Post by ady on Jun 8, 2020 15:43:41 GMT
The first time I remember seeing a Bug on the road was around 1998/98. I was living in Hayes, West London at the time, and one drove past as I was walking down the road that I lived on. Before this I had only seen them in classic car mags.
Moving on to 2007, I had moved to Bristol and had just finished referbishing my house. I was then on the lookout for a project.
Looking through ebay I found a very rough Bug up for sale in Rhondda, South Wales. That would make an interesting project... I ended up putting a bid on it, the auction ran to the end and to my supprise I won.
With the car back home it was stripped down, that was easy, most bits just fell off and the chassis needed a dustpan and brush to pick it up. Still not knowing much about these strange little cars I joined the Bug Club and the spares scheme to get help support and knolage, all of which were there whenever I asked.
In 2009 I realised that the following year was going to be the 40th aneversary. Nothing like a deadline to get you motivated, so I decided I was going to take my Bug along to the 40th rally, at this time the restoration was far from finished. As the date got closer I realised I wasn't going to have time to paint the body and get everything bolted up and fitted to it. So I didn't paint it, I just put everything togeter. I couldn't get the correct lights, so bought two small round ones from a kit car supplier, that I would swap out later and took it for an MOT. Which it passed, to the MOT tester's supprise.
A few days later we made it to the 40th, one brakedown on the way and several during the rally, just teathing problems, but always plenty of people to help, so the best place to do it.
The folowing spring I stripped it down, finished the bodywork preap and got some paint on it. It was ready to enjoy the summer. I would then sell it on to make room for another project.
Here we are now in the Bug's 50th year, obveously I never sold it. It's just too much fun. We have been all over the UK and normally back again. Those temporary headlights are still there, the canopy has gained power assistance, the engine has been rebuilt to a go faster spec and I have almost but not quite got around to fitting some sidescreens.
And somehow along the line I got the job of running the Regalia for the club. I still don't know who talked me into that one.
