell our stories of how Ondoy devasted our community and how we coped, and how we got together to put all the bad things that happened behind and move on.

It was nice to see some cars already up and running but it was also sad to know that there are still some VDubs out there that have yet to recover. We miss them.

Some pictures

more pictures here: http://manilaghia.multiply.com/photos/album/94?mark_read=manilaghia:photos:94

Volkswagen Concept: LOWNSLO

2009-11-26T17:57:00.000-08:00

Got Camber?

LoWNSLO is a rusty, lowered 1962 Volkswagen Beetle. Rat-look, slammed vintage Volkswagen.

A Rat-look Vdub is an old vintage Volkswagen that's been lowered and has original faded or worn paint. In the best case, the car will also have rust and patina. Mismatched panels, dents and missing parts enhance the look because they add more character and originality. Driving a Rat-looker is about making use of a car everyone else would avoid because it's "ugly" or "beyond repair" and being able to love it for what it is. It's enjoying your car because you built it the way you want, and not how everyone else thinks it should look.

LoWNSLO is a little 1962 VW thats crusty and slammed to the asphalt. Sitting outside some old boys house, uncovered for 27years, you can imagine the tin worm has got in and well and truly had a field day. But luckily the floor and heater channel bottoms completely rotted out so all the rain water just ran out and kept it pretty dry.

The build began by taking the fenders off, dropping the body off the chassis to the ground, new floorpans and heater channels welded in, Cut, turned and narrowed beam, dropped spindles for the front and three clicks at the rear drop the chassis low enough to scrape the pavement with even just a hint of a dip.

We may as well have a tasty little stock 1200 motor up for it and a set of well-worn 5.60x15 Denman Elegantes on rotten 5 bolt rims sans 'caps. Completely worked over braking and steering systems and a new set of Bugpac shocks finish off the rolling stock.

A bargain roofrack with a vintage cooler, a hat box and period suitcases, flanked with a thermador vintage "swamp-cooler" adds the distinctive style popular with many ratty rides. LOWNSLO is smothered with crusty surface rust that just adds icing to the cake.

Well it boils my kettle i tell ya!

More Schwimmer Illustrations

2009-11-24T22:55:00.000-08:00

Can't get enough of this.

A side view with Emmy and Deano driving with the top up

Side View with the top down

Finally, driving the Ondoy flooded streets of Manila

Volkswagen Concept: Kupferner Kopf (Copper Head)

2009-11-22T19:51:00.000-08:00

Do you remember the classic Volkswagen 411?

Even though the VW 411 did not break any sales records, this model has an important role to play in Volkswagen’s automobile history as the last large series model with air cooling and a rear-mounted engine.

The Volkswagen 411 began its life as Heinrich Nordhoff's attempt to penetrate the luxury-car market and expand VW's image to include upscale and highly developed products on a far grander scale than previously done. It was to follow the typical VW layout with a rear aircooled engine and rear-wheel drive and to establish the new vehicle in the upper midsize segment which was beyond the reach of the Beetle and the Type 3.

A drivers dream?

Yes and no. It was fairly quiet and comfortable and the front seats were particularly comfortable. The interior was roomy and made for an ideal family car. Since much of the car's weight was over the drive wheels, the car performed well on snowy roads. For this reason, the publicity concentrated on technical innovations and the high level of comfort as well as highlighting typical Volkswagen characteristics such as quality, economic efficiency and service.

The Type 4 was larger than the Volkswagen Type 3 and had a more powerful engine. The ads claimed there had never been a VW like this before. And they were quite right. This was the very first model with a unibody, a four-door option, more space than any other Volkswagen and a longer wheelbase than the Beetle. The innovative sporty chassis with MacPherson strut front suspension and rear suspension with double joint axles, also used in the Porsche 911, made sure the car hold the road well. The midsize saloon featured “the luxury of a luxury car”. “Wolfsburg’s biggie” offered customers space and ride comfort, enhanced safety, a total 570 litres of luggage space in the front and rear and an optional automatic transmission.

Volkswagen Concept: Kupferner Kopf pays tribute to all the technical improvements Volkswagen had made to the 411 but also introduces modern tuning techniques. Radically lowering the front and rear uses fairly common Porsche 911 struts. The engine itself is a much modified Type4. the engine block is native to this car but with performance modifications that were born on the racing circuit. Massive 103mm pistons, counterweighted crankshafts, and a fuel injection system make the stout engine a performer as well.

The wheel of choice are restored 4 bolt Sprintstars shod with Michelin radials on all four corners. The reupholstered VW 411 seats speak volumes on the comfort of these seats.

Forty years have passed since Volkswagen presented the VW 411 in Wolfsburg, at that time the company’s largest and most powerful model yet. All these points make the car so fun and interesting. Someone must take care of these cars, they are Volkswagens, and there aren't many left...

Volswagen Concept: Schwimmer on Dry Land

2009-11-17T20:05:00.000-08:00

Volkswagen Concept: Schwimmer on Dry Land

2009-11-16T22:16:00.000-08:00

Fishing at Lake Caliraya

New Herbie Rides Again Illustration

2009-11-11T18:17:00.000-08:00

The second Herbie Illustration is from Herbie Rides Again. This one features Helen Hayes driving Herbie with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background.

New Herbie the Love Bug Illustration

2009-11-03T00:04:00.000-08:00

got bored over the long weekend

Volkswagen Concept: Schwimmer

2009-10-31T21:37:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-29T23:23:00.001-07:00

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

2009-10-27T23:46:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-27T02:44:00.000-07:00

Volkswagen Concept: IPIS, A Reprise

Volkswagen Concept: Raspberry Maple Woodie for 2009

2009-10-27T02:38:00.000-07:00

Volkswagen Concept: Raspberry Maple Woodie for 2009

2009-10-15T16:26:00.001-07:00

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

Herbie and Ghia are CLEAN :)

2009-10-11T18:12:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-05T18:24:00.001-07:00

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

24th VWCP Show Poster Proposal

2009-09-24T18:54:00.000-07:00

This is the 1st proposal for the December All-VW Classic and Custom Car Show of the VW Club of the Philippines. It's our 24th edition of the annual event and we are really ramping up the planning.

waddayathink?

2009-05-27T04:20:00.000-07:00

The Adventures of Herbie in Manila

May 2009

Hotrod Festival & Car Restoration Expo

2009-02-25T22:02:00.000-08:00

This will be held on March 15, 2009, Sunday, at the Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. The different car clubs will meet in different areas and then meet up in a long motorcade along a route to be announced later.

Each car club will have a Miss Hotrod candidate who will be their representative in the beauty and talent competition.

Expect “Lindsay” and “Herbie” to make an appearance on that day.

Each car club by the way will be given 20 parking slots. We will try our best to have all VW cars in attendance to be group altogether reminiscent of the parking we did during the last Guinness attempt. Traditionally, in all car club meets in the recent past, the VW contingent has always been the largest in attendance. Let us not break that tradition…let’s all bring out our VWs and ROAR!

Stay tuned for further announcements

The VWCP is going to the 09 Hot Air Balloon Festival

2009-02-12T02:49:00.001-08:00

The VWCP is going to the 09 Hot Air Balloon Festival. The Club will have a bug-run to Clark Field, Angeles, Pampanga on Sunday, February 15, 2009. We invite all our VW friends to join us for a fun-filled day enjoying the sight of those huge balloons and tons of aircraft inspired activities.

For 2009, well over 100,000 spectators are expected to attend five days of fun in the skies To be held at the Clark Civil Aviation Complex, right alongside the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport. It looks as if 25 countries will be joining this event, which seems to be growing by leaps and bounds each year and becoming more like a major air show than a hot air balloon event. This years balloon festival is lining-up to be the greatest ever, and it will be easier to attend then ever before. So, if you have never been to this mega event, or if you wait anxiously each year to see the myriad of balloons and other demonstration aircraft and exhibits, then join us for this fun event for the whole family.

As usual practice, we meet at Burger King Timog and will stop at the last TOTAL gasoline station at EDSA before turning right to NLEX Balintawak. We intend to leave at 5:00 am or even earlier to catch the early lift off schedules of the balloons.

Bring cold weather clothes. . . your jackets, sweaters, caps, etc to keep warm in the early morning and don’t forget to bring your cameras and videocams.

The VWCP Pampanga boys will again be the most generous hosts. If time permits, we can all have lunch at the local BBQ joint as in the recent past.

more photos here

Seasons Greetings

2008-11-20T19:14:00.000-08:00

The 23rd VWCP All VW Classic and Custom Car Show

2008-11-06T17:09:00.000-08:00

The 2008 Volkswagen Club of the Philippines (VWCP) All VW Classic and Custom Car Show will officially be at the parade grounds of the Bonifacio Naval Station on Sunday, Nov. 30, 2008 , Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, Metro Manila. This is the 23rd edition of the annual event that features the countries top VWs. The registration/entry fees for the car competition proper are:
Php 1,200.00 for early registrants (from now till 10:00 am of Nov. 30)

Php 1,500.00 for those registering between 10:01 am till 2:00 pm (Nov 30)

Php 2,000.00 last entry 2:01 pm

For those who might be interested to sell food, parts, wares or what have yous, please get in touch with Mr. Oscar Dizon, member in-charge of concessionaires at cell no. 0917-3977931

Venue: Google Maps

WORLD VOLKSWAGEN DAY

2008-05-21T23:07:00.000-07:00

THE BEETLE IS 70, LETS CELEBRATE HIS BIRTHDAY ON WORLD VOLKSWAGEN DAY

You are all invited to the World Volkswagen Day Celebration to be held on June 22, 2008 from 9:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Quezon City Hall Compound, Quezon City. ADMISSION IS FREE.

We will have the following activities;

a) Tree of Life (Fruit Tree/Narra Seedlings Distribution to Participants)
b) Photo Exhibits, the 1972 Brazilia Transnational Run. There will also be a display of Brazilia cars hence all Brazilia car owners are encouraged to display their Brazilias
c) Photo Contest for amateur VW owners/afficionados
*Category A - Guinness Photographs
*Category B - Non-Guinness Volks Related Photographs
There will be prizes and recognitions. Each participant is allowed a maximum entry of three irregardless of category. Entries must be 8×10 inches in size mounted on a 9×11 illustration board.
d) Swap meets, food concessionaires and raffles
e) Fun Car show with lots of prizes

You are all invited and enjoy the 70th BIRTHDAY PARTY for our beloved Volkswagen Beetle. Come one, come all and invite our friends too.

WATCH FOR FURTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS

I Am A Guiness World Record Holder

2008-04-07T20:16:00.001-07:00

We Did It !

After months of planning and hard work, the Volkswagen Club of the Philippines (VWCP) managed to do the unthinkable! The VWCP attempted to set a Guinness World Record to parade the biggest gathering of VW vehicles in one site. What started out only as an idea in the fertile mind of Doy Bondoc, past VWCP President and die-hard Volkswagen afficionado, the club took this initial concept and ran with it. His idea to bring the largest gathering of Volkswagen cars was a monumental undertaking. But Doy was steadfast in the belief that no other car club in this part of the world would do this but the VWCP. As daunting as the challenge was, Doy was determined to make the event happen for the glory of the Philippines, if not for anything else. Almost a year in planning, the club overcame enormous challenges and obstacles which finally bore fruit last Sunday.
More that 800 Volkswagens assembled at the Quezon City Hall on bright and sunny morning of April 6, 2008. Beetles, SuperBeetles, Convertibles, Kombis, Sambas, Campers, Pickups, Notchbacks, Fastbacks, Squarebacks, Karmann Ghias, Brazilias, Sakbayans, Rabbits, Golfs, Jettas, Passats, Boras, Scirrocos, Corrados and other types of Volkswagens and even the oddities which included a Volkswagen-powered jeep joined the historic, once-in-a-lifetime event.

It was a sea of beetles. Like some ancient code imprinted in the VW DNA urged these vehicles to return to their spawning grounds, hundreds of VWs literally swamped the Quezon City Hall. Delegates started arriving and camped at the site even from the night before the big event.

The Quezon City local Government led by Mayor Sonny Belmonte gamely supported the event by hosting it at the city hall grounds. Mayor Belmonte who had four volkswagen vehicles was quite familiar with these cars and personally offered his vast resources in full support of this event. Also, we wish to thank Congresswoman Nanette Castelo Daza, and Noel Daza, long-time VWCP members, along with Congressmen Defensor who have Volkswagens, for their support. The VWCP Board of Directors, with Attorney Sam Baldado, President at the helm, the VWCP members, along with FIREWIRE Events Management (Ethel, Jean, Kathy, Sarah and the others) did an outstanding job.
We initially planned to start the parade at 8AM but we were surprised to see the long lines of VW cars still coming in, wanting to join. To make everyone happy, the start of time was moved back an hour. But even then, by the start of the parade at 9AM, we could still see some more participants still coming in through the City Hall entrance. As it turned out, we decided to start at 9AM sharp with Mayor Belmonte flagging us off. My Herbie was car number 9 and I was pleasantly surprised that by the time we got back to the Quezon City Hall, there were still cars exiting the starting gate. The single line convoy was so long that the tail end of the parade was still lined up in the city hall area while we (the VWCP board and organizers) were already nearing the end of the parade.
Traffic was also a huge mess, which we expected because people were ogling at all the cars. Never have I seen so many cellphones stuck out of windows taking pictures/videos. When i was young, we used to play pendong (slap the head) everytime we see a beetle. I guess everybody would be knocked out cold if you played that game last Sunday. The traffic management teams did a fantastic job considering the number of cars in single-file, the usual Manila traffic, and the sheer number of onlookers. It was hot and dusty but people managed to keep cooler heads during the event. Part of this might simply because we have not seen this thing before.

The parade route itself was quite short. . . From the Quezon City Hall, the cars proceeded around the Quezon Memorial Circle towards Commonwealth Avenue. The cars took the Tandang Sora U-Turn back to the Quezon Circle. We turned into Quezon Avenue, passing by the Wildlife park and proceeded via the EDSA underpass. Past that, we took another U-Turn slot near Parco to head back towards the Quezon Circle, passing the Lung Center. It was a short run from Quezon Avenue to the entranmce of the City Hall where the cars again parked for the final signing and distribution of the commemorative stickers and Guiness certificates.

Looking for that hard to find VW part to complete your restoration or just to buy a commemorative souveneir, there were loads of concessionaires eager to feed the minds and stomachs of the thousands of people in attendance. This was the place if you were a serious collector or even a young VW fan. The Quezon City walkway served as a volkswagen swap meet and tiangge of parts and parephernalia. Rare Volkswagen mag wheels, headlights, or steering wheels intermixed with hot dogs, hamburgers, fish balls, sodas and iced Ts. Even the halo-halo vendor had some Beetle toys for sale. Amid the umbrellas, T-Shirts, key chains, slippers and tumblers, great deals were found in pistons, camshafts and other "go-fast" Volkswagen goodies. The corporate sponsors, Pepsi Max, Petron, Timex, Pascual Labs,and Castrol proudly displayed their products in their respective booths.

As a final note, this event would be nothing if not for the support of the Pinoy Volkswagen fans. On behalf of the VWCP, Manila Chapter, I would like to thank all the chapters for their undying support. VWCP chapters from Manila, Baguio, Bulacan, Batangas, Laguna, Pampanga, Pangasinan, Quezon, Iloilo, Isabela, Subic, and Santiago were all here. My sincere and utmost thanks. A big round of thanks to ALL Pinoy VW Lovers of all affiliations who came to Quezon City to join us for this unique celebration of the Volkswagen - a true people’s car. This feat sets a new Guiness World Record that we all can be very proud of. I congratulate all of you that made this event so successful…. you made your country proud. Salamat!

New Guiness World Record Attempt: Largest Parade of Volkswagen Vehicles

2008-03-05T18:26:00.000-08:00

New Guiness World Record Attempt: Largest Parade of Volkswagen Vehicles (ALL Types of VWs recognized, Old and New, Air-cooled or Water-cooled)

This is set for Sunday, April 6, 2008, at the Quezon City Memorial Circle, Metro Manila, Philippines. Mayor Sonny Belmonte has graciously allowed the QC Hall Compound as the staging area

4:00AM-6:00AM - Gathering/Registration/Stickering
7:00AM - Parade Proper
10:00AM-12:00N - Concluding Programme/Awarding

(route - QC Hall, Once Around Elliptical Road, Quezon Ave, U-Turn Before Tunnel, Back to QC Hall for concluding programme)

Who Can Join: Anybody with a Volkswagen vehicle of any model/make/variant, in running condition is eligible to join the parade. whether owner-driven or friend-driven

How Much to Join: FREE!! NO CHARGE!!

Participants will receive a VW-Guiness Certificate and a commemorative sticker

Hot Dogs, San Mig Coffee and Pepsi Max will be served FREE to Participants!!

Pre-Registration Encouraged

We encourage those who will participate to pre-register as we see a lot of VW aficionados who will only register on the day itself. If you pre-register, you get:

1. Reserved parking area for pre-registered;
2. Reserved area to fill-out the registration forms;
3. Register with your whole group or barkada,
4. Get to bring home the certificate immediately after the event, otherwise you will have to pick it up on a later date at a time and place announced during the activity.

Please do not forget to include your group affiliation.

Application Form

Simply download application form, fill up and send to Firewire Marketing Consultancy or drop by Saturday night (9PM) at Burger King, Timog, approach any one of us.

Or Call: Firewire: 750-6197; 614-0090 - Ethel/Jean
Volkswagen Club : 721-5635 - Rose

Or click on http://vwcp.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=7155

Or send via e-mail to worldrecordattempt@vwcp.org

Or Fax to 723-4775

This will enable us to assign you an official number

If it is possible, we will try to arrange the VWs according to their types so that it would be a beautiful sight to see that is worth capturing on film.

BE COUNTED!!! SEE YOU THERE!! APRIL 6, 2008

A Message From The Volkswagen Club of the Philippines (VWCP) President

A MESSAGE FROM THE VWCP PRESIDENT
(March 5, 2008)

Dear VWCP Members and VW Enthusiasts,

THE GUINNESS WORLD RECORD ATTEMPT

Twenty seven (27) days from today or on April 6, 2008 we will be seeing the biggest gathering of Volkswagen Vehicles (of all kinds and makes) at the Quezon Memorial Circle from 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. I request and strongly urge that each of us attend this big national and unprecedented event in which we will attempt to set a new Guinness Record. Let us be counted and be proud to put on our VWs a commemorative sticker which states that we are RECORD HOLDERS and PARTICIPANTS in this event which will be highlighted and recorded internationally.

The stickers will be given free to the participants on a per car basis. We will also be giving free breakfast on a per driver/participant basis together with all other amenities which would include a Certificate of Participation, among others.

The Quezon City Government was very generous enough to accommodate our requests by giving their all out support for the success of this affair. The accompanying event after the Guinness parade affair will be festive and the main venue is the Quezon City Hall Compound. There will be Programs and Entertainments for the participants, their families and guests. We will be having SWAP MEET, an opportunity for you to get the rarest and most difficult to find VW parts which you have been hunting for quite a time. Food stalls and concessions have been permitted by the City Government in order to serve the need of those who will not be able to avail of the Free Breakfast. Ample Accommodation, Security, Health and Fire Protection will be provided by the Quezon City Department of Public Safety, the PNP City Hall Detachment, the Bureau of Fire Protection, the Quezon City Health Department and the General Services Offices. To make the affair more attractive and festive the Quezon City Cultural and Tourism has pledged its all out assistance.

For our chapter's members who wish to stay overnight before the event but who would be financially burdened by a hotel accommodation fee, the city government has given the approval for them to pitch their tents at a designated and fully secured area within the City Hall Compound. They will be given access to the use of two comfort rooms at the ground floor, one for the male and the other for the female.

For those chapter members/provincial participants who would want discounted hotel rates, then they could coordinate with us for discounted rates at Fersal Hotel Chain, Quezon City which will be arranged for them courtesy of the Quezon City Cultural and Tourism Office. As I have said, we have worked for a "free" or "almost free" accommodation at Pearl Hotel Manila (joint in front of the NBI Headquarters) on a first come first serve and on a limited basis.

For the chapter in the island provinces (Panay and Iloilo) Past President Ed Roces is negotiating with Negros Navigation for a special accommodation or a discounted passenger/cargo fare. You will be accordingly notified of the results in this regard.

Let us therefore prepare our treasured VWs and be part of this event. For further particulars, please consult the flyers which we have regularly distributed.

Yours sincerely,

Atty. Sam Baldado
President, VWCP

Manila Times, 04 Dec 2007. Page 17

2007-12-04T17:46:00.001-08:00

Manila Times
04 Dec 2007

MyGhia

2006-10-10T23:47:00.000-07:00

Volkswagen Concept: SquareCab

2006-10-10T20:50:00.000-07:00

Take a dilapidated Volkswagen Type III Squareback and completely remove the top. Use a Volkswagen Type II SingleCab roof and graft it onto the Squareback. This removable roof gives the Type III with a completely unique profile.

read more http://volkspinoy.i.ph/blogs/volkspinoy/?item=volkswagen-concept-squarecab

Volkswagen Concept: The Type IIIs, Part 1

2006-09-29T20:39:00.000-07:00

Volkswagen Concept: The Type IIIs, Part 1

Here are some VW Concepts that combine air-cooled Volkswagen Type IIIs (Notchback, Squareback and Fastback models) and my interpretation of "phantom" models that VW never produced but could have.

NOTCHBACK

FourNotch
With the relatively successful Type3, Volkswagen could have thought of offering a four door Notchback model to appeal to a wider audience. What if they actually produced it is the basis for this next Volkswagen Concept. This dark Forest Green beauty is updated physically and spiritually. The number four also tell about the 2.7 liter Type 4 engine with a modified Type3 shroud that fires this fordor like a dart past the century mark in a scant 6 seconds.

Read more: http://volkspinoy.i.ph/blogs/volkspinoy/?item=volkswagen-concept-Fournotch

Speed3

Dark Blue coats the massaged, shaved late model Type 3 Notchback. Speed3 is given the 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 the deep blue paint is sprayed on. The Topchop is the single strongest visual statement. The roof, door tops and quarter windows are unceremoniously removed. Up to 3 inches are removed from the windshield posts and angled inward 7 degrees. The top part of the windshield now sports a custom aluminum header. Custom safety windshield, side plexiglass, and rubbers are fitted.

Read more: http://volkspinoy.i.ph/blogs/volkspinoy/?item=volkswagen-concept-speed3

SQUAREBACK

Bora2 (Boracay Squareback)
Another beach cruiser, this Volkswagen Concept is based on a clapped out Type 3 Volkswagen Squareback. Instead of restoring the ugly front fenders, they are simply removed. The rusty rear fenders were also unceremoniously cut off altogether revealing the underlying sub structure. The entire roof was likewise cut off to be saved for a different surfwagen concept. The basis for Bora2 was then repaired and reinforced with a steel substructure that incorporate swing-upward doors, Lambo-style.

read more http://volkspinoy.i.ph/blogs/volkspinoy/?item=volkswagen-concept-bora-2-boracay-square

Vermouth

Another beach cruiser, this Volkswagen Concept is based on a Type 3 Volkswagen Squareback. Vermouth is Germanic for "worm wood" which provides an interesting theme for this VW. After straightening out the body, pearl white paint with hot pink metallic flakes added for effect was expertly applied. The side panels were fitted and framed with dark redwood providing terrific contrast to the white body. The interior is covered in Cappucchino and Coffee leatherette and brown German weave carpeting.

read more http://volkspinoy.i.ph/blogs/volkspinoy/?item=volkswagen-concept-vermouth

FASTBACK

3urO
Fast and furious, 3urO is designed for battle against BMW M3s and Audi S4s. Sleek and silver, 3urO takes the German or Euro-tuner look along the Type3 path. Champaign-edition 79 Volkswagen Convertible silver coats the massaged, shaved Type 3 body. A blueprinted Eurorace 3.0 liter, fuel-injected, Type4 engine, mated to a rare Gene Berg, close-ratio 5-speed gearbox provide the heat. Gigantic 19 inch Audi A8 W12 alloy rims wrapped with enormous Michelin radials are expertly fitted and helps blasts this fastback like a silver bullet past triple-digit speeds, A discrete rear spoiler adds the necessary downforce this demon needs without sacrificing style.

Read more: http://volkspinoy.i.ph/blogs/volkspinoy/?item=volkswagen-concept-3uro

Volkswagen Concept: The Super Beetles, Part 1

2006-09-24T20:04:00.000-07:00

Volkswagen Concept: The Super Beetles, Part 1

Here are some VW Concepts that combine air-cooled Volkswagen Super Beetles (1302 and 1303 models) and my interpretation of "phantom" models that VW never produced but could have.

FatBoy

This particular FatBoy is based on one of the last Euro-spec 74 1303 Volkswagen Convertibles. Tattered and torn, the top remained just a shell with frozen rails and missing or broken pieces. He ran on 3 cylinders and 2 gears. Thoroughly disassembled from top to bottom, the body shell was reinforced with racing strut braces. A parade of Porsche parts come next.

Read more http://volkspinoy.i.ph/blogs/volkspinoy/?itemid=39

SuperSally

What about a 1979 Volkswagen 4-door 1303S? What if a couple of VW engineers decided to build the Ultimate Super Beetle. Based on the Rommetsch Taxi of the early 50s, this 80s interpretation is bigger, faster, and safer. Taking a box-stock Euro-spec 1303S, they custom engineered the four doors exclusively using original parts. They intentionally updated the engine to add more muscle for the extra weight. Unfortunately, the time was nearly over for factory air-cooled cars, so the idea was never considered.

Read more http://volkspinoy.i.ph/blogs/volkspinoy/?itemid=60

The Black Wolf

This particular Black Wolf has been resurrected from decades old sleep. Stripped of his rusty fenders, and built on an otherwise solid body, the top is chopped by 5 inches. Chopping the roof of a VW Beetle is no picnic, but chopping a 1303 is a whole new ballgame. As soon as the body massaging is done, the whole thing was sprayed an experimental suede like, black urethane blend suited for the stealth fighter.

Read more http://volkspinoy.i.ph/blogs/volkspinoy/?itemid=37

Hebmeuller Superbé

Throw away the book. Guaranteed to turn heads is this Heb-style Super Beetle. A look at what could have been if Hebmeuller Coachcraft survived the war and continued to produce it's 2-seat Convertible into the Super Beetle era. Most assuredly, Hebmeuller would be at the forefront of VW advancements. As the VW Convertible evolved into the 1303 model, Hebmeuller also followed suit.

Read more http://volkspinoy.i.ph/blogs/volkspinoy/?item=volkswagen-concept-hebmeuller-superbe

VW Beach-Cruizers, Part 1

2006-09-18T19:30:00.000-07:00

VW Beach-Cruizers, Part 1

Here are some VW Concepts that combine air-cooled Vintage Volkswagens and the 60s beach culture. The ultimate VW beach ride is the VW bus but there are many VWs that capture the surfers imagination.

TYPE1

Karmagong 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, Volkswagen 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.

read more here http://volkspinoy.i.ph/blogs/volkspinoy/?item=volkswagen-concept-karmagong-ghia-surfwagen

TYPE3 SQUAREBACK

Bora2 (Boracay Squareback)
Another beach cruiser, this Volkswagen Concept is based on a clapped out Type 3 Volkswagen Squareback. Instead of restoring the ugly front fenders, they are simply removed. The rusty rear fenders were also unceremoniously cut off altogether revealing the underlying sub structure. The entire roof was likewise cut off to be saved for a different SurfWagen concept. The basis for Bora2 was then repaired and reinforced with a steel substructure that incorporate swing-upward doors, Lambo-style .

read more http://volkspinoy.i.ph/blogs/volkspinoy/index.php?item=volkswagen-concept-bora-2-boracay-square&category=volkswagen-concepts

Vermouth

Another beach cruiser, this Volkswagen Concept is based on a Type 3 Volkswagen Squareback. Vermouth is Germanic for "worm wood" which provides an interesting theme for this VW.

After straightening out the body, pearl white paint with hot pink metallic flakes added for effect was expertly applied. The side panels were fitted and framed with dark redwood providing terrific contrast to the white body.

read more http://volkspinoy.i.ph/blogs/volkspinoy/?item=volkswagen-concept-vermouth

BRASILIA

Brazilian Woodie
The pointed nose suggest a more nautical theme perfect for this interpretation. The Brazilian Woodie is the ideal alternative Boracay Surf Company car. Instead of an early T2 Split Panel, or a T3 Square, the Brasilia can be a very enjoyable VW to wood up. Taking a few styling tricks from the SoCal surf scene, this VW Brasilia is measured and fit from the doors to the rear hatch with a dark red Brazilian hardwood veneer. Once fitted, custom framing is masterfully done by a cabinet maker ensuring a smooth finish. A generous urethane stain protects the wood from typhoons and monsoons. A bright "Sunset Red" House of Color "Brilliance Series" urethane topcoat is sprayed on the hood and fenders, while a pearl white top and windshield posts adds a little class.

read more http://volkspinoy.i.ph/blogs/volkspinoy/index.php?blog=volkspinoy&archive=2006-7-22

The Riva.
Those in the know, treasure a small exclusive Italian sports boat company with the Riva name. As in the case of Porsche, the family of Carlo Riva, produces a product lusted after by the rich and famous. The exquisite shape is mimicked by this Riva. Based on a Volkswagen Brasilia, this concept frequents the local hot spots of Bora. After chopping of roof and sides of the abandoned donor car, pinoy craftsmen thoroughly and painstakingly measured and fit Philippine wood to frame and, veneer to dress the sides and rear of Riva. The rear hatch gives the rear the shape critical to the Riva mystique.

read more http://volkspinoy.i.ph/blogs/volkspinoy/?item=volkswagen-concept-the-riva

Volkswagen Concept: Vermouth

2006-09-11T19:07:00.000-07:00

Volkswagen Concept: Vermouth

Another beach cruiser, this Volkswagen Concept is based on a Type 3 Volkswagen Squareback. Vermouth is Germanic for "worm wood" which provides an interesting theme for this VW.

After straightening out the body, pearl white paint with hot pink metallic flakes added for effect was expertly applied. The side panels were fitted and framed with dark redwood providing terrific contrast to the white body.

Power comes from an 1835, dual Weber 40-fed, motor that offer outstanding performance. Dual quiet packs mellow down the sounds to environmentally correct levels. Michelin radials and 17 inch Flat Four rims are fitted expertly. Porsche trailing arms and brake upgrades allow massive brake upgrades. A custom tuned T3 beam with Koni adjustable shocks, front trailing arms and dropped spindles firm up the front end.

The interior is covered in Cappucchino and Coffee leatherette and brown German weave carpeting.

Volkswagen Concepts: Super Sally

2006-09-08T20:21:00.000-07:00

I've been working on some Volkswagen Concepts of "phantoms" or vehicles that VW never produced but could have.

What about a 1979 Volkswagen 4-door 1303S? What if a couple of VW engineers decided to build the Ultimate Super Beetle. Based on the Rommetsch Taxi of the early 50s, this 80s interpretation is bigger, faster, and safer. Taking a box-stock Euro-spec 1303S, they custom engineered the four doors exclusively using original parts. They intentionally updated the engine to add more muscle for the extra weight. Unfortunately, the time was nearly over for factory air-cooled cars, so the idea was never considered.
The story might not be true but you can start on your own SuperSally with a sad and neglected Volkswagen 1303. While still plentiful, the recent interest in them have been driving up prices on solid examples. The four-door conversion itself takes careful planning but only require another set of doors and a skilled bodyman.
Pearl white SuperSally is roomy and comfortable. 17' front and 19" BRM rear and Michelin radials provide extreme grip and traction with a little sacrifice in ride comfort. But the rebuilt McPherson front end with Koni shocks and Porsche disc brakes handles the bumps and jumps brilliantly. Reworked rear torsion leaves, Porsche 944 control arms, Porsche disc brakes and Koni shocks lower the rear end.
The recovered Recaros replace the original VW seats. Matching cappuccino custom door panels follow the original VW style. Everything else, even the steering wheel , gauges and switches are original VW.
A 1915cc Type 1 motor, discrete dual quiet packs with CB-Performance fuel injection provide SuperSally sass. Ride Sally ride, ride Sally ride. . .
For more VW Concepts, click on http://www.volkspinoy.i.ph/