Volkswagen Concept: MadManx

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

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 Concept: Schwimmer

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

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

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

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

A perfect vehicle for typhoon season.