1963 Volkswagen beetle
Written by: C Blackmore.
For long time, Thomas was best described as an acquisition enthusiast - always looking for the next thing to add to his collection. In more recent years, he's focused on perfecting the existing fleet.
For a lot of us, Beetles are just the car from Herbie or something that appears on the road in summer time, when local enthusiasts bring them out for their semi regular Sunday drive. Yet at first glance, this Beetle just hits different.
This punch buggy is lower than most, it’s not entirely stock either. In fact the few times I’ve posted photos of this on a global forum there has always been reliable purist ridiculing the camber and height. However, Thomas has one impeccably clean Beetle.
Purchased at the tender age of 21, Thomas has kept this thing for years. The idea has been to always keep it in a drivable state.
A chuffed Shakotom
Vehicle: 1963 Volkswagen Beetle
SET UP: 1192cc, flat four, air cooled - approx 34HP
FUN FACTS: Has a period correct bottle of Schweppes Tonic Water in the centre basket
Whilst it’s still drivable, Thomas couldn’t help but attain a lower ride height and throw some wider wheels on the rear. The front is running the same sized tyres as a Smart Car and the colour of the vehicle is known as ‘Jamaican Blue’.
Is it original? No. Is it awesome? Definitely. Long live the humble Volkswagen Beetle.
Check out the full story of how a 1963 VW Beetle ended up slammed to the floor in New Zealand here:
