An opportunity at the end of the 90s presented freelance journalism prior to B289 starting for me.
On this page are the features from 'VolksWorld Vaults' joint articles with Brian Burrows, UltraVW 'Volkslore', Dubscene and Total VW.
Built in 1988 featured twice in VolksWorld. 1990 featured a new level of detail with chrome and polished suspension detail. Vaults piece then owned by Andy Cooke of Leicester. Car in 2023 is being restored by Rupert Hind and just been repainted. Regular B289 display car. Last seen in the Vaults display.
Issue #1 Cover star of VolksWorld, Karen Monks bug was classed as a resto cal in its Turkis Paint. It went through many hands in the 90s until it settled with Carrie. Last seen VoWo Show 2012 in the Vaults display.
Cover Star for VoWo 1993 with all original EMPI accessories. Mid 90s when the old school brigade came into town it had a midlife crisis - raised suspension and BRMs. It sold to Pete Browning then onto this owner who converted back to Resto Cal 93. Oddly enough Pete bought it back again. Last seen in Vowo Vaults 2012.
Sharing the cover in Jan 1990 with Billabug this short bus has been in B289 from the start. Now back to Pink and Blue still owned by Paul Frost of Tiptree who is forever evolving the bus (Engine, Suspension). A real crowd pleaser.
This finishes the collection of cars in the Vaults 2012 display.
A favourite in 1988, simple Fiat Grey dechromed with its 1835cc engine and racing at the early Bug Jams with Ritchie's Rad Roadster. Custom Car Featured.
Fast Forward to Volksfest 2009 glancing at a red Ghia, realisation of what it formally was with new owner Gordon from Suffolk. Ultra VW featured soon after.
Featured in Issue 2 VoWo this legendary car was terrorising Southend, Essex. Radical removable hardtop and custom touches of El Ritchie plus Centra rims was ahead of its time. Sold to Russell Williams of WGC who owned it for decades. Now in the hands of Paul Bailey and being restored
Lavender late bug got me hooked in 1990 parked at Terry's work in Ware, Herts where I lived.
Outside the box Pug 205gti rims and keeping late lights was unusual at the time but Jay Townsend always had an eye for design. Went to Devon, changed to gunmetal grey, slopers and one off bumpers. Last seen in Norfolk.
Bring back the radical Paintbox creations. Best of the best. 70 trophies in its first two years including Europe's Most Beautiful VW and Best in Britain Custom.
Roofchopped, Four off interior, 100s of bodywork changes, Billet wheels, flipping plates and 2007cc engine. Currently being recommissioned in the 89 stable.
A double take at a Santa Pod show in 2010 where I found this gem. The Swedish 'Dalhems' bus that was features in the mid 90s. Brian Paxton now owns it and has changed slightly making it more UK legal. Still an amazing build. Often does shows on the South West and will be at RTTS 2023.
It started with Targa Bug in 1990 by 1999 this one with many influences was built by Ady Goodhall. Removeable roof (off the glass) a nod to Lemon Bavois and suicide doors. Finished off on Volvo rims and Apricot paint. Revamped mid 00's with grey sides and roof doofers. Sold on and never seen again.
Gorgeous German Notch that came to Beetle Bash in 96 with its scallops and silver paint. Was sold to Ben Franks early 00's and remember seeing it in the flesh driving at T3D Burwell. Sold onto a guy in Essex who rebuilt it subtle to a silver resto custom. Last seen at Brands Hatch VoWo 21 year Anniversary.