Indholdsfortegnelse for June 2025 i VolksWorld

Inspiration can come from the most unexpected places. For Stefanie Lawless, a resident of sunny Nevada, it was a Hollywood ‘rom com’ that sparked her love affair with the Volkswagen Type 181, better known in the US as the Thing. “I fell in love with the car when I saw Drew Barrymore drive her yellow Thing in the movie 50 First Dates,” Stefanie recalls with a smile. “My husband, Dave, looked for quite a while and eventually found one for sale online. When he did, we jumped on it.” That was in 2011, and the couple haven’t looked back since. Their 1974 VW Thing, affectionately nicknamed ‘Thingy’, has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past 13 years, evolving from a rugged off-roader into a beach-ready cruiser that’s as unique as…

The Freddy Files event in Ninove, Belgium, is a much-loved, season-opening gathering for air-cooled VW enthusiasts, and the 2025 edition was another roaring success. With the first signs of spring in the air, nearly 800 Volkswagen fanatics descended on the charming town of Ninove on Sunday 16 March, turning the streets into a celebration of VW nostalgia. While many Brits gather at the nearby Witkap brewery on the Saturday, the Freddy Files officially kicks off with a (pre-booked only) Saturday night dinner at The Mauritz, in full Oktoberfest style. Lederhosen and dirndls were out in force as participants indulged in a German-inspired, all-you-can-eat feast. With food stands serving everything from bratwurst to flammküche, and a Witkap in hand, it was the perfect prelude to the main event. Gentlemen’s racers By…

“Here’s a car, son. It’s yours… and it’s in bits” To really get your head around this car, it might help if we paint a picture for you with words. Let’s start by imagining a 27-year-old industrial mechanic from Liège, Belgium, staring at a rusty, incomplete, 1954 Oval ragtop that’s been handed to him like a family heirloom wrapped in a riddle. That, in a nutshell, is Jerome Lorphevre’s story, and what he went on to do with that gift from his parents is nothing short of exceptional. This isn’t just a car, it’s a three-year labour of love, taking inspiration wherever he found it, his patience paying him back in spades. Oh, and it’s green, but not the green you might be thinking. Today, Jerome’s Oval is nothing like…

All-new single-port long blocks EMPI is now offering all-new, 1600cc, single-port long blocks to replace existing units. These are an ideal option for those looking to retain an original appearance in their 1500 or 1600cc Bugs, Ghias and Buses. Just like EMPI’s dual-port long blocks, these engines are assembled using quality parts from leading air-cooled brands, including AA, Bugpack, Elring and Schadek, and come with a 12-month / unlimited mileage warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. Features include an OE-style magnesium engine case, 4140 forged and counterweighted crankshaft and EMPI CNC-machined cylinder heads, upgraded with OSVAT valves, valve guides and seats, given EMPI’s proprietary three-angle valve job and fitted with high-performance rocker shafts and forged rockers. From: Contact your local EMPI dealer and quote p/no. 98-0489-B to request a…

When you think of Arizona, what comes to mind? Scorching desert heat, sprawling cacti and endless highways, right? Well, for Chad Wilkens, a proud member of the Desert Dubs VW Club, Arizona is also home, and those endless highways are where he enjoys spending time in his slammed, air-equipped, head-turning ’64. Chad’s journey through the world of air-cooled VW motoring is slightly different to the usual one. It embodies the same passion and persistence we’re all familiar with, together with a useful helping of assistance from good friends, but he came at it after nearly three decades in the exotic car industry and a owning a slew of water-cooled VWs. “My long-time friend, John Bereda, was the catalyst,” Chad explains. “We’ve been modding GTis and attending shows together for years,…

“the front panel had been repaired with food cans” The Split Window Bus scene has its share of influential figures in California, and Eddy Collins certainly stands out among them. Over the years, he has built a reputation around collecting M-code 222 models. While dedicated Type 2 enthusiasts will recognise immediately what that code refers to, for those less familiar with Split Screen model numbers, these are the high-top, or high-roof variants of the Split Screen Transporter. His current line up includes a red fire department ambulance, a white ambulance and a weathered blue Panel Van adorned with faded Eddy & Dave’s Garage lettering. The Eddy in that partnership is Eddy himself, of course, and the Panel Van acts as a rolling advertisement for his air-cooled VW shop in Orange,…

The idea for this EMPI-themed beach buggy came into Dave Fisher’s mind when he saw the buggy EMPI in America had built to promote its lines of dune buggy products This, however, is Dave’s own take on an EMPI buggy, and EMPI UK liked what they saw so much that they stepped in and sponsored the build with a few parts. Let’s face it, there’s no one better qualified to build a buggy in the UK than Dave and his Kingfisher Kustoms outfit; he’s owned his own Buggy since 1972 (!) and has built literally hundreds of VW-based buggies since then. If you read the feature on the Thomas Crown Affair tribute buggy in last month’s issue, you’ll be familiar with Dave’s handiwork, even if you’re relatively new to the…

When it comes to Volkswagen enthusiasts, few embody the sheer passion and dedication of Joey and Jen Giordano from Herald, California. Their stunning 1960 Karmann Cabriolet is testament to that, as well as to their attention to detail, appreciation of craftsmanship and love for the VW lifestyle. Rebuilt in just six months, this Cabriolet not only turns heads wherever it goes, but picks up trophies whenever they’re on offer. Accolades so far include a Top 20 ranking and fabled VW painter, Buddy Hale’s, Top Choice award at the prestigious One Crazy Weekend event in Las Vegas. But this car is more than just a show stopper, it’s a reflection of Joey’s lifelong passion for VWs, and his commitment to preserving and enhancing their legacy. The journey with this car began…

Buckle up VW fans, we’re taking a trip back to the South of England Showground for the one and only, the legendary, VolksWorld Show! Mark your calendars now, because 23 March was the day the VW faithful showed their colours and descended on Ardingly in Sussex. And boy, was it worth the trip! Moving one of the UK’s best known, and longest established, events to a new location was a big step. And not one taken without a great deal of consideration. However, it was the change of format that raised more eyebrows in the run up to the 2025 event. Now that it has taken place, I’m very proud to report that not only did the new location work out perfectly, the revised format went down a storm, too.…