Ultra VW Feb 2015

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contents final_UVW Contents 16/01/2015 17:51 Page 4
Contents
Take a look at whats going on in the February 2015 issue of Ultra VW
Ultra VW e-mail: info@ultravw.co.uk
52
REGULARS
14
news
Products, news and reviews...
38
have your say

Your projects, letters and questions
68
SUBSCRIBE 68
Why not treat yourself to a
subscription? Turn to page
68 for further info or sign up
online at www.ultravw.co.uk
subscribe @ club ultra

Subscribe to Ultra VW today
and bag yourself a killer deal!!
COLUMNS
76
jolly jim
Jolly Jim Warner returns this months
and talks old-school VW shows
78
volkstalk
Keith Seume discusses why you
should ask if youre not sure...
FEATURES
7
coachbuilt classic
Dokke Sahertian checks out a rare,
coachbuilt Lawrence Rometsch
16
rare air
Pascal Dos German Look Split
screen Bus is one cool ride!
26
rad-hot volksrod
Crashed and rolled, this 57 Bug was
beyond reasonable restoration...
but not beyond starting a new
life as a turbocharged volksrod!
32
nowhere to hyde
Chris Hydes Camper is his pride and joy!
52
ratty ghia
Dragged from a swamp... literally!
ARCHIVES
70
speedfathers pt2
Burly Burlile introduces some lesser
known legends of VW racing
75
uk cal look archives

Steve Payne hits memory lane
TAILPIPE
79
classifieds
Sell your VW for FREE, only in Ultra VW!
82
next month
A sneaky peek at the March 2015 UVW
30
February 2015 3
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contents final_UVW Contents 16/01/2015 17:51 Page 5
EVENTS & GATHERINGS
70
46
do the right thing
Stephan Szantai checks out the DKP (Der

Kleiner Panzers) and SDR (Stadt Der
Rosen) Christmas charity fundraisers
61
ritchies kollection
Ritchie King has run Karmann Konnection

for 34 years Paul Knight checks
out the new location and museum
Editor
Paul Knight info@ultravw.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1702 808340
Staff, contributors & photographers:
Keith Seume +44 (0)1208 871490
Stephan Szantai stsphoto@earthlink.net
Dokke Sahertian dokke@ultravw.co.uk
Gwynn Clark, Steve Payne, Mike Chare,
Steve Parfitt, Clare Tarbox, Glenn Miller,
Burly Burlile, Christian Tracey, Michaell Kellogg
Studio manager
Paul Knight info@ultravw.co.uk
Editorial/photographic assistant
James Warner jolly@ultravw.co.uk
46
61
Ad manager
Ian James ads@ultravw.co.uk
Tel: + 44 (0)1293 270720
Mob: + 44 (0)7966 100525
Administration,
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Ultra VW Magazine,
Top Notch Publishing Ltd.
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Maidenbower, Crawley.
West Sussex RH10 7QY
Tel: + 44 (0)1293 270720
admin@ultravw.co.uk
Publisher
Ian James ian@ultravw.co.uk
Tel: + 44 (0)1293 270720
Mob: + 44 (0)7966 100525
Worldwide distribution
For worldwide newsstand availability queries
contact Keiron Jefferies,
Ultra VW Circulation Manager,
Warners Group Distribution
Tel: 020 7429 4000
Email: keironj@warnersgroup.co.uk
Printing
Warners Midlands PLC Tel: 01778 391057
Ultra VW, Top Notch Publishing Ltd 2014

ISSN: 17407028
While every care is taken in compiling
Ultra VW, the publishers cannot be
held responsible for any effects
arising therefrom
February 2015 5
6_UVW Contents 16/01/2015 23:22 Page 76
rometschV8_Feature 16/01/2015 18:39 Page 7
COACHBUILT
Words: Paul Knight / Dokke Sahertian Photos: Dokke Sahertian
Karosserie Friedrich Rometsch

produced only 85 of these stunning,
Lawrence-designed vehicles,
and Mark Wegh is the proud
owner of this superb example
February 2015
Marks current collection also includes a 47 Beetle

and a number of vintage Porsche models as well as
a Wendler cabriolet and a Beutler Porsche
8 ultravw.co.uk
hen we mention the name Rometsch, most

people typically imagine the early, Beeskow
(or Banana) Rometsch coup or cabriolet,
with its soft, rounded flowing lines
regarded by many as being the prettiest of
all the coachbuilt VW rarities.
However, some prefer the more angular styling of the
later, Lawrence Rometsch, as seen here. With small fins and
generally swooping, but accentuated body lines, it was
certainly inspired by some popular US-trends of the era,
which is perhaps one reason why it was not a massive
success in Europe. Well, that plus the fact VW launched the
Karmann Ghia in 59 (the same year as the launch of this
Lawrence Rometsch), which cost far less to buy...
But before we get carried away with the history on the
marque, lets talk about the car you see here, which belongs
to Mark Wegh from the Netherlands. Mark has worked for
many years at a Porsche centre and is an avid collector or
vintage VW and Porsche rarities. His current collection
includes a 47 Beetle and a number of vintage Porsche
models as well as a Wendler cabriolet and a Beutler
Porsche quite an exquisite collection of VW/Porsche
coachbuilts and rarities.
Mark had purchased a Lawrence Rometsch a few years
back, which was in need of restoration and was missing
some key parts. However, it was whilst trying to track down
February 2015
some parts for the car that he

ended up in conversation with a
US collector that happened to
have not only some parts from
the original car, but also a
complete, restored car, too.
Its believed that, in total,
was amazed to find that the

restored car might actually be
for sale. Of course, Mark was
tempted, but the deal wasnt as
straightforward as you might
imagine. It seems the car was
part of a collection (with the
to a very high standard, and

Mark was immediately hooked.
Back home, Mark is now
proud of his collection, and we
we were fortunate enough to be
allowed the opportunity to
photograph this car out on the
Above: Its unlikely that youll

spot a Lawrence Rometsch
out on the roads these days!
He was amazed to find that the

restored car might be for sale
only 85 of these cars were ever
actually produced, hence the
opportunity to buy back some
of the missing parts and also to
check out a complete, restored
car was a true result.
And when Mark arrived, he
10 ultravw.co.uk
aforementioned Wendler and

Beutler), hence Mark ended up
having to buy the full set to
secure this sweet Lawrence
Rometsch. But, as you can see,
the restoration work that had
been carried out in the USA was
road. And, we have to say, it

was a rare treat to see a car
this special turning heads on
the streets and not locked away
in a private collection.
After chatting with Mark,
we immediately returned to HQ
Below left: This was a 2+2 car at

best, hence the rear bench is not
the most comfortable of seats!
Below: The dashboard is simply
stunning as is the level of
detailing throughout
to dig out some history and background on these

rare beasts.
Founded in 1924 at a workshop in BerlinHalensee, Germany, Karosserie Friedrich Rometsch
began assembling coachbuilt bodies around various
manufacturers chassis, largely for private
customers and as one-off creations.
After some time, Rometsch secured a deal to
produce high-quality Taxi bodies based around Opel
running gear but, during the second world war, the
company was enlisted to produce mobile field
kitchens for the German army.
In the post-war period, Rometsch returned to
civilian vehicles and decided to assemble a stylish
sports-inspired car based on the humble VW Beetle
underpinnings. Johannes Beeskow penned the
Above: Banjo steering wheel with

Golden Lady horn push is a thing
of beauty. Note also the cranked
gear lever and padded dash top
Below: Rometsch also built a

4-door VW Beetle Taxi, which
was stretched by 25cm
classic lines of the first Rometsch cabriolet and

coup vehicles, which went into production in 1950.
Incidentally, Rometsch also began production of
a 4-door version of the VW Beetle, which were
commissioned as Taxis. The chassis was
lengthened by 25cm, which allowed the skilled
metalworkers to modify the body into 4-door
format, without making the cars looks awkwardly
proportioned. Keep your eyes peeled for one of
those at a vintage meet in 2015!
Getting back to the sports models, Rometsch
decided to update the body style in 1957 (having
produced around 250 Beeskow cars). Bert Lawrence
was called in to design the new body, and his USbackground certainly showed in the styling. Sharp
lines and fins over the rear lights, the new body
February 2015 11
wasnt to everyones taste. We

think its pretty cool, but can see
that it was a drastic change from
the previous offering, which may
well have alienated the market.
Remember, these cars were not
cheap, hence the customer base
was fairly small and, with other
hence it was little surprise to

learn that they were also called
in to help create the official VW
sports model.
This was bad news for
Rometsch as the Ghia was much
cheaper than the hand-made
Lawrence Rometsch.
restore properly.
Production ended in 61,
which was also the year that the
Berlin Wall was erected, which
just happened to split the
workforce (as many lived on the
East side while the workshop
was located in the West).
Above: There is a slight

similarity in the styling to that
of the Karmann Ghia, especially
in the swooping lines along the
side of the bodywork.
Its certainly a stylish car,
and this is one of the nicest
examples weve seen
Perhaps the biggest problem was

the launch of the Karmann Ghia
coach built variations on offer,
there was certainly some
competition. Perhaps the
biggest problem, however, was
the launch of the Karmann Ghia.
VW had previously
commissioned Karmann to
create the cabriolet Beetle,
12 ultravw.co.uk
There was a huge amount of

skilled labour involved in the
creation of these cars as they
were based around a steel frame
with wooden pillars and fitted
with a hand-formed aluminium
outer skin. This is also why they
are incredibly difficult cars to
The company continued to

trade until the year 2000,
however the days of beautiful
handmade bodywork were over
by then. Fortunately, were able
to remember the golden days of
Rometsch thanks to collectors
such as Mark Wegh. UVW
Below left: Okrasa-tuned motor

provided a much-needed boost in
power for the VW 36hp motor
Below: Almost every piece of
trim was unique to this vehicle
76-77_UVW Contents 12/11/2014 19:24 Page 76
Newsfebnew_UVW News 18/01/2015 12:39 Page 14
News & Products

New parts and goodies for your VW
Ultra VW E-mail: info@ultravw.co.uk
JUST KAMPERS OPEN DAY
Winter is over and that means the show season

is about to start again. Just Kampers has been
quick out of the starting blocks and announced
the date for their annual Open Day weekend.
This year it will be held on Saturday 6th
June - but as usual if you are camping you can
pitch up on Friday the 5th and stay until
Sunday the 7th. For details on camping please
visit www.justkampers.com. Also keep an eye
on the JK Facebook page for additional info.
Dub Aid is back! 20-22 March 2015
Following the washout that was Dub Aid 3

(or was it Mud Aid?!), the team have
brushed themselves down, put the mud
firmly behind them and moved forward!
This time round theyve moved the
event to Towcester Race Course in
Northamptonshire, and the date is set as
the weekend of 20-22 March.
Family club and general camping is

available (some with electric hook-up) and
theres live music to enjoy both by day and
at night. Theres show and shine (over 2
days), a fantastic trade area, childrens
entertainment and caterers etc.
Look them up on facebook or head for
www.dubaid.co.uk for further details.
Berg at Limebug
Now in stock at Limebug is the

legendary Gene Berg range of shifters for
Type 1 and Type 2 models. They feature
polished, embossed handles in LHD and
black flat top handles in RHD format.
Regarded by many as the best Bug and
Bus shifter on the market, you can order
yours online today!
Also from Berg via Limebug is the classic
Berg linkage for all Weber IDF-series
carburettors. Originally designed in 1965,
this is still one of the best dual-carb
linkage kits around.
To find out more, call 01782 922047 or
log on to www.limebug.net
14 ultravw.co.uk
GO DIGITAL!
Own an iPad, Android

tablet or E-reader?
Follow the link from
www.ultravw.co.uk
or search Ultra VW
via iTunes, Apple
Newsstand or Google
Play to download the
Ultra VW app!
You can download
any issue via the app
for just 2.99, and
digital subscriptions
are a great deal (and
a great gift idea!).
PC/Mac readers can
also download the
digital issue via
www.pocketmags.com
Newsfebnew_UVW News 18/01/2015 12:40 Page 15
T25 Weber carb conversion

Harry Harpics has developed a
From the top

Welcome to the February
2015 issue of Ultra VW
new adaptor plate , which is

designed to fit a Weber 32/36
twin choke carburettor in place of
the old Pierburg unit used on many
Type 25/Golf models. Simply
remove the problematic Pierburg
and fit the twin-choke adapter to
your manifold!
So, if youre T25 carburettor
is leaking or running poor, call
01702 713114 or head for
www.harryharpics.com
Bug blinds at the German Camper Co.

Available through GCC are these
excellent reproduction rear window
blinds simple to install and they
look great!
Rear window blinds for VW
Beetles built between 1958-64 or
1965-71 , cost 69.95, and theres
also Karmann Ghia version (1959-74
coup only) priced at 76.95.
Ultra VW readers also receive free
postage on this offer, as well as a
free old skool GCC sticker, too!
Call 01702 474241 or log on to
www.germancampercompany.com
50 YEARS OF THE FASTBACK DISPLAY

2015 is the 50th anniversary of the VW
Type 3 Fastback going onto production and,
to celebrate this, Danny Lord is putting
together a display of Fastback (and all
other Type 3s) at Volkstock
(www.volkstock.co.uk) on the 11th and
12th July, at Stoneleigh park in

Warwickshire.
If you are interested in displaying a
car at the show, please contact Danny
Lord either via Facebook, or by email at
type3lord@hotmail.co.uk
heres a definite vibe of

reincarnation and/or
resurrection about this
issue as we have a couple
of interesting cars, which
fall into this category.
First up is the cover car a
turbocharged hot rod Oval. Sure,
there will be some left reeling at the
thought of chopping up what most
would consider to be a vintage VW,
but once they learn the story behind
it (I wont spoil the feature turn to
page 26 to find out more), Im sure
itll all sit far more comfortably with
even the vintage buffers.
And then theres the lowlight
Ghia (also on the cover). Ultra VW
readers either seem to absolutely
love them, or completely despise
them, but I think even the biggest
far of buffed-out shine will enjoy the
crazy story behind this one. After
all, when a car is deemed to be
beyond restoration, surely its better
that it lives on in some form than
simply fades away as a pile of
rusted out parts?
And finally, dont miss the
second part of Burlys Speedfathers
series. We just love the period
photographs from the slat flats at
Bonneville, and were sure youll get
a kick out of them, too. This month
even includes a surprise visit from
the Inch Pincher, which Im sure our
Cal-Look fans will enjoy.
Now go and read all about it! PK
Dont miss part 2 of Burlys Speedfathers

archives story, starting on page 70!
February 2015 15
SPLITv8_Feature 16/01/2015 17:53 Page 16
16 ultravw.co.uk
RAREAIR
With our hobby obsessively seeking and saving the elusive
Barndoors, we tend to forget that VW produced a number of
other rare models over the years. Among them, the 1964-67
Type 2 equipped with an optional sliding door. Pascal Do
used such a Kombi for his German Look project, featuring
Porsche components and a healthy 2.4-litre Type 4 motor!
Words & Photos: Stephan Szantai
February 2015 17
lthough it might
have neared the
end of its course,
VWs Type 2 model
continued selling
well in 1966. In fact, 191,000
folks purchased the beloved
vehicle that year, a figure only
eclipsed by 64 when sales
surpassed 200,000. So a 66
Bus cannot be considered a
rarity by any stretch; yet, a
specific option can make it
quite desirable: the sliding
door. Beginning in late 63,
Volkswagen made this feature
18 ultravw.co.uk
available on all models, except

pick-ups of course. You could
even order sliders for both
sides! Incidentally, the door
hardware differs from later
Buses (except the early Bay
window vans built in 68).
Spotting such a vehicle at
VW events can be a challenge,
as the option did not prove
hugely popular. One fantastic
example you might have seen
on the continent belongs to
French enthusiast Pascal Do,
who lives near Paris. His 66
also differs from many other
Type 2s, thanks to its German

Look styling, including Porsche
wheels and brakes, along
with a large displacement
Type 4 engine.
We hooked up with Pascal
last autumn during a trip to
France, spending an afternoon
cruising around and taking
pictures... although rain
wreaked havoc at one point,
forcing us to end the photo
shoot in an underground
parking structure. Still a
memorable day!
Pascal has always had a
weak spot for the German Look,

having built his first project car
based on a 1303 in the 90s.
But buying his first house
forced him to sell the vehicle in
1999. Life kids in particular
put somewhat of a damper on
his Volkswagen hobby, even if
he managed to purchase a 72
Karmann Ghia convertible in
2001 and a Trekker/Thing in
07. Both have been resold
since, as he longed for a roomy,
comfortable and powerful
family-friendly Vee Dub
it had to be a Bus!
The search was on and

Pascal finally found an
interesting candidate, located
400-plus miles south in
Toulouse. He called the seller
and immediately sealed the
deal over the phone on Easter
day, 2009. Once onsite, he
discovered a scruffy yet fairly
rust-free ride with a smashed
nose, exactly as described by
the vendor; but our family man
saw great potential in the old
workhorse.
Manu, a close friend who
happens to be a bodywork
expert, handled the repair of

the mangled front, which
involved removing the
offending panels. Next came
the various bumps scattered
around the shell. Things were
already looking much better,
even though the rain gutter
above the sliding door had
seen better days. Rust, oh that
rust... More bodywork ensued.
Type 2 Detectives in the
UK supplied a kit devised to
convert the factory swing axle
setup to independent rear
suspension (IRS), which Pascal
slightly modified. During the

winter months, he built a new
adjustable beam, narrowed 4
inches and equipped (like the
rear) with Porsche 944 disc
brakes. A trip to KieftenKlok
in Holland later allowed him to
find several missing pieces,
such as the bumpers, window
frames and pop-out windows.
Additional parts were
unearthed at a couple of
French swap meets and the
Dutch VW show held at Budel.
Next, Pascal concentrated
his attention on the
undercarriage, which was

cleaned, ground smooth and
finally painted black. The
Kombi could finally be
delivered to the body shop
that would handle the rest of
the paint, utilizing Anthracite
Grey (Volkswagen code L469).
The work was performed in
Above: Now, heres something you
dont see often: a Kombi equipped
with a factory sliding door!
Below: Not a single piece of chrome
adorns the body, which perfectly
fits the German Look theme
February 2015 19
Behind the Barndoor steering

wheel, the dash is all stock
Pascal simply added a Berg
shifter and an Autometer tach
Although they might look like headphones,

the four devices hanging behind the seats are 3M
earmuffs used by the family during long trips!
Type 2 Detectives in the UK supplied a kit

devised to convert the factory swing axle setup
to independent rear suspension (IRS)
two sessions, starting with
the interior and various
components, from the front
VW logo to the bumpers the
rest of the shell was dressed
in the same colour two
weeks later.
Pascal could then put the
vehicle back together, before
installing the wiring harness

and the torquey engine, which
was assembled by a friend.
The latter reads like a typical
German Look Type 4 motor,
featuring a displacement of
2366cc thanks to 103mm JE
pistons, combined with a
stock 71mm crank. A Porsche
914 2.0L supplied the heads,

now equipped with 42 and
36mm valves they come to
life with help from a
Schleicher 324-degree
camshaft.
Induction is courtesy of
dual Dellorto 40DRLA carbs,
while cooling relies on
another German Look

favourite, the Porsche 911style fan shroud. Incidentals
for this healthy 9.5-to-1
compression ratio engine
include a CSP Python exhaust
system, a Melling oil pump
and a Sachs clutch that
transfers the power to a Type
Above: Space-saver spare wheel

came as original equipment on
Porsches a neat touch.
Left: Contrasting with the
deceptively subtle exterior, the
interior has been dressed with
plenty of luxurious leather!
20 ultravw.co.uk
A trip to KieftenKlok in Holland later allowed

him to find several missing pieces, such as the
bumpers, window frames and pop-out windows
February 2015 21
Above: This is how the Bus

looked when Pascal purchased
it. Although it had a few rust
issues and some dents and
dings, it was a pretty solid
base vehicle
Far right: Engine hadnt run in
quite some time... it certainly
looks (and runs! a whole lot
better now!
1 gearbox. Thanks to a 3.88

ring and pinion, plus 0.89
fourth gear, the old VW happily
cruises at 4000rpm, which
equates to 140km/h (87mph).
With the freshly powdercoated seat frames in hand,
Pascal went to a local
upholsterer, who did a terrific
job with the leather interior.
Pascal helped him, too, by
supplying three sheets of cutto-length medium density
panels, to be used as headliner,
which the man of the trade
covered with grey perforated

Alcantara suede-style material.
Several accessories nicely
finish the cockpit, specifically
a Barndoor steering wheel, a
Berg shifter, two VDO gauges
(oil pressure and temperature),
an Autometer tach, Safari
windows and, in the back of
the cabin, a space-saver
Porsche wheel.
For a while, the vehicle ran
on silver 17-inch Cup 1 rims,
typically found on Porsche
964s; but they have recently
been replaced with newer 17inch Twist models from the

same manufacturer painting
them black gives them a
meaner appearance.
To make sure the Kombi
stays glued to the road, lowprofile Nankang tyres reside at
each corner, measuring
205/40R17 up front and
205/50R17 out back.
With his family in tow,
Pascal has added thousands of
miles to the odometer since
the vehicles completion. He
also regularly travels in

company of his buddies from
the Tropical German Club,
which welcomes several
German Lookers. His
destinations included the
European Bug-In, Ninove, Spa,
DAS Drag Day, the Super VW
Festival in Le Mans and more...
This 11-window Type 2 has
proved fast and reliable during
these journeys; then again,
isnt it something you would
expect from a well-built
German Look Vee Dub? UVW
A pair of Dellorto 40DRLAs feed

the mighty Type 4 motor, which
displaces close to 2.4 litres
22 ultravw.co.uk
RACKHAMS NEW.qxd:Regular Column 12/11/2014 20:00 Page 74
Rackhams
AUTO BODY CENTRE
Since 1974
IPSWICH
Van Sales n Full Restorations n Wooden Interior

Kits n Heated Front Screens n 1967 to 1972 Rear
Bumpers n West Coast Metric Dealer n Westfalia
Reproduction Furniture 1967-1976 n Westfalia
Floor Kits Two Piece n Insurance Accident Repairs
www.rackhams-bodyshop.co.uk
email: andy@rackhams-bodyshop.co.uk tel: 01473 747117
beach bbq_Feature 14/11/2014 11:25 Page 32
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$UHD
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hotrodfinal_Feature 16/01/2015 18:11 Page 26
RAD-HOT
VOLKSROD
Words: Paul Knight
Photos: Michael Kellogg
Model: Lauren Hunter
Brad and Joyce Martin

have transformed a rusty,
bent 57 Oval into one of
the sweetest Volksrods
weve seen in quite some
time. Paul Knight finds
out more about the
journey from junkyard
dog to showngo beauty!
he whole Volksrod thing has really

boomed in recent years, and we
love the diversity of this scene. In
short, anything goes, and there are
no fixed rules or pigeon holes. That
said, we have noticed that rat-rod style tends
to be more popular than the show and/or go
theme, hence we were pleased to see that
Brad Martin had opted to go both shiny and
fast with his pearlescent-orange Volksrod.
And before the purists begin to baulk at
the idea of hot-rodding an Oval window Bug,
we should probably explain that, lIke the
lowlight Ghia in this issue (see page 52), this
car was beyond straightforward restoration
yet Brad saved it from certain death!
When Brad found the Bug in the back of a
yard in Loomis, California, it was in a pretty
bad way. He described it as, hit hard on the
right front corner and in the rear, and showed
signs of being rolled over at some point, too.
He continued, It had no engine or
transmission, the floors were totally rotted
out and the bottom inch of the doors and body
were rusty, too. All in all, not the best basis
for a straight resto... but the perfect basis for
a custom resurrection, like this!
Brad explained that the concept for this
build was based around the question, What if
the 60s drag racers had used a VW instead of
a Fiat Toppolino?. To find out, Brad called in
experts to help him achieve the level of finish
he required.
Initial body fabrication (and repair) was
tackled by Ivan Wright. This includes not only
It makes a pleasant change to find a Volksrod that
isnt flat black or rat-rod styled we love it!
26 ultravw.co.uk
February 2015 27
Above: As it was found... crashed, rolled

and rusted out. Brad saved this car from
the crusher, and created one cool ride!
28 ultravw.co.uk
replacing the rotten chassis

with a later (70) pan, but also
reshaping and smoothing the
inner wings etc. Weve grown
so used to seeing heavilychopped Volksrods that its
actually quite refreshing to
see a stock height roof, but
we think it really works well
with the overall style of this
car. Later body mods (including
the trick turbo scoop in the
rear valance/left-hand rear
inner wing and the running
boards and bumper bars) were

handled by the guys at Legend
Motors in Brads hometown of
Placerville, CA. The final paint
was applied by Troy Costa of
The Auto Centre of Roseville,
and that custom-mixed,
pearlescent orange paint really
pops in the sunshine!
All of the mechanical work
was handled by Gary Herrod of
Two Larrys Racing and includes
the fitting of the 8-inch beam
extender kit and lowering the
stock-width front beam by 2.5in. Other mechanical tasks

covered include the fitment of
2.5-in dropped spindles and
Chevy-pattern disc brakes to
accept those cool Rocket
Racing wheels.
A Ken Porter-built prostreet transmission with close
ratio third and fourth gears
and Porsche-sourced
CVs/axles in readiness for a
turbocharged/EFI 1914cc
motor. An AS41 case has been
Above far left: Engine is a hot

1914cc unit fitted with electronic
fuel injection and a blow-through
turbocharger kit
Above left: Aluminium panelling is
by Big Wig race cars
Above: Custom fuel cell resides
beneath the bonnet. Note highpressure fuel supply and return
lines for the fuel injection system
Below: Nudge bar is a one-off piece
February 2015 29
machined to accept 94mm

barrels/pistons and stronger
10mm-diameter head studs. It
was also drilled and tapped
for full-flow oiling, shufflepinned and drilled for a sandseal pulley kit.
CB Performance 044 Super
Mag CNC-ported cylinder
heads are fitted and the
40x35.5mm valves are
operated by an LBC3
camshaft via Manton
pushrods and 1.3:1 ratio
rockers. Deeper inside the
motor youll find a
30 ultravw.co.uk
counterweighted DPR 69mm

crankshaft (8-dowelled to a
12lb flywheel), CB Super Race
H-beam rods (5.400-in) and CB
straight-cut steel gears etc.
But, its the goodies such
as the MagnaSpark crank
trigger ignition kit and the CB
EFI (electronic fuel injection)
and blow-through turbo kit
that really make this motor
sing! And, with a welded fan
keeping the heads cool and a
Derale Performance oil cooler,
Wide-Glide deep sump and a
Clyde Berg breather box, this
combo runs cool and is very

reliable (and fast, of course!).
Moving inside the rod,
Brad has fitted a pair of seats
supplied by Santana Interiors
and a Ron Lummus racing 5point rollcage. Theres also a
custom gauge cluster (with
GPS speedometer) and a set
of Big Wig Racing aluminium
panels, which finishes things
off perfectly.
Brads plan is simply to
drive the car, have some fun
and hit some shows... one
lucky guy! UVW
Far left: Unusual detailing of the

stock steering wheel works well.
Note also the digital gauges and
retro-styled CD/iPod/radio unit
Above centre: 39 Chevy tail lights
and neat, curved rear valance are
nice touches. We love this view!
Above right: Seats were supplied
by Santana Interiors. Note the
glossy interior metalwork, too
Below: Rocket Racing wheels really
suit this car. Front tyres are 165s,
rears are fat 275/60R15s
We dont need to blow our

own trumpet, our customers
do that for us.
Being one of many companies supplying new and second hand
VW parts across the country, what reason is there for you to use
us rather than anyone else? Well, let our customers explain.
Just to say thanks to all involved for good

products delivered fast (next day).
Stephen - Ramsgate
Running at last.
Three phone call later,
job done.Thanks for the help
again lads.
James - St Helier (Jersey)
Thanks Dave, I knew you

could do it. Ordered at
4:30pm, delivered 9:00am
this morning. Jobs gone out
and we have a very happy
customer.
Paul - Cambridgeshire
megabug.co.uk
MEGABUG. YOUR SATISFACTION IS OUR MISSION.
Unit 3 Whitehart Road London SE18 1DG
twitter.com/Megabug_vw
facebook.com/megabug
0208 317 7333
green busv8_Feature 18/01/2015 12:54 Page 32
NOWHERE
TO HYDE...
Words: Christian Tracey Photos: Paul Knight
Chris Hydes Mango

green ride is both a
family Camper and
his bike hauler, too...
its a true workhorse!
'll have the Mango and Cream, please, were the words that Chris
Hyde, owner of this month's Pride 'n' Joy muttered when he
purchased this 65 Split Bus. Having spent its early life in Southern
California, the Bus brought a little sunshine to the UK when it was
imported in 2007, and now brightens the lives of the Hyde family
whenever they take it out for a cruise!
What makes this acquisition particularly interesting is the fact that
Chris was particularly drawn to this Bus as the colours reminded him of a
RHD 59 Bus, which he had owned back in 2001. Sadly, that 59 had to be
sold (to fund an unplanned engine rebuild on a Porsche Carrera 4!), but Chris
had promised himself that he would one day own another Split Bus. He
commented, Ive always loved owning and running classic VWs and have
had many Beetles and several Buses over the years, so it was only a matter
of time before I ended up with another!
Its funny how we become attached to inanimate objects (and
especially old VWs!) and still fondly remember the joy they brought, even a
decade later! Hence, you can understand how happy Chris was when his
wife purchased this Mango green and white Bus as a gift back in the
Summer of 2011... one happy chappy!
Experienced VW owner, Chris, had landed on what was a tidy vehicle,
32 ultravw.co.uk
February 2015 33
Every journey, long or short, is always

a special occasion and we all love it
which was both complete and in

good running order. Yes, there
were a few blemishes here and
there but compared to a UKmarket Bus, which would
typically be far rustier, it was a
gem! The good condition and
driveability of the vehicle was
reinforced by the giant smiles
through the left hand side Split
front window throughout the
four and a half hour ride home!
Nearly four years later, the
joy hasn't escaped Chris,
34 ultravw.co.uk
regardless of where the family

travel. Every journey, long or
short, is always a special
occasion and we all love it, said
Chris.
Chris has no major plans for
the Bus, except to enjoy it and
keep it running smooth for the
foreseeable future. Only a minor
amount of work is required on
the Bus to truly satisfy Chris,
such as a reconditioned NOS
radio, which he plans to hook up
to an already impressive sound
system that includes six

speakers, an aftermarket CD
player and a custom iPod dock
situated within the now dormant
ashtray. Chris has already reworked the interior slightly, with
the original rear facing seats
undergoing an overhaul, as
nearly 50 years of use had
started to take its toll. These
custom built replacements came
complete with under-seat
storage, which is a practical
idea. Chris' interior also features
Chris is a keen cyclist, hence the

interior space of his Split Bus
makes transportation simple!
Below: 1600cc twinport motor is

mostly stock apart from the
addition of an external oil cooler
and filter (far left)
It doesnt matter where you go or how fast you

drive, its all about the fun of getting there
Above: We thing the 5-lug Empi

Sprintstar replicas really suit
this van, although Chris is
considering a change for 2015!
Below: All red, US-spec tail light

lenses may not be 100% UK
legal, but they certainly suit
this Bus well!
a rock 'n' roll bed, which is

furnished with colour-coded
cushions, matching the same
colour scheme as his front and
rear seat cushions. The green
and white colour pallet inside to
compliments the mango green
and off-white paintwork
perfectly.
Mechanically, Chris has
really just overhauled and
repaired things as and when
required. The van drives well,
hence he hasnt really felt the
need to upgrade too much,

concentrating more on keeping
the late-model, twin port
1600cc motor purring along
nicely. He said, It doesnt
matter where you go or how
fast you drive, its all about the
fun of getting there
[reminiscent of Jolly Jims
column about the journey in
January 2015 issue PK]
Chris' long-term plan for the
Bus is purely to enjoy driving it,
but also to take on a few
sensible upgrades and some

personal customisation when
the weather starts to pick up
later in 2015. He commented,
Its nothing major, just fitting
colour-coded safari windows,
up-rated brakes and maybe
even lowering a tad. Chris also
mentioned a potential change
of the current 15-inch Flat 4
Sprintstars for a fresh look, but
thats about all... hes more
concerned about enjoying it!
As us classic VW
February 2015 35
Above: Period styling and

green/white colour combo look
great. This is a fun, family
Camper, hence the wipe-clean
linoleum flooring is perfect!
Below: Front seats were

retrimmed in a contrasting
darker green by a previous owner
Far right: Period radio is set to
be replaced with a working
version later in the year!
36 ultravw.co.uk
enthusiasts know, it's about the

memories we share and savour
in our vehicles and, for Chris
and his family, that could never
be more the case. We have
experienced some very
Ferraris (a brand new California

and a F430 Scuderia). A young
boy was looking at the cars and
my friend offered him the
chance to sit in the Ferrari. The
young lad approached my friend
'n' Joy ride is all about having

fun with your VW with friends
and family! So, if you think your
VW has a fun tale to tell, why
not drop us a line at
info@ultravw.co.uk with a few
This is exactly what a Pride 'n'

Joy ride is all about having fun
satisfying moments and
created some great memories
so far, he said. Chris explained,
Whilst at the Silverstone
Classic last year, the Bus was
parked next to my friends' two
and asked in the most polite

voice Excuse me Mr, do you
mind if I take a picture of the
Bus? Oh how we laughed!
Splitty 1 Ferrari 0!
This is exactly what a Pride
pictures and some info. It

doesnt have to be 100%
perfect, of course... as long as
you love your Pride 'n' Joy, Im
sure the readers of Ultra VW
will, too! UVW
76-77_UVW Contents 12/11/2014 19:34 Page 77
Lettersvfinal_UVW News 16/01/2015 18:28 Page 38
Have your say

Letters, e-mails, your cars and technical enquiries info@ultravw.co.uk
FUCHS FOR A T4?

Dear Ultra VW, Ive just
bought a T4, which Im
converting into a Camper.
Whilst searching online, I
stumbled across a picture of
a similar van with big 17- or
18-in Porsche wheels (like
the Cal Look Bugs run, but
bigger). Do you know where I
can get these wheels and will

I need adapters?
Paul Price
Via Email
You can buy 7x17 Fuchs-style
rims in the correct 5x112mm
PCD (no adapters required)
from www.midlandwheels.com
MANX PARTS?
Dear Ultra VW, I wonder if any of your team could help me find
out some history behind these cufflinks and/or their value?
I've owned them for about twenty years, and I got them
from the widow of an elderly Gentleman who had owned them
for as long as she could remember.
Theyre clearly not modern reproductions, but it seems like
an unusual product to be branded on cufflinks?
If youve never seen them, I wonder if any Ultra VW readers
might recognise them or be able to tell me more?
Jake Ster
Via Facebook
Weve certainly never seen them before! If you can help Jake,
Email us @ info@ultravw.co.uk and well pass on your details.
MARCEL DANIELS ONE HAPPY WINNER!

Dear Ultra VW, Thanks for another great issue of Ultra VW.
This issue turned out to be even greater when I spotted my
own car on page 71 (the Beautiful Budel feature)!
Thank you very much for the kind words. I wanted to tell you
38 ultravw.co.uk
that I actually won a top 10 award, too.

And hey, if youd like to feature my car, Id be over the moon!
Marcel Daniels
Via Email
Lettersvfinal_UVW News 16/01/2015 18:28 Page 39
CRUISING IN GREECE
Dear Ultra VW, here are some pictures of our wellestablished annual air-cooled cruise from our Athens-based
VW store to the Panathenaic Stadium.
This year we managed to get together a total of 7 cool
Beetles and even a rare Karmann Ghia Type 34.
Feel free to look up Oval Dean parts on Facebook (or log
on to www.ovaldean.com) and check out whats happening
here in Greece we have some nice cars!
Oval Dean
Via Facebook
Inspired by Ultra...
Dear Ultra VW, I just thought Id share my lunch

break doodle... No guessing which is my favourite
car from this months issue (January 2015)!
Darrell Thompson
Via Facebook
SPOT ON
Dear Ultra VW, I just wanted to
say that the Jolly Jim column
this month (Jan 2015 issue) was
spot on. I used to show my van
and was precious about scuffing
it... then I took it on a lads roadtrip to EBI! We broke down four
times, got into all kinds of
trouble, got incredibly lost... and
I gave up trying to keep the van
clean! It was a mission at the
time, but I now look back and
laugh as the journey was a big
part of an awesome weekend.
Gary Cole
Via Email
February 2015 39
poster reverse_Feature 16/01/2015 18:33 Page 44
Dean Lowry (Inch Pincher) and

Tom Bruch (VW-powered Porsche
356 Speedster) ready to race at
Bonneville Speed Week in 1966
poster reverse_Feature 16/01/2015 18:33 Page 41
POSTERfrontv7ch_Feature 16/01/2015 18:36 Page 42
www.rothfink.com
9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
POSTERfrontv7ch_Feature 16/01/2015 18:36 Page 43
16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 1
volksswagger_UVW Contents 18/01/2015 12:10 Page 76
Activities
Under 16s FREE

Bouncy castles, magician,
fun fair, face painting, big screen
Disco (under 12s & 13-16)
Kids colouring competition
Friday Chill Time
Opens 12-noon DJs & Bands
Saturday
Best BMX bike, best other bike

Club fun events, tug-of-war,
pull a Bus, hubcap throwing
Vintage theme night (30s, 40s, 50s)
Sunday
Main attraction on the race circuit!

Evening: Super-hero night
Monday
Activity prize giving

Show closes at 4pm
Sunday (on the race circuit)

VW Parade around the circuit
(see terms & conditions)
Kids waky kart race challenge
T4 25th anniversary display
Shownshine, including:Best Split, Bay,
T25, T4, T5,
classic Bug, daily driver,
rustnrat, slammed/stance,
other VW pre- 80 / post- 80,
waky kart
Online Store
Visit www.volksswagger.com
for Hoodies, T-Shirts, Stickers
and all show ticket purchases!
Special Offers
Fun February!
Club Camping Ticket 45.00

General Camping Ticket 47.50
Weekend (no camping) Ticket 25.00
www.volksswagger.com Email: volksswagger@gmail.com
XMAS_Feature 16/01/2015 18:44 Page 46
DO THE RIGHT THING

Every year before Christmas, California welcomes a handful of Volkswagen
events meant to celebrate the holiday spirit and help children in need.
Ultra VW visited two of them, respectively hosted by local clubs,
Der Kleiner Panzers and Stadt Der Rosen. It was a blast!
Words & Photos: Stephan Szantai
hristmas is the time

for giving or so
goes the saying. For
the last decade or
so, several events
have thereby been organized
by Volkswagen clubs to help
children in need, by gathering a
pile of toys. Der Kleiner Panzers
was one of the first groups to
put the idea to fruition in
Southern California, but others
have followed as seen in our
46 ultravw.co.uk
February 2013 issue.

Last December, we could
not pass the opportunity to
cover DKPs 10th driving cruise,
called Santas Lil Helper. We
also decided to attend another
get-together, which has been
quite successful in recent
years, hosted by Stadt Der
Rosen VW Klub. Both events
held a week apart had different
vibes, yet drew large crowds
(and not a single drop of rain).
Festivities began on
Sunday, 7 December, when
over 130 Volkswagens invaded
the parking lot of Farmer Boys
restaurant, DKPs home for
their monthly cruise night
always on the first Sunday of
the month rain or shine! As
some might remember, the
famous Nicks Burgers, which
welcomed several insane
cruise nights over the years,
closed its doors in October
2013; this coerced the club to

find a new location and by
early 2014, Farmer Boys
became their place of choice.
A number of participants
got into the Christmas spirit
last December, dressing their
cars with lights and other
holiday ornaments. With
printed directions in hand, the
1. Following the closure of
parking lot of Farmer Boys,
turbocharged 51 Ragtop
Nicks Burgers, Farmer Boys has
located in Orange County
10. A couple of neighbourhoods
been home to DKPs monthly
6. The perfect 2387cc 66
were amazingly decorated and
cruise night since late 2013
belonging to Andre Hauffen
some of the Volkswagens
2. Friends and toys (thats only
(left), DKPs latest affiliate, led
werent bad either!
a small portion of them) came in
the long caravan of VWs
11. Dominick Luppino drove the
masse to the Panzers 10th
7. Who says you cant drive
30-mile cruise with his insane
cruise last Christmas
turbo Vee Dubs on the street?
9-second turbocharged sedan
3. The crowd gathered to listen
The white Fastback runs a
12. Participants were given
to the strong voice of Ron
turbocharger, too
driving directions and, as far as
Fleming, who gave last minute
8. Love Dan and Julie Paytons
we know, nobody got lost on the
details about the route
Variant on Mooneyes wheels...
streets of Orange County!
4. Street-legal Baja Bug has all
The 57 Ford wagon isnt too
13. A number of enthusiasts got
the ingredients to compete in
shabby either!
into the Christmas spirit by
the Baja 1000 race in Mexico!
9. Jim Splitdog Greenfield put
dressing their vehicles, neon
5. Close to 140 VWs invaded the
more miles on his quick
lights included
12
10
11
13
February 2015 47
pack of VWs hit the road for a

20 mile cruise through the
streets of Orange County; the
route included two
neighbourhoods fully lit and
adorned with a Xmas theme in
particular. An impressive sight!
The Volkswagens created
quite a show, too, with people
rushing out of their homes
to see the long caravan
of partakers.
Once the route was
completed, all vehicles
returned to Farmer Boys, where
the city of Fullertons Police
Department collected toys
from everybody participants
received a Der Kleiner Panzers
dash plaque/magnet in
exchange for their gift. It was
the perfect way to finish
arguably the most successful
DKP Christmas cruise.
Six days later, Ultra VW
went to visit another holiday
affair, which revolved around a

different concept. Unlike the
Panzers meet, the Christmas
Jam did not feature a drive, as
it remained static, i.e., it took
place in the parking lot of a
restaurant in Pasadena. The
city is located closer to Los
Angeles, only 30 miles away
from Fullerton; yet,
interestingly enough, different
groups of VWs joined the two
events held in neighbouring
counties, L.A. and Orange
County. A local club
enthusiastically organized the
show: Stadt Der Rosen (SDR),
the German translation of city
of the roses, Pasadenas
nickname. Incidentally, this
quiet community hosts the
renowned Rose Parade
featuring impressive floats
(since 1890!) on January 1st
every year. The site of choice
was a Tommys Hamburgers
joint, one of the 30 locations in

Southern California, the first
having opened in 1946.
Akin to DKPs annual
rendezvous, promoters did not
ask a dime from participants,
but the latter needed to bring
an unwrapped toy of their
choice, to be given to a charity.
Over 200 VWs made the trek to
Tommys, a commendable tally
that forced Stadt Der Rosen to
direct some of the vehicles
towards a second parking lot
across the street. One area
along the restaurant saw the
most visitors, as it welcomed
the brightly decorated cars,
including a Bug dressed with
1,500 lights, which required
no less than 20 hours to
be installed!
Additionally, the club
presented 15 awards and a
wide array of products during a
raffle. The happening raised
a cool 5,000 dollars, too, for

the Elizabeth House, a
foundation providing shelter,
food, emotional support
and counselling to homeless,
battered women and
their children.
Due to its success, the
Christmas Jam now faces a
challenge: should it stay at its
present location next
December, or should it move to
another larger site?
SDR might consider
working with a nearby
community to close a city
block; but this option is not
free or charge... Unless
various sponsors become
involved, participants will
have to pay a portion of the
tab, something promoters want
to avoid. Whatever the
decision, lets just hope Stadt
Der Rosen overcomes its
growing pain! UVW
The Volkswagens created quite a show, too,

with people rushing out of their homes to see the
long caravan of partakers
48 ultravw.co.uk
1.Tommys Hamburgers in
beds of both these Splitty
Pasadena was home of a
trucks were loaded with toys
fantastic show, which welcomed
6/7. Traffic Jam! The line was
over 200 Volkswagens
long to score a prized parking
2. Sergio Marroquin and family
spot at Tommys...
cruised in their impressively-
8. Ready to count the lights?
adorned Ragtop a genuine
There are 1,500 of them
daily driver
on this Bug!
3. One area of the parking
9. Volksrods are becoming too
lot housed VWs fully clad
few and far between... We want
in Christmas lights and
to see more of them, in the vein
related regalia. Wow!
of this low-budget example!
4. Among the notable displays
10. German Folks Klub member
was this 23-window Samba with
Tom Enriquez is possibly the
matching Eriba trailer
most active in the group he
5.. By the end of the evening, the
drives his 66 everywhere
10
February 2015 49
1.
2.
3.
4.
1. Oval dash 53 Split is a

regular fixture at Southern
California VW events
2. Gorgeous 64 sedan on
steroids did not have to travel
far, being from Pasadena!
3. All blacked-out Beetle on 17inch Fuchs lookalike featured a
menacing appearance
4. A rather unusual, period roof
rack (or is that window rack?)
equip Chrys Espejos
turbocharged 58 Rag
5. Smoke was coming out of the
chimney fitted to the roof of
this Beetle. How cool!
50 ultravw.co.uk
5.
ghia final8_Feature 18/01/2015 12:57 Page 52
SWAMPRAT
Marc Kyles 1959 lowlight Ghia
really was, quite literally, dragged
out of a swamp!
Team Rothfink check it out...
Words & Photos: Rothfink Industries
52 ultravw.co.uk
www.rothfink.com
February 2015 53
Left: This unique Ghia is the

perfect ride for such an
unquestionably-stylish Gent!
With an adjustable, 4-in

narrowed beam up front and
relocated torsion arms out
back, this Ghia rides just
about as low as it will go!
This isnt about restoration

as the base car is almost beyond
the realms of reasonable salvation,
its about preservation...
1.
2.
3.
4.
1. The car was painted white (clearly many years ago!) as the interior still wears the factory blue paint...
Marc may (or may not!) repaint/restore the interior at some point. Marc has fitted fresh carpets over the
new floorpan halves, while his partner, Hannah, has created some cool door cards from old comic clippings.
2. Speakers and an amplifier are cleverly built into a suitcase, which resides on the rear bench.
3. Standard model 3-spoke steering wheel (from a very early Bug) really suits the bare-bones theme!
4. Marc has fitted a fresh wiring loom and has gone to great lengths to ensure everything works properly.
54 ultravw.co.uk
e like to dig
deep to find
new and
previously
unseen or
unpublished vehicles that not
only look incredible, but also
have a great story to tell. And
boy does this 1959 lowlight
Karmann Ghia have a story...
Its a blockbuster! We almost
had to call in Time Teams Tony
Robinson (and his long haired
West Country mate) to go over
this one with a fine tooth comb
to research the unbelievable
story behind it if we dug any
deeper, wed have drowned!

Now, we all know someone
who knows someone who has
a tall tale about an old, superrare or one-off VW discovered
tucked away in a longforgotten garage or scrapyard,
where it had been left to the
ravages of time. But, to find
one in the middle of a muddy
lake somewhere off the back
roads of San Jose, California
dumped like an old getaway
car, with a body in the boot?
No way! It sounds completely
unreal, but its absolutely true!
And do you know what? If
it was gonna be any car left

half submerged, it just had to
be a classic VW (and only some
crazy VW enthusiast would
ever consider such an insane
project!). This isnt about
restoration as the base car is
almost beyond the realms of
reasonable salvation, its about
preservation and creating a
unique concept (with a great
story behind it!). Its about
somebody being mad enough
to wade into a lake and drag
this car out of its watery
grave, then get it back on the
road... leaving it externally
swampified!
Whoever that mystery
salvager is, we owe them a
cold one and an honorary
Rothfink hat and an Ultra VW
T-Shirt!
This unique car belongs to
27 year-old Marc Kyle from
Plymouth, a guy who sports an
impressive beard worthy of
any gator hunter from the
deep murky depths of the
Florida swamps, and wouldnt
look out of place in an episode
of Duck Dynasty. Actually, on
second thoughts, its perhaps
too nicely groomed to be a red-
February 2015 55
It may look like a mess, but underneath its

well-sorted and has been properly overhauled
neck beard... although the car
is every bit as rough and
ready as can be!
So, how did Marc get his
hands on it? He explained, All
I know is that when I first saw
it I thought it looked cool as
f**k, and I just had to have it.
And where was this first
encounter? In situ, half-buried
in the mud in California? Marc
went on, No, sadly not. It was
in Barcelona and it belonged
to the Spanish dub crew
known as the Panscrapers
He continued, All I know is
that after it was discovered
56 ultravw.co.uk
and pulled out of the lake in

San Jose in the USA, it was
bought by a German collector
called Axel Stauber who
imported it to Germany in
1996. Axel later sold it to
Carlos from the Panscrapers
who, in turn, took it to
Barcelona.
So how did you get
involved, Marc? I bought it
from Carlos and Hannah and I
drove all the way to Spain
with a trailer to collect it,
explained Marc. Back then it
was still wearing its USA
registration plates, but it
wasnt long before it was UK

registered and ready to go.
Marc said, Although it didnt
need an MOT (as its early
enough to be exempt), we had
it checked over and all the
work done to it with a view to
making sure it would have
passed an MOT inspection
anyway. It may look like a
mess, but underneath its
well-sorted and has been
properly overhauled.
The whole thing is pretty
nuts and I was blown away as
I walked around Marcs car,
studying it in depth and
looking at the rusted details

in the finish that could only
ever be achieved by the
incredible life this car has led
Marc, what evidence of
the lake still shows? Theres
still clearly a visible ring on
the roof where someone used
a massive magnet to pull the
thing out of the lake, he
laughed. Marc went on to
explain that there are a few
images on the Panscrapers
Facebook page, which show
some earlier stages of the
project. Marc joked, In fact,
theres even one shot where
you can see that Carlos was

driving it around with the
headlamps still half filled with
Californian mud!
So what work have you
done since buying the car?
Well, I had to split the body
from the chassis and put new
floor pan haves in, and weve
also totally overhauled the
brakes before fitting new
suspension throughout. He
continued, Theres also a
whole new wiring loom and a
rebuilt engine, too.
1.
The wheels came from

one of Hannahs friends, and
weve resprayed them and
sourced the replica cog-logo
hubcaps, which have been left
bare and have now rusted
nicely! Ive also replaced the
rear lights but, to be perfectly
honest, the more I look at it,
the less I want to change as I

really want to preserve its
current condition, as the story
is just too cool. Im working on
it every weekend just getting
through small bits here and
there just to preserve this and
repair that just fine tuning
it, I guess. I still want to paint
it properly underneath... you

know, repaint all the inner
arches, and maybe repaint
the inside to look immaculate
So what about that
interior? Hannah spent ages
ripping up loads of old comics
to create the door cards, but
the rest is pretty much
1. Wheels have been blasted and repainted. Hubcaps are KdF-style replicas, which have been left to rust!
2. Whilst Marc is a fan of preservation over restoration, he admits that new window seals may be required.
3. The original speaker (and grille) are long-gone tunes are now provided by an iPod-ready suitcase!
4. Engine is a later, 1600cc twin-port unit, which has been overhauled and runs like the proverbial wristwatch.
5. Ever the Gentleman, Marc always tips his hat when opening the door for Hannah, the lady in his life.
2.
3.
4.
5.
February 2015 57
untouched, said Marc.

Being completely
overwhelmed by the Karmann,
I decided to find out more
about the man rather than the
machine, starting with his
previous vehicular history. My
first VW was a Mk1 Golf,
which I bought when I was 16,
and still own today. And,
when I asked if the Mk1 was
his daily driver, Marc laughed
and pointed to the Ghia. I can
just imagine him popping
down the Spar on a late night
58 ultravw.co.uk
mission for a pint of blue top

and a Fray Bentos in this
beauty... with his top hat
and cane, he must turn
some heads!
I asked, Surely its an
expensive hobby keeping this
as your runaround... if you
dont mind me asking, what do
you do for a living?. Marc
replied, Well, Im a car sprayer
by trade... Partly in disbelief,
this marks the point where I
had to stop the interview
dead in its tracks through fear
that he may end up talking

himself into covering the
unique patina with a boring,
full-body, glossy respray!
Most sprayers wouldnt be
able to resist the temptation
to grab the tape, don the
overalls, mask and let rip, so
Marc, I have the utmost
respect for your sense of
preservation with this
unique rat!
So, just to recap... Were
talking about a classic VW
found submerged in a lake
somewhere in San Jose,

California, USA. Half-full of
mud, its pulled out, exported
to Europe, then, dragged
back to Blighty on a trailer
and now driven around daily.
And with a finish that looks
like a bomb has hit it, and an
owner that resprays cars
for a living...
As the old proverb said,
the truth is sometimes
stranger than fiction! UVW
www.rothfink.com
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KKfinal_Feature 16/01/2015 18:18 Page 61
RITCHIES
KOLLECTION
Words & Photos: Paul Knight
Paul Knight checks out

the all new Karmann
Konnection shop and
museum in Southend, Essex
itchie King opened

his first Karmann
Konnection store
34 years ago and
has recently
relocated the business to a
new home a historic pub in
Southend, Essex.
But this is more than just
an old pub, its an important
local landmark, which just
happens to have some
impressive buildings located
to the rear, which Ritchie has

restored over the past few
years. As youll see, the pub is
now the shop counter for the
day to day parts sales etc
(manned by Julian Hunt and
Andy Rickards), while the
buildings to the rear have
become something of a
Porsche-village, featuring
a museum, workshops
and storage.
Its almost like youve
been transported to an
antiques village, as there are
period signs and car-related
paraphernalia everywhere you
look... something akin to the
ultimate Porsche man-cave!
The first building that
strikes you is the main
storage/workshop, which
houses Ritchies private
collection of highly-desirable
356s, which includes a rare
Carrera coup, a hot-rod
Above: Behind the historic pub is

where the magic happens... the
museum and workshops make it
feel like a Porsche-village with
period signs and collectibles
adorning the walls of the various
out-buildings and workshops
Below: Paul, Julian, Andy, Charlie

and Ritchie stand aside the shop
Bus (which well cover in a future
issue, of course!
February 2015 61
1
Roadster, a custom Radster
and an unrestored Speedster.
And if this isnt enough to
make you weep, he was also
working on a very cool 914/6
for his own collection while
we were there and was just
about to start a neat,
lightweight, SWB 911 project,

which promises to be one to
watch out for in the future.
A big part of the business
is car sales, but unlike some
traders, these guys also offer
mechanical and restoration
services, too.
62 ultravw.co.uk
Theres almost a labyrinth

of separate workshops, each
housing cars in various states
of repair. At the end of the
courtyard is Lionels
Restoration Shop, where
serious metalwork and superb
paintwork are tackled
(something well come back to

cover in the near future).
In short, this is a one-stop
parts, sales and resto shop for
classic Porsche fans.
Its probably become clear
by now that Ritchie has
decided to specialise in the
4
5
6
7
1. Ritchies private collection
like an antiques village... albeit
commended for his restoration
time you read this feature!
includes a Carrera, a couple of
packed with cool cars!
work on the historic building in
8. 911 was just having the
Roadsters and a Speedster
4. 356/912 motor was ready for
the local press, too
headliner fitted and will be
2. This 65 has recently sold the
reassembly with detailed
6. This car will go on to become
reassembled shortly. Watch out
customer is having KK tackle
tinware and ancillaries
a lightweight hot rod...
for it on the for sale pages of
some paintwork and a few
5. The Golden Lion pub is the
a very exciting project!
the website when its done.
minor modifications, too
new home of Karmann
7. The blue car has recently sold
Ritchies orange 914/6 was
3. The period signs make it feel
Konnection. Ritchie has been
and will be in Austria by the
also being refitted a rare car!
February 2015 63
Above: Originally restored some

20 years ago, this car has clearly
stood the test of time as it looks
as fresh as can be!
Below: Red interior is stunning
and contrasts the silver paint
perfectly. Note roll cage, too
64 ultravw.co.uk
Porsche side of the business,

having wound down the VW
parts and sales since moving
from Grainger Road. There are
still hundreds of rare and
unusual pieces of vintage VW
stock though, which Charlie is
sorting through and selling via
the internet/Ebay.
Of course, the whole team
are still hardcore VW fanatics
(and the shop ride is a sweet
Split screen panel van), but
the business is now based
around the classic Porsche
scene, hence theyve even
redesigned the logo to suit.

While looking around, we
really fell for the silver 60 356
(on this spread), which had
recently arrived from the USA.
Amazingly, it had been
restored almost 20 years ago,
yet was in excellent order
throughout. It has a few

subtle GT-style modifications
including plexiglass windows
(with leather roll straps), 5.5in chrome wheels, a deleted
rear seat, rear roll bar and
various other lightweight
mods. Ritchie was tackling a
few minor jobs prior to

advertising it for sale (if you
like what you see, check out
the website!).
If youre a fan of early
Porsches, the new shop and
museum is a must-see... tell
them Ultra VW sent you! UVW
Karmann Konnection
The Golden Lion,
289 Victoria Avenue,
Southend-on-Sea,
Essex, SS2 6NE
Phone: 01702 340613
Check out the all-new website
www.karmannkonnection.com
Above: The new shop logo is

styled along the lines of the
classic Reutters badge
Below: 1600 Super motor

produces 90hp and runs like the
proverbial pocket watch
February 2015 65
Yes, thats a rare

and highly desirable
Carrera quad-cam car!
Check the
website for
further details
of KKs own
custom rims,
which can be
made to order
Ritchies custom
Roadster looks a
whole lot of fun!
Genuine KdF-era factory
cutaway diagrams
Ritchies Outlaw
Roadster (note taller
windscreen and windup windows) looks
great with those hotrod scallops one
super cool ride!
66 ultravw.co.uk
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burly archives888_Feature 16/01/2015 17:44 Page 70
SPEEDFATHERS PT 2
Words: Burly Burlile Photos: Burly Burlile, Bob Newmire, Carter Kudrle, Dick Beith, Griff Borgenson (through Louise Noeth), Mel & Nita Ellis, Rose Wilson, Tom Bruch
UVWs resident Bonneville race historian, Burly Burlile completes the

amazing story of the very first VW racing legends... the Speedfathers!
In 1962, Mel and Johannes campaigned

the Okrasa-equipped motor in this 54 Oval
Dick Beith returned to Bonneville in

1962 with a Paxton-blown, Porsche
356 motor fitted to his belly-tanker
el Ellis and
Johannes Gosvig
partnered again
in 1962 to finally
find out how fast
the drag racing 36hp Okrasa
motor could be made to go
when they installed it in a 1954
Beetle. The first two gears and
reverse were removed from the
transaxle as the guys thought
that a combination of push
starting and the removal of

internal components would
create less internal drag,
thereby offering potential for a
higher top speed
(unfortunately, that would not
prove to be the case). The crew
push-started the Bug up to
40mph, which allowed John to
accelerate up to top speed.
Everything was tried including
cutting up an old clothes line
Note individual
exhaust pipes on
the Bug made
from an old
clothes pole!
Corvair boot was
a great place to
hide from the sun!
The Pepco-blown VW motor fitted in 1963 proved to be more

successful than the Paxton-supercharged Porsche 356 motor hed
raced the year before, and resulted in an impressive 129.68mph
pole found behind the motel to

create four individual tuned
exhaust pipes (nobody knew
about extractor exhaust
systems back then!) to ramcharging the carburettors by
removing the decklid and
running flexible tubes around
the sides of the car to force air
into each carb. After a week of
trial and error tuning, the top
speed achieved was 94.40mph.
The 1963 Bonneville Speed

Trials saw Dick Beith return
with another 36hp-engined
racer. After an unsuccessful
trip to the salt in 1962 with his
Paxton-blown, Porsche 356engined belly tanker (i.e.,
Lakester), Dick pulled the
101mph record holding, Pepcoblown engine from his Oval
window and shoveled it into
the former F4U Corsair belly
Above: Dick is now 78 years of

age, yet is hoping to set some
new records with his latest
creation labelled the Bugliner!
Left: Dicks belly tanker was
a great looking car and very
much captured the feel of
those early-60s salt-flat racers
70 ultravw.co.uk
Above: In 1965, Tom Bruch and Bob Newmire

drove Toms Empi/Okrasa-tuned 56 Oval
from Cedar Rapids, Iowa to Bonneville, Utah
(a 2600-mile round trip!) and managed to run
an impressive 89.92mph out on the salt!
Left: This car, owned by the Schlabaugh
brothers, Lee and Neil, had recently been
purchased from VW collector Mack Jones and
was loaned to Tom Bruch, who installed the
first SSS36 engine. With this Super Stock
Single 36 engine Tom set a new ECTA and
36hp Challenge record speed of 81.223mph
Tom Bruch was an experienced VW and Porsche technician, hence he combined a
reworked version of his Empi/Okrasa 36hp VW motor with the aerodynamic styling
of a Porsche 356 Speedster, which he ran in the F/Grand Touring Sports class
tank, which he had converted

into an aerodynamic Bonneville
racer. He tuned the engine
using those J.C. Whitney
adjustable main jets eventually
hitting a top speed of
129.68mph. Unfortunately, a
slipping clutch over-revved the
Pepco and he was unable to
secure another record for the
VW family. As this is written,
the belly tanks speed remains
the fastest speed any 36hpbased racer has ever achieved.

And fifty years later, 78 yearold Dick is again back on the
salt, this time racing a
streamlined Volkswagen Bug
called the Bugliner, with which
he hopes to set even more
Volkswagen speed records.
In 1965, the last of the
36hp VW Speedfathers, Tom
Bruch, was beginning his
illustrious career racing at

Bonneville with small
displacement engines. A Cedar
Rapids, Iowa, native, Tom had
become an early VW and
Porsche dealer technician
enamoured with Bonneville
racing. Together with
neighbour Bob Newmire (who,
in 1967 would become the
fastest VW racer in the world
using a big-block VW-powered
lakester/streamliner), the duo

drove to the salt in Toms 1956
Bug fitted with an EMPI/Okrasa
kit on his 36hp engine. They
spent the week trying different
tuning applications and
reached a top speed of
89.92mph short of the
Ellis/Gosvigs 36hp DSS speed,
but extremely respectable for a
car driven 2600 miles to and
from Bonneville! Amazingly, on
Tom Bruch returned to Bonneville in 1967

with the 56 Porsche 356 Speedster (fitted
with a hard top to reduce drag). The
lightweight Speedster was fitted with the
trusty 1295cc Empi/Okrasa 36hp motor and
ran a two-way average of 109.572mph.
(This was the last time a 36hp motor set
an officially-sanctioned land speed record)
February 2015 71
In 1966, Dean Lowry stopped by the Bonneville salt flats with the legendary
Empi Inch Pincher (on the way home from an East-coast drag meeting).
This photograph of Tom Bruchs VW-powered 356 Speedster parked
alongside the Inch Pincher is an iconic image of the era!
The Inch Pinchers first successful drag

race had been based on a mighty little 1959
36hp engine bored and stroked to 1914cc
the way home the EMPI
stroker crank broke in half yet
had just enough lip on the
break to enable Tim (with
judicious driving talent!), to
keep the separated
distributor drive end of the
crank in constant friction with
the flywheel side and drive
456 miles home to Iowa!
The following year Tom

returned to Bonneville with
the rebuilt 1295cc 36hp
EMPI/Okrasa engine installed
in a 1956 Porsche 356
Speedster seeking to set a
record in the F/Grand Touring
Sports class. Even though luck
was not on Tom's side in
1966, the record came his
Tom Bruch visited the salt with

various cars, including this lowlight
Ghia, which was raced in 1972
72 ultravw.co.uk
way in 1967 when he again

campaigned the Porsche and
set a two way average record
speed of 109.572mph the
last time a 36hp engine
established a sanctioned land
speed record.
Dean Lowry was also at
Bonneville in 1966 having
stopped by the salt flats on
his way home from drag

racing the Inch Pincher in the
eastern United States. It was
the middle sixties and the era
of high performance 36hp VW
power was coming to an end.
The Inch Pinchers first
successful drag race had been
based on a mighty little 1959
36hp engine bored and
These two shots with the car

reflected on the damp salt
flats are simple awesome!
This car is owned

by Burly Burlile
but was lent to
Tom Bruch, who
was testing a new,
turbocharged
36hp engine
Tom Bruch at the wheel of Burlys Bug

in 2006... the Moon discs and subtle
styling would have looked right at
home back in 1966!
Formula V driver Gary Enoch stands by the original Inch Pincher

(owned by Darrell Vittone) on a dry lake bed in California. This rare
photo was taken before the car was loaned to Dan Gurney to race at
Nassau at the Bahama Speed Week, and upon return, converted into
the Inch Pincher drag car by Dean Lowry and Darrell. This is also the
same car Dean later raced at Bonneville in 1966
stroked to 1914cc (88mm

pistons and an 5/8-in stroke)
using boxed 36hp rods, a Sig
Erson camshaft and Okrasa
dual port heads fitted with
36mm intake and 31mm
exhaust valves. The
compression ratio was a stout
12.1:1. The original dual Solex
40PII carbs (from a Porsche
356) run on the 36-horser

were eventually replaced with
Weber 48IDAs when they
became available in 1964.
These ex-Shelby Cobra
carbs gave Inch Pincher's
drivers, Dean Lowry and
Darrell Vittone, their best
36hp-based engine
performance at the drags. The
little 36 remained Deans

favourite power source through
to 1966 when he finally
switched over to a modified
40hp engine. This was the
engine he ran at Bonneville to
become the worlds fastest
Volkswagen, reaching a top
speed of 125.86mph.
Bob Newmire also
returned to Bonneville with

the first of the new
1500/1600cc big blocks,
innovating the fitment of
Corvair cylinders to provide
early big-bore displacements.
He also fabricated fuel
injection and converted a GMC
(Jimmy) Rootes-style blower
for use on a VW motor.
The Newmire-Patton Special

was fitted with a later bigblock 1600cc-based motor
Bob Newmire still

owns this car today!
Some of the speed

racing trophies
collected by Newmire
February 2015 73
Above: Bobs lakester now hangs from the

rafters of the workshop.
Below: The original heads and fuel injection
Bottom: The Joke Wagen is in poor shape
these days, but at least its still around!
Incidentally, he is also responsible for

creating the first scattershield used in
Volkswagen drag racing (Bob's
scattershield was later used by Dean
Lowry as a pattern for the Inch Pincher's
scattershield). To this day Bob still has
both his Joke Wagen drag sedan and his
worlds fastest VW lakester/streamliner.
The Speedfathers discussed here
were the gentlemen who led the way in
drag racing and land speed racing
Volkswagens, testing and stressing the
first generation (and early big-block) aircooled Volkswagen engines under the
most extreme circumstances in an era
when off the shelf VW speed equipment
(with the exception of Okrasa) were not
available. These guys pre-date the now
legendary Empi and Speedwell tuning

parts! This was a time when knowledge
and home-grown engineering skills were
still the main source of speed innovation.
Of the eight pioneers outlined here, Dick
Beith, Mel Ellis, Tom Bruch and Darrell
Vittone are still active in the VW world,
even though most (except Darrell) are in
their late seventies to mid-eighties.
Three, Speedfathers (Dick, Tom and
Darrell) continue to apply their talents on
the salt flats of Bonneville. While I am
sure this may be the first time many of
you have ever heard of some of these
early Volkswagen drag racing and land
speed racing pioneers, they are our
SPEEDFATHERS, they led the way, and this
story honors them! UVW
To this day Bob still has both his Joke Wagen

drag sedan and his worlds fastest VW
lakester/streamliner
74 ultravw.co.uk
ukarch feb_Feature 16/01/2015 18:42 Page 75

Our resident UK Cal-Look nostalgia historian, Steve Payne, takes a
look at some of the wilder Buses and vans of the late-80s /early-90s
Words: Steve Payne Photos: Steve Payne & The German Camper Company
ast month I looked at the rise of

the Type 3 range, hence I thought
it would make sense to dig out a
few Type 2s (and the odd T25!)
for this months nostalgia page.
Remember, Buses and vans were great
value back then, and you could pick up a

running Split Bus for 1000 easily enough,
hence people were not afraid to chop
them up as they were cheap to replace!
And, given the commercial
practicalities, many traders used them not
only to transport goods to shows etc, but

also as rolling advertising, too.
Ive concentrated on some of the
wilder examples, and I hope some of you
might recall seeing them back in the day.
See you all again next month! UVW
1. Bernard Newburys T25 and Bill Griffiths
Cold Sweat drag Bug outside the first
Southend Airport German Car Co. location.
Parked behind were Howard Daltons Wizard
[I won a trophy for best Cal Look that day! PK]
2. Dropped, chopped and pop-topped!
3. PJs Surf & Cruise early Bay featured 70sstyle portholes and some stylish graphics.
4. This was quite an early Bay window before
it was shortened and turned into a cabriolet
tonneau cover/hood looked elaborate!
5. With the Type 2 scene growing fast, Essexbased German Car Company cashed-in by
importing parts from the Bus Boys in the USA
6. A typical Southend sight! Today it would
fall under the Rat-Look moniker, but back
then it was just a scruffy work in progress!
7. Beetlemanias Porsche-magenta double
cab was a well-known sight at VW shows
8. An early T3D workhorse in the days
before Type 2 Detectives, Paul Medhurst
and co. used this late Bay to haul around
Type 3 parts
2
5
8
February 2015 75
jolly.e$S_Regular Column 16/01/2015 18:14 Page 76
Jolly Jim
Still doin it
Jolly Jim Warner email: jolly@ultravw.co.uk
Showing off (its what I do best!)...
ell, it
seems
some of
you at
least
enjoyed my rambling
prose in the January
issue, as Ive been given
another crack at this
column writing lark this
month, too!
And this time Id like
to talk about VW shows.
Yes, I know its a topic
thats been done to
death, but theres a good
reason for that... in short,
shows are the lifeblood of
the VW scene!
If you check out the
show listings for 2015
[head for
www.ultravw.co.uk PK],
youd be forgiven for
thinking there are almost
too many events, or that
the scene is almost at
saturation point. And, in
one respect, youd
probably be right. There
are lots of clashes, and
the peak months are
literally packed with
great meetings and
events. However, Im a
keen VW show supporter,
and as such, I noticed a
76 ultravw.co.uk
new breed of events

cropping up of late. Dont
get me wrong, the scene
thrives on all kinds of VW
meetings, and magazines
often collect features etc
from the cars on site,
however I urge you to
support the long running,
proper VW shows, which
have served us so well
over the years. We all
love a cheap weekend
away, but sadly, some of
the new-era events have
an element of what Id
refer to as fair-weather
or part-time VW
attendees. Sure, they
boost ticket sales and
some events have been
totally sold out, but there
just seems to be a
growing percentage of
showgoers that are really
just out for a cheap
weekend camping, and
have no real interest in
things such as the show
and shine or even the VW
trade stalls. This might
be great news for those
that sell silly hats,
sunglasses and/or
burgers etc, but its not
so hot for the real VW
folk. VW traders now find
Building stages,
directing traffic,
helping on the
Ultra VW trade
stand, accepting
awards (!) I love
to get involved in
VW events!
the show season overly

saturated, and I dont
think any would report
that their sales of VW
parts have grown, even at
sell-out events. And just
look at the show fields
some are pretty sparse in
recent times... not a great
sign for us true VW fans.
So, my point is, by all
means hit as many shows
as you possibly can, but
just consider what Id
prefer to call proper, oldschool VW shows, too.
Sure, some might seem a
little more expensive
(although some are
actually a bargain!), but
thats because theyre
providing you with more
than just a field with a
few portaloos and an
acoustic band! Some
have drag racing, others
have a packed show field
with rows of trophies, and
many have professional
stages with bands etc...
none of that stuff is
cheap and/or easy to
organise. And its these
kind of old-school VW
events that helped
launch our VW
magazines, and still
provide the feature

material that fill the
pages, too!
Ill be at many of the
larger shows, and a good
number of smaller events,
too, so please let me
know your thoughts on
the topic I love nothing
more than the chance to
talk about VW events. In
fact, I love events so
much that I often help
out on the gate and
setting up shows, too.
Crikey, Ive even built
major stage sets and
worked the wheels of
steel (albeit as a warm up
act!) in the big top at Bug
Jam, but thats a story Ill
save for the future!
Just being involved in
the scene gives me a real
buzz, and Id hate to see
the face of proper VW
shows change, so just
consider what the shows
have done for you when
you sit down to plan your
summer. Maybe its time
to return the favour and
support your favourite
old-school meeting in
2015? Anyway, thats my
rambling over until next
time, folks! UVW
VolksTalkv8KS_Regular Column 18/01/2015 13:01 Page 78
VolksTalk
Every days a school day or should be
Keith Seume e-mail: keith@ultravw.co.uk
he wisest piece
of advice I have
ever been given
was, if youre not
sure, then ask.
Or, to put it another way,
Theres no such thing as a
dumb question, only dumb
people who dont ask
questions.
I can clearly recall the
day I was given that piece
of advice: I was building
my first ever turbo engine
(for the old Flat Attack
Beetle), using heads and
turbo kit from Dave and
Judy Kawell of KRE.
Now its fair to say that
Dave and Judy dont suffer
fools easily, and were not
averse to voicing their
opinions about people who
claimed to know it all, yet
had little to show for their
supposed knowledge.
I admit I had no
knowledge to speak of
when it came to
turbocharging air-cooled
VW engines all I had
known up to that point had
been based around good
old dual Weber
carburettors and Bosch
distributors. But I wanted
to go faster and couldnt
help noticing that many of
the winning cars in the USA
wore KRE decals.
I called by the KRE
workshops in Santa Ana,
California, and spent a fair
amount of time listening as
Dave and Judy persuaded
me that turbocharging was
the way to go. I had been
on the point of building a
new normally-aspirated
engine for my Fastback,
and had already bought a
pair of the then-new
Superflo heads, which Dave
assured me would be fine
for the turbo installation.
I went ahead and
ordered a KRE turbo
system, complete with
cam, Rajay EF40 turbo, 48
DHLA carburettor, header
and locked-out magneto
(this was back in 1989
when most cars still ran
magnetos). I couldnt wait
78 ultravw.co.uk
to receive the parts.

When they eventually
arrived, I really didnt know
where to begin. OK, so Id
built dozens of VW engines
over the years (the very
first one I ever built was a
big-valve 1600 Type 1
motor with dual 48 IDAs
for a rally Beetle) but
somehow felt intimidated
by this new technology.
I assembled the
bottom end no problem,
but started to get
concerned about deck
heights, valve-train
geometry and a myriad of
other details which Id
never worried about
before. Each time I ran into
a problem, Id send Dave
and Judy a fax, or pick up
the phone and ask them
for their advice.
I felt guilty about this
as I knew they were busy
people, but Dave always
patiently answered my
questions and seemed
pleased with my progress.
As the project
developed by now I had
forgotten the idea of
reworking the Fastback
and had turned my
attentions to the ex-Bernie
Smith Humbug chop-top,
(which Id renamed Flat
Attack) I felt I was using
up all my favours and
apologised to Dave and
Judy for asking so many
dumb questions.
The response I got was
(you guessed it): Theres
no such thing as a dumb
question, only dumb
people who dont ask
questions! Thinking about
it, they were right after
all, how else is anyone
going to learn?
Id decided from the
beginning that there was
no point in my trying to
start from scratch when
there were experts who
had acquired a lot of
knowledge from which I
could learn. Or to put it
another way, why try to
reinvent the wheel?
Over the next five or
six years, I called on the

Kawells collected
knowledge many times
and never once did I feel
dumb. Well, no more so
than usual
More recently, Ive
been putting the finishing
touches to my latest
project, a 911-engined
1966 Porsche 912. Much of
the work has been fairly
straightforward, but when
it came to sorting out the
engine electrics, I was
stumped. You see, Id
decided to use Jenvey
throttle body injection, run
via a Megasquirt ECU, with
crank-fired ignition.
To some people (OK,
many people), wiring ECUs
and crank sensors will
come as second nature
but not me. The
instructions supplied with
the ECU were fairly easy to
follow, and each of the
wires in the loom labelled.
Id bought a trigger-wheel
set-up for the 911 engine
from the USA, a Ford
Mondeo crank-sensor,
Cosworth V6 coil pack and
new Bosch injectors from
eBay. I was on a roll.
The wiring went OK,
and all seemed to be right
with my world until I
connected up my partners
PC lap-top (the ECU
software couldnt be read
on my Mac) which showed
a total lack of signal from
the crank trigger. OK, lets
go back to the beginning.
I checked and
rechecked the wiring, and
could find no obvious fault.
I changed the crank sensor
It all looks so easy

(to someone who
understands such
things!). Never be
too proud to ask
questions, even if
they do appear to
be dumb
for another new one, again

to no avail. I was stumped.
Half the problem was
that I didnt really know
what I was looking for
when examining the onscreen readout. I kept
going back on line and
reading through posts on
the various Megasquirt
forums but it was all
double-dutch to me. I am
not, as you might have
guessed, especially techsavvy when it comes to
such things as electronics.
And then the lightbulb
above my head turned on!
Stupid me what had I
been told 20+ years ago?
Something about no such
thing as dumb questions?
I remembered that one
of the regular contributors
to the DDK-online Porsche
forum had used an MS ECU
on his home-brewed
throttle body set-up
(cleverly based around
Triumph motorcycle
components). In fact, hed
demonstrated it to me at a
show a couple of years
ago, indelibly imprinting on
my mind the worth of ITBs
and ECUs over carbs and
old distributors.
After a quick series of
e-mails, I began to
understand what was
wrong and, more
importantly, how to fix it. I
also identified some other
mistakes Id made along
the way.
Suddenly I didnt feel
quite so dumb after all. I
was now one vital step
closer to enjoying my
three-year project UVW
UVW Small ads 138.qxp
15/1/15
15:31
Page 79
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February 2015 79
UVW Classifieds 138.qxp
15/1/15
15:29
Page 80
Classifieds
Sell your vehicle completely free of charge on our website

ultravw.co.uk
Beetles
1968 Custom/Cal VW Beetle eye

catching, reluctant sale of my Bug, it has
undergone full body off rest/custom, many
new parts fitted, I have full list and receipts,
lots of photos, 1968 with a late 1200 engine
fitted so has alternator, age related plate,
tax exempt, VW birth certificate, MOTd,
new carb, Empi wheels, garaged during
winter, drives well, fibreglass wings so no
rust on them, ask to see more pics and
details, 6,750. Tel: 07879 082509. Email:
darrencatlow@gmail.com
(Cardiff).
U0215/006
VW Baja Beetle for sale, made in 1974

and owned by my mother and then myself,
had a star billing 2 years ago in the
December 2012 issue of Ultra VW
magazine where it was described as The
UKs Best Street Legal Baja (see front
cover and 3 page inside report), 1641cc
engine with Eagle C25 camshaft and dual
36DRLA DellOrtos, Gold Metalflake and
Candy Blue paint from House Of Kolor, I
could go on as the general spec is
unbelievable, very reluctant sale, 25,000.
Tel: 07740 467777. Email: nic.higgins@
rocketmail.com (London). U0215/011
80 ultravw.co.uk
1973 VW Beetle for sale, tax exempt, 1600

twin port engine, runner, good solid base
for project or resto, some work done and
some new parts fitted, needs some work to
get it back on the road!! 1,150. Tel: 07590
675143.
Email:
namelocnitram@
googlemail.com (Worcs). U0215/010
1972 1200cc flat screen Beetle up for
sale, very well looked after exterior and
interior, MoT valid until August 2015, call for
more details, 5,995. Tel: 07447 003939.
Email: jamie.tallin@me.com (Devon).
U0215/015
Campers & Vans
Bought new October 2010 Volkswagen

T5 with 2.0 L, 84bhp diesel engine, factory
colour coding, VW alloys, side bars, leather
trim, cruise control, trip computer and air
con, converted in 2013 to a high spec, it
features a rock and roll bed with 2 seat
belts and spare cushion covers, Smev two
hob cooker, sink, Waeco fridge,
cupboards, wardrobe, Swivel passenger
seat with arm rests and valuables safe
under the seat, uprated stereo/CD players
with MP3 plug in, colour coded pop up roof
fitted with mattress, gas assisted rams for
bed to give standing head room, taxed until
April 2015, MoT to 17 August 2015, and
50,000 mile service carried out September
2014, which included two new Hankook
tyres, full service history available, 23,000
no offers, please contact if you are
interested, have any questions or wish to
view. Tel: Vern, 07957 455220. Email: info@
mcewan-contractors.co.uk. U0215/014
Ex Rust Box: Kieft en Klok 1960 Split

screen Crew Cab, this BWA bus has had
extensive work with over 22,000 invested,
excluding labour, it runs a 2276cc engine
with Rancho Pro Street gearbox, front CSP
disc conversion and with air adjustable
shocks, sensible offers considered,
19,500, contact for further details. Tel: +44
(0)7817 626657. Email: sallywootton@
orange.net (Sheffield). U0215/002
VW T25 Kingcab, full MoT, 6 months tax,

good condition inside and out, has been
fitted with a 2.5 Subaru engine conversion,
stainless steel exhaust system and lowered
40mm, the engine conversion alone cost
3,850, has problem with 3rd gear? Hence
price of 4,850 ono. Tel: 07778 805244 or
01638 577622. Email: amrmotors@
aol.com. U0215/013
1988 T25 Hightop Camper, in need of light

restoration, however van is MoTd until
June 2015, recently had new exhaust and
oil leak fixed, call for more details. Tel:
07447 003939. Email: jamie.tallin@me.com
(Devon). U0215/009
UVW Classifieds 138.qxp
15/1/15
15:30
Page 81
Miscellaneous
2012 VW Transporter Campervan,

26,250 + VAT, finance options available,
subject to status, alternate vehicles are
available from 17,500! Only 21,174 miles
on the clock, roof fitted solar panels,
awning rail, 4 berth/5 travelling seats, popup roof bed, 2.0ltr diesel, chrome side bars,
colour coded bumpers and wing mirrors,
20 alloy wheels, double passenger swivel
seats. Tel: 01179 373310. Email:
stevenlambert@dawsonrentals.co.uk
(Bristol). U0215/012
1973 RHD Westfalia USA import,

imported/restored and converted to RHD
by Southwest Splitz, body resprayed in
original Bali Yellow in and out, all new
rubbers/seals etc, lowered on drop
spindles, engine has many new parts, runs
very sweet, tuned on r/r, excellent original
Westy, 4/5 berth interior, unwelded chassis
etc, rock solid all round, fully Waxoyled
underneath, only goes out in good weather,
a truly beautiful Bus! 21,500. Tel: 07773
727434. Email: rowan.davey@tesco.net
(Devon). U0215/008
1972 Type 2 Camper, 4 berth, el/roof,
complete restoration, new: floor 8 lower
bodywork and wheel arches; new: wheels,
tyres, s/belts, dr/locks, w/rubbers, d/seals,
fully fitted interior resprayed throughout,
price 17,500, px considered. Tel: 07971
385242 (Dorset). U0215/016
Stunning 1994 1.8 Mk3 VW Golf Driver,

19K from new, genuine with full history, all
MOTs, tax discs and full service history, all
round stunning, garaged from new, power
steering, fully serviced, cambelt just done,
alloys like new! Genuine car spare,
unused, as is the tool kit, also mint inside,
zero rust, HPI clear, 2,450. Tel: 07724
156567. Email: cooper_melanie@sky.com
(Notts). U0315/001
VW Mk1 Golf Clipper, MoT Apr, some
s/h, new mohair power hood 4 years
ago, p/s, TSW alloys, CD player, 76K.
1.8 auto, owned 8 years, 3,450. Tel:
07903
310294.
Email:
mark@
theoxfordshirepaintingcompany.com
(Bucks). U0215/017
VW Transporter Haynes manual, covers
years 1972 to 1979, all models, 1679cc,
1795cc, 1970cc, no oily or greasy marks,
vgc, 8. Tel: 07950 997713. Email:
delhel2003@yahoo.com (Kent). U0215/003
Private registration for sale T4 RKW,
would suit a VW T4 owner or maybe your
initials, 495, price includes DVLA transfer
fee to your vehicle. Tel: 07974 120265.
Email: rodrani@hotmail.com. U0215/004
Huge VW magazine collection for sale,

complete set of VolksWorld magazines,
issue 1 to present day; complete set of
Ultra VW magazines, issue 1 to present
day; Hot VWs and VW Trends magazine,
various complete years from the 1980s,
Keeping Your Legend Alive, complete sets,
various Flat 4 etc, can sell as complete sets
or let me know what you need, all in
excellent condition. Tel: 07740 774578.
Email: dennis5480@yahoo.com (Dundee).
U0215/018
Parts
Audi A3 Sport 3dr half leather interior in

black with blue markings, airbag type, in
stunning condition, 4 headrests, door
cards, rear parcel shelf, buyer collects,
780, no offers. Tel: 07879 215057. Email:
davideasylife@live.co.uk (West Midlands).
U0215/005
Original tyre and wheel for 1970s VW
Beetle, Continental circa 1970, vgc, 6mm
tread, 20. Tel: 07973 873882. Email:
yvonnestredder2001@yahoo.co.uk.
U0215/007
Complete front sheet metal for a 1967
Beetle, in vgc, it consists of all panels dash
forward, new front panel, ideal for
restoration/crash repair, last year for long
bonnet/tank under hood, cash on collection
or I can possibly drop off mainland UK (ask
first), this will save hundreds of pounds over
cost of separate panels, 130. Tel: 07855
542195. Email: buggypete@aol.com
(Accrington). U0215/019
Wanted
VW enamel sign, size 5.5 x 3.5 inches,
steel not tin, 35 inc p&p, excellent
condition. Tel: 020 8399 7541 (Surrey).
U0215/001
Wanted gas shocks (possible adjustable),

to suit 50/40mm lowered T25, ie a set of
four, cash waiting, need to stop van
bouncing like a lunatic, call me, no internet.
Tel: 07963 772412 (Lancs). U0215/020
YOU CAN UPLOAD YOUR PRIVATE ADVERT AT: www.ultravw.co.uk

OR YOU CAN EMAIL: classifieds@ultravw.co.uk
UP TO 400 CHARACTERS + PHOTO IS FREE! Copy can be submitted online or by email or post, with
remittance if applicable, to: Ultra VW Private Classifieds, Top Notch Publishing Ltd, 21 Benjamin Road,
Maidenbower, Crawley, West Sussex, RH10 7QY, United Kingdom. Dont forget your contact details!
(Email: ian@ultravw.co.uk for Trade enquiries, or call: 01293 270720)
Deadline for inclusion in the March issue is 5th February (April issue deadline 5th March).
February 2015 81
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cover feb15_UVW 18/01/2015 12:44 Page 1

2366cc TYPE 4-POWERED SPLIT BUS

UK: 65 SPLIT SCREEN CAMPER

USA: DKP/SDR XMAS EVENTS

Issue No. 138

76-77b_UVW Contents 16/01/2015 19:07 Page 76

contents final_UVW Contents 16/01/2015 17:51 Page 4

have your say

subscribe @ club ultra

Chris Hydes Camper is his pride and joy!

uk cal look archives

Sell your VW for FREE, only in Ultra VW!

76-77b_UVW Contents 16/01/2015 18:52 Page 76

SHOW CAR OR DAILY DRIVER

Front screen seal. German made OE quality.

Volksworld June 2011 cover car

Door seal kit. All the rubbers

Hella RHD headlamp

Daus fire extinguisher

SSP engines 1200 - 2000cc UK built

01273 444 047

Front axle beam

contents final_UVW Contents 16/01/2015 17:51 Page 5

EVENTS & GATHERINGS

do the right thing

Stephan Szantai checks out the DKP (Der

Ritchie King has run Karmann Konnection

Ultra VW, Top Notch Publishing Ltd 2014

6_UVW Contents 16/01/2015 23:22 Page 76

rometschV8_Feature 16/01/2015 18:39 Page 7

Karosserie Friedrich Rometsch

rometschV8_Feature 16/01/2015 18:39 Page 8

Marks current collection also includes a 47 Beetle

rometschV8_Feature 16/01/2015 18:39 Page 9

hen we mention the name Rometsch, most

rometschV8_Feature 18/01/2015 12:46 Page 10

some parts for the car that he

was amazed to find that the

to a very high standard, and

Above: Its unlikely that youll

He was amazed to find that the

aforementioned Wendler and

road. And, we have to say, it

Below left: This was a 2+2 car at

rometschV8_Feature 18/01/2015 12:46 Page 11

to dig out some history and background on these

Above: Banjo steering wheel with

Below: Rometsch also built a

classic lines of the first Rometsch cabriolet and

rometschV8_Feature 16/01/2015 18:40 Page 12

wasnt to everyones taste. We

hence it was little surprise to

Above: There is a slight

Perhaps the biggest problem was

There was a huge amount of

The company continued to

Below left: Okrasa-tuned motor

76-77_UVW Contents 12/11/2014 19:24 Page 76

Newsfebnew_UVW News 18/01/2015 12:39 Page 14

News & Products

JUST KAMPERS OPEN DAY

Winter is over and that means the show season

Dub Aid is back! 20-22 March 2015

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