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There's a lot to tell about this car - how interesting it might be is another matter, but I'm here to tell the tale anyway... It is an 1982 Mexican Beetle which was imported by Howard Cheese who was, and still is the chairman of the Mexican Beetle Owners Club. He must have done something right as the beetle has survived incredibly well - it has never been welded, and as far as I can tell, doesn't need any. Gareth met him at Vanfest last year, and he told him he completely stripped the car after he bought it, and waxoyled everything, and took out every single nut and greased it and replaced it. Looking at the photo of it in storage from 1986, I'm sure you can believe him! Notice that the car is raised off the ground with a number of dehumidifiers scattered underneath! 
It originally fell into Gareth's hands at VWAction back in 2006 when he bought it for his wife to replace the mk2 Polo saloon they had bought previously. I remember it well, as I was looking after the trade stand for what seemed like an eternity, for Gareth to return with the first words to come out his mouth being "bought a car". To be honest, it's not that uncommon! Shortly after bringing Jen's car home for her, the engine was sold - but only because Gareth wanted to put the 1300 from his '69 in, as something bigger was due for his car. The 1300 was given a full re-fresh and ran like a beauty. A week or so of us fettling saw the car ready for an MOT, which it passed with flying colours - result! Once MOT'd the car was Jen's daily for quite a few months. During this time, every now and then she'd have a problem with the car cutting out, which seemed to be due to a fuel blockage. This fuel blockage was the primary cause for the car getting full dismantled - When Gareth and I are involved, things quickly get out of hand. Hence why we both have more projects than working cars.... Some pictures of it still in one peice:  
As far as I remember, the original plan was to give it a bit of a freshen up. As little jobs on the car passed, things escalated somewhat, and it's since turned into a full restoration / rebuild! When Gareth bought the car, something has always told me that I'd end up owning it. I spent countless hours helping him get things done on it, which, aside from doing because I'm a great friend(!), it was also because I actually love working on this car. It's one of those rare cars where everything goes right. You don't find hidden 'gems' and everything comes undone without skinning your knuckles and hours of cursing. Just over 2 years since he bought it, it was approaching his wedding, he was keen to get on with his, and the MexiBug had come to a bit of a stand still (due to lack of free time). I figured it was a good time to make him an offer and get us both back on the road with cars we want. I'd been looking for a late bug for some time, without much avail. In my heart of hearts, I knew I was unlikely to find anything as solid as this, and while it might not be the most desirable year / model in terms of resale value, it was never bought as a money maker. This is a 100% solid, never welded, never messed with late bug - perfect, if you ask me! Gareth had great plans for this car, with a very much Resto Cal theme. To be honest, I'm not venturing too far off that, but one thing that will remain the same is the standard of finish. This car is being built to be a very clean road car. Something I would happily drive in all weather, but finished to a high standard. A road going show car, if you like... |
