radio blues

It really was more than a car…

posted: Nov 06 2004

...it was an experience.

My affection for Volkswagen driving machines started in high school with a 1968 beetle: 4-speed, nasty upholstery, no heater, ferris wheel-sized steering wheel, and no radio. It was green, well, most of it was green. I think it had a grey rear fender, and a white trunk/hood, but it didn’t take long for that thing to aquire a custom paint job. Oh yes, I was the proud owner of TRTLBUG. heh…good times.

I am unaware of a cure once the VW virus gets in your blood. I’ve owned a 1962 VW Panel van, and I still own a 1963 VW type 3 (notchback). When I was driving the van, I stopped by a VW dealer to get some left over fahrvergnügen (the pleasure of driving) stickers and saw a brochure for VW’s attempt at resurrecting the pregnant roller-skate called the concept 1, commonly known today as the new beetle. I remember telling the dealer that if I were to ever buy a car brand new, it would be that one.

Well, back in February of 2000, just before our son was born, my wife and I purchased—err, leased with “plans to purchase”—a 2000 VW New Beetle; shiny blue, loaded.

Man I miss that car!—it was more than just a mode of transportation, it really was an experience. But two kids and four years later a mini-van starts to make sense.

-- jase