Sign up to stay connected.
Sign up to receive the weekly newsletter featuring the very latest from Machines & Macchiatos.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Sign up to receive the weekly newsletter featuring the very latest from Machines & Macchiatos.
Lush Of Greens.
1954 + 1966 VW Beetles
"It came down by chance" - That's how owner Lu explained it, how his love affair with the VW Beetle was ignited. Just by chance, his uncle stopped by one day & took Lu and the family for a ride in his new VW Beetle in the early 70's. Even at the age of 4, it's that memory which lives the strongest in Lu's mind & burns brightest in his heart. That brief moment in time would start a lifelong passion for the VW Beetle.
The spark which ignited Lu’s journey
As Lu was growing up, the passion & desire for his own Beetle one day never waivered. It only got stronger. Sitting in the back of his uncle's car, listening to the "Dak Dak" iconic Beetle sound, left such an impression. It planted the seed for a life dedicated to the VW Beetle.
All through school & even into his college years, studying to be a Graphic Designer, Lu held onto the dream of Beetle ownership. Once he began working & earning money, Lu was able to fulfill his dream of owning a Beetle. He collected his hard earned cash & purchased a very original 1956 Beetle. Lu describes the experience "It was such an awesome moment, after so many years of wanting a Beetle, I finally had one & it was a beauty, a real early one at that, a 1956 model. It had the small rear oval window, which made it hard to see what was behind you, but it was way cool".
After a few years of ownership, Lu felt the need for a Beetle that was a little easier to drive, had a few more comforts & was a bit more reliable. "The '56 Beetle was a great car, but it had no - blinkers, heater, air con or radio, it was a very basic & raw driving experience" Lu described. With that thought, Lu decided to take a leap of faith & launch into a brand new chapter of Beetle ownership. It filled his heart with excitement & great anticipation, as to what Beetle he would find to add to his VW family.
Introducing Birchette & Olive
Birchette was the Beetle that Lu found next by luck, originally he was looking to buy a 70's Beetle as a daily driver, but when an original 1966 Birch green came up for sale he couldn't resist. A very honest & original Beetle, it even had the original number plated from 1966. Birchette now has a lot of accessories including a genuine VW Stamped roof rack, which really enhances her 60s flair. I was interested to see what the difference in the driving experience of the two Beetle was going to be. "Totally different," Lu confidently said. The handling, the driving experience, the non syncro gearing down from second to first for the '54, which the '66 did have syncro, the comfort leave, there seemed to be a great deal of difference, Lu informed me that over 10 years of production between the '54 & the '66 Beetle, saw VW improve may components of the Beetle, making it a stark contrast between the two.
Olive is a 1954 Beetle, her coming into Lu's possession was a very different circumstance, it was more of the right place at the right time. "A friend called me up & said there's a really good original 1954 Olive Green Beetle that's just come on the market & you really need to see it" Lu said. Although he was not in the market for another Beetle, "Olive" was too good of an opportunity to miss. So Lu did go & see Olive & fell in love with her instantly. The deal was done & dusted, & Lu became her proud new owner. The only problem was, he didn't have room to garage 3 Beetles, so an extremely difficult decision had to be made - either the '54 or the '66 Beetle had to go. How does a true die-hard Beetle lover make such a call?
"I loved both of those cars so trying to decide which to sell was very hard. But in the end the decision was made for me, the '66 drove & handled better, so the prospect of having two '50's Beetle, which drove the same, didn't make sense, so I gave the '56 a big hug & told her she would be off to a new home".
It's so interesting hearing passionate owners talking through their decisions when it's time to move on the classic cars they love. These cars are so much more than metal objects, they tie us to our past, they propel us forward into the future & they leave an abundance in memories we carry in our hearts. Unfortunately we can't keep them forever, but somehow knowing they go to a good home & to someone that will love them just as much as we do, really does help relieve a bit of the pain. Which is exactly what happened to Lu's '56 Beetle, a mad collector all the way from Japan snapped her up & off she went to her new custodian.
Through Lu’s love & passion, the world opens up
Lu's story is not just about his cars, it's about the world of friendship & travel which has opened up for him, by owning these classic VWs. Obviously before COVID, when we were free to travel around the world, Lu embarked on some amazing experiences, all driven by his love & dedication to the VW brand. He visited historically significant VW locations & VW car shows. From a tour of the Volkswagen factory, the VW classic car show in USA, Bad Camberg vintage car show in Germany, Karmann Ghia factory in German & the Mecca for all VW devotees, Wolfsburg - the birthplace of VW.
To the uninitiated, Wolfsburg doesn't sound like a big deal, but! it truly is. It houses the Wolfsburg VW private museum. Lu enthusiastically explains, "This place gave me goosebumps, it was mind blowing, it has some of the rarest VWs in the world - prototypes, experimental vehicles, design studies, early production examples, plus loads more, over 130 unique & special VWs on display".
"VWs are a massive part of my soul, through that admarassion, I've met so many great people, both on my travels & here at home. I feel very lucky to be a part of the VW community & it really is a wonderful community with such fantastic support". Lu fondly conveys.
I feel Lu has found something we as classic car owners or enthusiasts strive to achieve. It's connecting our passion to a community, where we feel we belong, a place we can share our love & pride around these wonderful machines.
The gift of ownership
Through my chatting with Lu, trying to understand & unpack his story, what really struck me is his love & affection to his cars. "When I'm sitting inside, driving one of my Beetles, all that collective history & the passion I still have really comes to the forefront. I have the biggest smile on my face, because it brings me so much joy to know I own these 2 amazing cars. An even bigger thrill is seeing the smiling faces on people as I drive past & they notice the Beetle. It's the kind of car that makes you smile & be happy. Wherever I pull up, people always come up to me & share their own Beetle experiences. People just love these classic Beetles". Lu smiles ear to ear as he tells me.
I asked Lu, which of his two Beetles bring him the most joy. "Ah that's a question I get asked all the time. It's difficult because they are so different & I love them both, but! I would have to say Birchette, the '66 does, why? Because with Olive, the '54 is priceless, I'm always looking over my shoulder, worried that someone is going to hit me. The main reason that causes so much anxiety is the original parts for these early Beetles are getting so hard to find and prices are way too expensive. So I only drive her in certain circumstances, when I feel it's safe to do so.
Our sincere thanks to Lu for sharing his story with us, follow Lu, Birchette & Olive on Instagram - __.lu_gu.__
Photos courtesy of Lu-Gu Productions.
1954 + 1966 VW Beetles
Specifications
• 1200cc | • 1300cc
• 4 Speed Manual
Drums Front & Back
Lush Of Greens.
1954 + 1966 VW Beetles
"It came down by chance" - That's how owner Lu explained it, how his love affair with the VW Beetle was ignited. Just by chance, his uncle stopped by one day & took Lu and the family for a ride in his new VW Beetle in the early 70's. Even at the age of 4, it's that memory which lives the strongest in Lu's mind & burns brightest in his heart. That brief moment in time would start a lifelong passion for the VW Beetle.
The spark which ignited Lu’s journey
As Lu was growing up, the passion & desire for his own Beetle one day never waivered. It only got stronger. Sitting in the back of his uncle's car, listening to the "Dak Dak" iconic Beetle sound, left such an impression. It planted the seed for a life dedicated to the VW Beetle.
All through school & even into his college years, studying to be a Graphic Designer, Lu held onto the dream of Beetle ownership. Once he began working & earning money, Lu was able to fulfill his dream of owning a Beetle. He collected his hard earned cash & purchased a very original 1956 Beetle. Lu describes the experience "It was such an awesome moment, after so many years of wanting a Beetle, I finally had one & it was a beauty, a real early one at that, a 1956 model. It had the small rear oval window, which made it hard to see what was behind you, but it was way cool".
After a few years of ownership, Lu felt the need for a Beetle that was a little easier to drive, had a few more comforts & was a bit more reliable. "The '56 Beetle was a great car, but it had no - blinkers, heater, air con or radio, it was a very basic & raw driving experience" Lu described. With that thought, Lu decided to take a leap of faith & launch into a brand new chapter of Beetle ownership. It filled his heart with excitement & great anticipation, as to what Beetle he would find to add to his VW family.
Introducing Birchette & Olive
Birchette was the Beetle that Lu found next by luck, originally he was looking to buy a 70's Beetle as a daily driver, but when an original 1966 Birch green came up for sale he couldn't resist. A very honest & original Beetle, it even had the original number plated from 1966. Birchette now has a lot of accessories including a genuine VW Stamped roof rack, which really enhances her 60s flair. I was interested to see what the difference in the driving experience of the two Beetle was going to be. "Totally different," Lu confidently said. The handling, the driving experience, the non syncro gearing down from second to first for the '54, which the '66 did have syncro, the comfort leave, there seemed to be a great deal of difference, Lu informed me that over 10 years of production between the '54 & the '66 Beetle, saw VW improve may components of the Beetle, making it a stark contrast between the two.
Olive is a 1954 Beetle, her coming into Lu's possession was a very different circumstance, it was more of the right place at the right time. "A friend called me up & said there's a really good original 1954 Olive Green Beetle that's just come on the market & you really need to see it" Lu said. Although he was not in the market for another Beetle, "Olive" was too good of an opportunity to miss. So Lu did go & see Olive & fell in love with her instantly. The deal was done & dusted, & Lu became her proud new owner. The only problem was, he didn't have room to garage 3 Beetles, so an extremely difficult decision had to be made - either the '54 or the '66 Beetle had to go. How does a true die-hard Beetle lover make such a call?
"I loved both of those cars so trying to decide which to sell was very hard. But in the end the decision was made for me, the '66 drove & handled better, so the prospect of having two '50's Beetle, which drove the same, didn't make sense, so I gave the '56 a big hug & told her she would be off to a new home".
It's so interesting hearing passionate owners talking through their decisions when it's time to move on the classic cars they love. These cars are so much more than metal objects, they tie us to our past, they propel us forward into the future & they leave an abundance in memories we carry in our hearts. Unfortunately we can't keep them forever, but somehow knowing they go to a good home & to someone that will love them just as much as we do, really does help relieve a bit of the pain. Which is exactly what happened to Lu's '56 Beetle, a mad collector all the way from Japan snapped her up & off she went to her new custodian.
Through Lu’s love & passion, the world opens up
Lu's story is not just about his cars, it's about the world of friendship & travel which has opened up for him, by owning these classic VWs. Obviously before COVID, when we were free to travel around the world, Lu embarked on some amazing experiences, all driven by his love & dedication to the VW brand. He visited historically significant VW locations & VW car shows. From a tour of the Volkswagen factory, the VW classic car show in USA, Bad Camberg vintage car show in Germany, Karmann Ghia factory in German & the Mecca for all VW devotees, Wolfsburg - the birthplace of VW.
To the uninitiated, Wolfsburg doesn't sound like a big deal, but! it truly is. It houses the Wolfsburg VW private museum. Lu enthusiastically explains, "This place gave me goosebumps, it was mind blowing, it has some of the rarest VWs in the world - prototypes, experimental vehicles, design studies, early production examples, plus loads more, over 130 unique & special VWs on display".
"VWs are a massive part of my soul, through that admarassion, I've met so many great people, both on my travels & here at home. I feel very lucky to be a part of the VW community & it really is a wonderful community with such fantastic support". Lu fondly conveys.
I feel Lu has found something we as classic car owners or enthusiasts strive to achieve. It's connecting our passion to a community, where we feel we belong, a place we can share our love & pride around these wonderful machines.
1954 + 1966 VW Beetles
Specifications
• 1200cc | • 1300cc
• 4 Speed Manual
Drums Front & Back
Lush Of Greens.
1954 + 1966 VW Beetles
"It came down by chance" - That's how owner Lu explained it, how his love affair with the VW Beetle was ignited. Just by chance, his uncle stopped by one day & took Lu and the family for a ride in his new VW Beetle in the early 70's. Even at the age of 4, it's that memory which lives the strongest in Lu's mind & burns brightest in his heart. That brief moment in time would start a lifelong passion for the VW Beetle.
The spark which ignited Lu’s journey
As Lu was growing up, the passion & desire for his own Beetle one day never waivered. It only got stronger. Sitting in the back of his uncle's car, listening to the "Dak Dak" iconic Beetle sound, left such an impression. It planted the seed for a life dedicated to the VW Beetle.
All through school & even into his college years, studying to be a Graphic Designer, Lu held onto the dream of Beetle ownership. Once he began working & earning money, Lu was able to fulfill his dream of owning a Beetle. He collected his hard earned cash & purchased a very original 1956 Beetle. Lu describes the experience "It was such an awesome moment, after so many years of wanting a Beetle, I finally had one & it was a beauty, a real early one at that, a 1956 model. It had the small rear oval window, which made it hard to see what was behind you, but it was way cool".
After a few years of ownership, Lu felt the need for a Beetle that was a little easier to drive, had a few more comforts & was a bit more reliable. "The '56 Beetle was a great car, but it had no - blinkers, heater, air con or radio, it was a very basic & raw driving experience" Lu described. With that thought, Lu decided to take a leap of faith & launch into a brand new chapter of Beetle ownership. It filled his heart with excitement & great anticipation, as to what Beetle he would find to add to his VW family.
Introducing Birchette & Olive
Birchette was the Beetle that Lu found next by luck, originally he was looking to buy a 70's Beetle as a daily driver, but when an original 1966 Birch green came up for sale he couldn't resist. A very honest & original Beetle, it even had the original number plated from 1966. Birchette now has a lot of accessories including a genuine VW Stamped roof rack, which really enhances her 60s flair. I was interested to see what the difference in the driving experience of the two Beetle was going to be. "Totally different," Lu confidently said. The handling, the driving experience, the non syncro gearing down from second to first for the '54, which the '66 did have syncro, the comfort leave, there seemed to be a great deal of difference, Lu informed me that over 10 years of production between the '54 & the '66 Beetle, saw VW improve may components of the Beetle, making it a stark contrast between the two.
Olive is a 1954 Beetle, her coming into Lu's possession was a very different circumstance, it was more of the right place at the right time. "A friend called me up & said there's a really good original 1954 Olive Green Beetle that's just come on the market & you really need to see it" Lu said. Although he was not in the market for another Beetle, "Olive" was too good of an opportunity to miss. So Lu did go & see Olive & fell in love with her instantly. The deal was done & dusted, & Lu became her proud new owner. The only problem was, he didn't have room to garage 3 Beetles, so an extremely difficult decision had to be made - either the '54 or the '66 Beetle had to go. How does a true die-hard Beetle lover make such a call?
"I loved both of those cars so trying to decide which to sell was very hard. But in the end the decision was made for me, the '66 drove & handled better, so the prospect of having two '50's Beetle, which drove the same, didn't make sense, so I gave the '56 a big hug & told her she would be off to a new home".
It's so interesting hearing passionate owners talking through their decisions when it's time to move on the classic cars they love. These cars are so much more than metal objects, they tie us to our past, they propel us forward into the future & they leave an abundance in memories we carry in our hearts. Unfortunately we can't keep them forever, but somehow knowing they go to a good home & to someone that will love them just as much as we do, really does help relieve a bit of the pain. Which is exactly what happened to Lu's '56 Beetle, a mad collector all the way from Japan snapped her up & off she went to her new custodian.
Through Lu’s love & passion, the world opens up
Lu's story is not just about his cars, it's about the world of friendship & travel which has opened up for him, by owning these classic VWs. Obviously before COVID, when we were free to travel around the world, Lu embarked on some amazing experiences, all driven by his love & dedication to the VW brand. He visited historically significant VW locations & VW car shows. From a tour of the Volkswagen factory, the VW classic car show in USA, Bad Camberg vintage car show in Germany, Karmann Ghia factory in German & the Mecca for all VW devotees, Wolfsburg - the birthplace of VW.
To the uninitiated, Wolfsburg doesn't sound like a big deal, but! it truly is. It houses the Wolfsburg VW private museum. Lu enthusiastically explains, "This place gave me goosebumps, it was mind blowing, it has some of the rarest VWs in the world - prototypes, experimental vehicles, design studies, early production examples, plus loads more, over 130 unique & special VWs on display".
"VWs are a massive part of my soul, through that admarassion, I've met so many great people, both on my travels & here at home. I feel very lucky to be a part of the VW community & it really is a wonderful community with such fantastic support". Lu fondly conveys.
I feel Lu has found something we as classic car owners or enthusiasts strive to achieve. It's connecting our passion to a community, where we feel we belong, a place we can share our love & pride around these wonderful machines.
Lush Of Greens.
1954 + 1966 VW Beetles
"It came down by chance" - That's how owner Lu explained it, how his love affair with the VW Beetle was ignited. Just by chance, his uncle stopped by one day & took Lu and the family for a ride in his new VW Beetle in the early 70's. Even at the age of 4, it's that memory which lives the strongest in Lu's mind & burns brightest in his heart. That brief moment in time would start a lifelong passion for the VW Beetle.
The spark which ignited Lu’s journey
As Lu was growing up, the passion & desire for his own Beetle one day never waivered. It only got stronger. Sitting in the back of his uncle's car, listening to the "Dak Dak" iconic Beetle sound, left such an impression. It planted the seed for a life dedicated to the VW Beetle.
All through school & even into his college years, studying to be a Graphic Designer, Lu held onto the dream of Beetle ownership. Once he began working & earning money, Lu was able to fulfill his dream of owning a Beetle. He collected his hard earned cash & purchased a very original 1956 Beetle. Lu describes the experience "It was such an awesome moment, after so many years of wanting a Beetle, I finally had one & it was a beauty, a real early one at that, a 1956 model. It had the small rear oval window, which made it hard to see what was behind you, but it was way cool".
After a few years of ownership, Lu felt the need for a Beetle that was a little easier to drive, had a few more comforts & was a bit more reliable. "The '56 Beetle was a great car, but it had no - blinkers, heater, air con or radio, it was a very basic & raw driving experience" Lu described. With that thought, Lu decided to take a leap of faith & launch into a brand new chapter of Beetle ownership. It filled his heart with excitement & great anticipation, as to what Beetle he would find to add to his VW family.
Introducing Birchette & Olive
Birchette was the Beetle that Lu found next by luck, originally he was looking to buy a 70's Beetle as a daily driver, but when an original 1966 Birch green came up for sale he couldn't resist. A very honest & original Beetle, it even had the original number plated from 1966. Birchette now has a lot of accessories including a genuine VW Stamped roof rack, which really enhances her 60s flair. I was interested to see what the difference in the driving experience of the two Beetle was going to be. "Totally different," Lu confidently said. The handling, the driving experience, the non syncro gearing down from second to first for the '54, which the '66 did have syncro, the comfort leave, there seemed to be a great deal of difference, Lu informed me that over 10 years of production between the '54 & the '66 Beetle, saw VW improve may components of the Beetle, making it a stark contrast between the two.
Olive is a 1954 Beetle, her coming into Lu's possession was a very different circumstance, it was more of the right place at the right time. "A friend called me up & said there's a really good original 1954 Olive Green Beetle that's just come on the market & you really need to see it" Lu said. Although he was not in the market for another Beetle, "Olive" was too good of an opportunity to miss. So Lu did go & see Olive & fell in love with her instantly. The deal was done & dusted, & Lu became her proud new owner. The only problem was, he didn't have room to garage 3 Beetles, so an extremely difficult decision had to be made - either the '54 or the '66 Beetle had to go. How does a true die-hard Beetle lover make such a call?
"I loved both of those cars so trying to decide which to sell was very hard. But in the end the decision was made for me, the '66 drove & handled better, so the prospect of having two '50's Beetle, which drove the same, didn't make sense, so I gave the '56 a big hug & told her she would be off to a new home".
It's so interesting hearing passionate owners talking through their decisions when it's time to move on the classic cars they love. These cars are so much more than metal objects, they tie us to our past, they propel us forward into the future & they leave an abundance in memories we carry in our hearts. Unfortunately we can't keep them forever, but somehow knowing they go to a good home & to someone that will love them just as much as we do, really does help relieve a bit of the pain. Which is exactly what happened to Lu's '56 Beetle, a mad collector all the way from Japan snapped her up & off she went to her new custodian.
Through Lu’s love & passion, the world opens up
Lu's story is not just about his cars, it's about the world of friendship & travel which has opened up for him, by owning these classic VWs. Obviously before COVID, when we were free to travel around the world, Lu embarked on some amazing experiences, all driven by his love & dedication to the VW brand. He visited historically significant VW locations & VW car shows. From a tour of the Volkswagen factory, the VW classic car show in USA, Bad Camberg vintage car show in Germany, Karmann Ghia factory in German & the Mecca for all VW devotees, Wolfsburg - the birthplace of VW.
To the uninitiated, Wolfsburg doesn't sound like a big deal, but! it truly is. It houses the Wolfsburg VW private museum. Lu enthusiastically explains, "This place gave me goosebumps, it was mind blowing, it has some of the rarest VWs in the world - prototypes, experimental vehicles, design studies, early production examples, plus loads more, over 130 unique & special VWs on display".
"VWs are a massive part of my soul, through that admarassion, I've met so many great people, both on my travels & here at home. I feel very lucky to be a part of the VW community & it really is a wonderful community with such fantastic support". Lu fondly conveys.
I feel Lu has found something we as classic car owners or enthusiasts strive to achieve. It's connecting our passion to a community, where we feel we belong, a place we can share our love & pride around these wonderful machines.
Lush Of Greens.
1954 + 1966 VW Beetles
"It came down by chance" - That's how owner Lu explained it, how his love affair with the VW Beetle was ignited. Just by chance, his uncle stopped by one day & took Lu and the family for a ride in his new VW Beetle in the early 70's. Even at the age of 4, it's that memory which lives the strongest in Lu's mind & burns brightest in his heart. That brief moment in time would start a lifelong passion for the VW Beetle.
The spark which ignited Lu’s journey
As Lu was growing up, the passion & desire for his own Beetle one day never waivered. It only got stronger. Sitting in the back of his uncle's car, listening to the "Dak Dak" iconic Beetle sound, left such an impression. It planted the seed for a life dedicated to the VW Beetle.
All through school & even into his college years, studying to be a Graphic Designer, Lu held onto the dream of Beetle ownership. Once he began working & earning money, Lu was able to fulfill his dream of owning a Beetle. He collected his hard earned cash & purchased a very original 1956 Beetle. Lu describes the experience "It was such an awesome moment, after so many years of wanting a Beetle, I finally had one & it was a beauty, a real early one at that, a 1956 model. It had the small rear oval window, which made it hard to see what was behind you, but it was way cool".
After a few years of ownership, Lu felt the need for a Beetle that was a little easier to drive, had a few more comforts & was a bit more reliable. "The '56 Beetle was a great car, but it had no - blinkers, heater, air con or radio, it was a very basic & raw driving experience" Lu described. With that thought, Lu decided to take a leap of faith & launch into a brand new chapter of Beetle ownership. It filled his heart with excitement & great anticipation, as to what Beetle he would find to add to his VW family.
Introducing Birchette & Olive
Birchette was the Beetle that Lu found next by luck, originally he was looking to buy a 70's Beetle as a daily driver, but when an original 1966 Birch green came up for sale he couldn't resist. A very honest & original Beetle, it even had the original number plated from 1966. Birchette now has a lot of accessories including a genuine VW Stamped roof rack, which really enhances her 60s flair. I was interested to see what the difference in the driving experience of the two Beetle was going to be. "Totally different," Lu confidently said. The handling, the driving experience, the non syncro gearing down from second to first for the '54, which the '66 did have syncro, the comfort leave, there seemed to be a great deal of difference, Lu informed me that over 10 years of production between the '54 & the '66 Beetle, saw VW improve may components of the Beetle, making it a stark contrast between the two.
Olive is a 1954 Beetle, her coming into Lu's possession was a very different circumstance, it was more of the right place at the right time. "A friend called me up & said there's a really good original 1954 Olive Green Beetle that's just come on the market & you really need to see it" Lu said. Although he was not in the market for another Beetle, "Olive" was too good of an opportunity to miss. So Lu did go & see Olive & fell in love with her instantly. The deal was done & dusted, & Lu became her proud new owner. The only problem was, he didn't have room to garage 3 Beetles, so an extremely difficult decision had to be made - either the '54 or the '66 Beetle had to go. How does a true die-hard Beetle lover make such a call?
"I loved both of those cars so trying to decide which to sell was very hard. But in the end the decision was made for me, the '66 drove & handled better, so the prospect of having two '50's Beetle, which drove the same, didn't make sense, so I gave the '56 a big hug & told her she would be off to a new home".
It's so interesting hearing passionate owners talking through their decisions when it's time to move on the classic cars they love. These cars are so much more than metal objects, they tie us to our past, they propel us forward into the future & they leave an abundance in memories we carry in our hearts. Unfortunately we can't keep them forever, but somehow knowing they go to a good home & to someone that will love them just as much as we do, really does help relieve a bit of the pain. Which is exactly what happened to Lu's '56 Beetle, a mad collector all the way from Japan snapped her up & off she went to her new custodian.
Through Lu’s love & passion, the world opens up
Lu's story is not just about his cars, it's about the world of friendship & travel which has opened up for him, by owning these classic VWs. Obviously before COVID, when we were free to travel around the world, Lu embarked on some amazing experiences, all driven by his love & dedication to the VW brand. He visited historically significant VW locations & VW car shows. From a tour of the Volkswagen factory, the VW classic car show in USA, Bad Camberg vintage car show in Germany, Karmann Ghia factory in German & the Mecca for all VW devotees, Wolfsburg - the birthplace of VW.
To the uninitiated, Wolfsburg doesn't sound like a big deal, but! it truly is. It houses the Wolfsburg VW private museum. Lu enthusiastically explains, "This place gave me goosebumps, it was mind blowing, it has some of the rarest VWs in the world - prototypes, experimental vehicles, design studies, early production examples, plus loads more, over 130 unique & special VWs on display".
"VWs are a massive part of my soul, through that admarassion, I've met so many great people, both on my travels & here at home. I feel very lucky to be a part of the VW community & it really is a wonderful community with such fantastic support". Lu fondly conveys.
I feel Lu has found something we as classic car owners or enthusiasts strive to achieve. It's connecting our passion to a community, where we feel we belong, a place we can share our love & pride around these wonderful machines.
Lush Of Greens.
1954 + 1966 VW Beetles
"It came down by chance" - That's how owner Lu explained it, how his love affair with the VW Beetle was ignited. Just by chance, his uncle stopped by one day & took Lu and the family for a ride in his new VW Beetle in the early 70's. Even at the age of 4, it's that memory which lives the strongest in Lu's mind & burns brightest in his heart. That brief moment in time would start a lifelong passion for the VW Beetle.
The spark which ignited Lu’s journey
As Lu was growing up, the passion & desire for his own Beetle one day never waivered. It only got stronger. Sitting in the back of his uncle's car, listening to the "Dak Dak" iconic Beetle sound, left such an impression. It planted the seed for a life dedicated to the VW Beetle.
All through school & even into his college years, studying to be a Graphic Designer, Lu held onto the dream of Beetle ownership. Once he began working & earning money, Lu was able to fulfill his dream of owning a Beetle. He collected his hard earned cash & purchased a very original 1956 Beetle. Lu describes the experience "It was such an awesome moment, after so many years of wanting a Beetle, I finally had one & it was a beauty, a real early one at that, a 1956 model. It had the small rear oval window, which made it hard to see what was behind you, but it was way cool".
After a few years of ownership, Lu felt the need for a Beetle that was a little easier to drive, had a few more comforts & was a bit more reliable. "The '56 Beetle was a great car, but it had no - blinkers, heater, air con or radio, it was a very basic & raw driving experience" Lu described. With that thought, Lu decided to take a leap of faith & launch into a brand new chapter of Beetle ownership. It filled his heart with excitement & great anticipation, as to what Beetle he would find to add to his VW family.
Introducing Birchette & Olive
Birchette was the Beetle that Lu found next by luck, originally he was looking to buy a 70's Beetle as a daily driver, but when an original 1966 Birch green came up for sale he couldn't resist. A very honest & original Beetle, it even had the original number plated from 1966. Birchette now has a lot of accessories including a genuine VW Stamped roof rack, which really enhances her 60s flair. I was interested to see what the difference in the driving experience of the two Beetle was going to be. "Totally different," Lu confidently said. The handling, the driving experience, the non syncro gearing down from second to first for the '54, which the '66 did have syncro, the comfort leave, there seemed to be a great deal of difference, Lu informed me that over 10 years of production between the '54 & the '66 Beetle, saw VW improve may components of the Beetle, making it a stark contrast between the two.
Olive is a 1954 Beetle, her coming into Lu's possession was a very different circumstance, it was more of the right place at the right time. "A friend called me up & said there's a really good original 1954 Olive Green Beetle that's just come on the market & you really need to see it" Lu said. Although he was not in the market for another Beetle, "Olive" was too good of an opportunity to miss. So Lu did go & see Olive & fell in love with her instantly. The deal was done & dusted, & Lu became her proud new owner. The only problem was, he didn't have room to garage 3 Beetles, so an extremely difficult decision had to be made - either the '54 or the '66 Beetle had to go. How does a true die-hard Beetle lover make such a call?
"I loved both of those cars so trying to decide which to sell was very hard. But in the end the decision was made for me, the '66 drove & handled better, so the prospect of having two '50's Beetle, which drove the same, didn't make sense, so I gave the '56 a big hug & told her she would be off to a new home".
It's so interesting hearing passionate owners talking through their decisions when it's time to move on the classic cars they love. These cars are so much more than metal objects, they tie us to our past, they propel us forward into the future & they leave an abundance in memories we carry in our hearts. Unfortunately we can't keep them forever, but somehow knowing they go to a good home & to someone that will love them just as much as we do, really does help relieve a bit of the pain. Which is exactly what happened to Lu's '56 Beetle, a mad collector all the way from Japan snapped her up & off she went to her new custodian.
Through Lu’s love & passion, the world opens up
Lu's story is not just about his cars, it's about the world of friendship & travel which has opened up for him, by owning these classic VWs. Obviously before COVID, when we were free to travel around the world, Lu embarked on some amazing experiences, all driven by his love & dedication to the VW brand. He visited historically significant VW locations & VW car shows. From a tour of the Volkswagen factory, the VW classic car show in USA, Bad Camberg vintage car show in Germany, Karmann Ghia factory in German & the Mecca for all VW devotees, Wolfsburg - the birthplace of VW.
To the uninitiated, Wolfsburg doesn't sound like a big deal, but! it truly is. It houses the Wolfsburg VW private museum. Lu enthusiastically explains, "This place gave me goosebumps, it was mind blowing, it has some of the rarest VWs in the world - prototypes, experimental vehicles, design studies, early production examples, plus loads more, over 130 unique & special VWs on display".
"VWs are a massive part of my soul, through that admarassion, I've met so many great people, both on my travels & here at home. I feel very lucky to be a part of the VW community & it really is a wonderful community with such fantastic support". Lu fondly conveys.
I feel Lu has found something we as classic car owners or enthusiasts strive to achieve. It's connecting our passion to a community, where we feel we belong, a place we can share our love & pride around these wonderful machines.
Lush Of Greens.
1954 + 1966 VW Beetles
"It came down by chance" - That's how owner Lu explained it, how his love affair with the VW Beetle was ignited. Just by chance, his uncle stopped by one day & took Lu and the family for a ride in his new VW Beetle in the early 70's. Even at the age of 4, it's that memory which lives the strongest in Lu's mind & burns brightest in his heart. That brief moment in time would start a lifelong passion for the VW Beetle.
The spark which ignited Lu’s journey
As Lu was growing up, the passion & desire for his own Beetle one day never waivered. It only got stronger. Sitting in the back of his uncle's car, listening to the "Dak Dak" iconic Beetle sound, left such an impression. It planted the seed for a life dedicated to the VW Beetle.
All through school & even into his college years, studying to be a Graphic Designer, Lu held onto the dream of Beetle ownership. Once he began working & earning money, Lu was able to fulfill his dream of owning a Beetle. He collected his hard earned cash & purchased a very original 1956 Beetle. Lu describes the experience "It was such an awesome moment, after so many years of wanting a Beetle, I finally had one & it was a beauty, a real early one at that, a 1956 model. It had the small rear oval window, which made it hard to see what was behind you, but it was way cool".
After a few years of ownership, Lu felt the need for a Beetle that was a little easier to drive, had a few more comforts & was a bit more reliable. "The '56 Beetle was a great car, but it had no - blinkers, heater, air con or radio, it was a very basic & raw driving experience" Lu described. With that thought, Lu decided to take a leap of faith & launch into a brand new chapter of Beetle ownership. It filled his heart with excitement & great anticipation, as to what Beetle he would find to add to his VW family.
Introducing Birchette & Olive
Birchette was the Beetle that Lu found next by luck, originally he was looking to buy a 70's Beetle as a daily driver, but when an original 1966 Birch green came up for sale he couldn't resist. A very honest & original Beetle, it even had the original number plated from 1966. Birchette now has a lot of accessories including a genuine VW Stamped roof rack, which really enhances her 60s flair. I was interested to see what the difference in the driving experience of the two Beetle was going to be. "Totally different," Lu confidently said. The handling, the driving experience, the non syncro gearing down from second to first for the '54, which the '66 did have syncro, the comfort leave, there seemed to be a great deal of difference, Lu informed me that over 10 years of production between the '54 & the '66 Beetle, saw VW improve may components of the Beetle, making it a stark contrast between the two.
Olive is a 1954 Beetle, her coming into Lu's possession was a very different circumstance, it was more of the right place at the right time. "A friend called me up & said there's a really good original 1954 Olive Green Beetle that's just come on the market & you really need to see it" Lu said. Although he was not in the market for another Beetle, "Olive" was too good of an opportunity to miss. So Lu did go & see Olive & fell in love with her instantly. The deal was done & dusted, & Lu became her proud new owner. The only problem was, he didn't have room to garage 3 Beetles, so an extremely difficult decision had to be made - either the '54 or the '66 Beetle had to go. How does a true die-hard Beetle lover make such a call?
"I loved both of those cars so trying to decide which to sell was very hard. But in the end the decision was made for me, the '66 drove & handled better, so the prospect of having two '50's Beetle, which drove the same, didn't make sense, so I gave the '56 a big hug & told her she would be off to a new home".
It's so interesting hearing passionate owners talking through their decisions when it's time to move on the classic cars they love. These cars are so much more than metal objects, they tie us to our past, they propel us forward into the future & they leave an abundance in memories we carry in our hearts. Unfortunately we can't keep them forever, but somehow knowing they go to a good home & to someone that will love them just as much as we do, really does help relieve a bit of the pain. Which is exactly what happened to Lu's '56 Beetle, a mad collector all the way from Japan snapped her up & off she went to her new custodian.
Through Lu’s love & passion, the world opens up
Lu's story is not just about his cars, it's about the world of friendship & travel which has opened up for him, by owning these classic VWs. Obviously before COVID, when we were free to travel around the world, Lu embarked on some amazing experiences, all driven by his love & dedication to the VW brand. He visited historically significant VW locations & VW car shows. From a tour of the Volkswagen factory, the VW classic car show in USA, Bad Camberg vintage car show in Germany, Karmann Ghia factory in German & the Mecca for all VW devotees, Wolfsburg - the birthplace of VW.
To the uninitiated, Wolfsburg doesn't sound like a big deal, but! it truly is. It houses the Wolfsburg VW private museum. Lu enthusiastically explains, "This place gave me goosebumps, it was mind blowing, it has some of the rarest VWs in the world - prototypes, experimental vehicles, design studies, early production examples, plus loads more, over 130 unique & special VWs on display".
"VWs are a massive part of my soul, through that admarassion, I've met so many great people, both on my travels & here at home. I feel very lucky to be a part of the VW community & it really is a wonderful community with such fantastic support". Lu fondly conveys.
I feel Lu has found something we as classic car owners or enthusiasts strive to achieve. It's connecting our passion to a community, where we feel we belong, a place we can share our love & pride around these wonderful machines.
1954 + 1966 VW Beetles
Specifications
• 1200cc | • 1300cc
• 4 Speed Manual
Drums Front & Back
Lush Of Greens.
1954 + 1966 VW Beetles
The spark which ignited Lu’s journey
As Lu was growing up, the passion & desire for his own Beetle one day never waivered. It only got stronger. Sitting in the back of his uncle's car, listening to the "Dak Dak" iconic Beetle sound, left such an impression. It planted the seed for a life dedicated to the VW Beetle.
All through school & even into his college years, studying to be a Graphic Designer, Lu held onto the dream of Beetle ownership. Once he began working & earning money, Lu was able to fulfill his dream of owning a Beetle. He collected his hard earned cash & purchased a very original 1956 Beetle. Lu describes the experience "It was such an awesome moment, after so many years of wanting a Beetle, I finally had one & it was a beauty, a real early one at that, a 1956 model. It had the small rear oval window, which made it hard to see what was behind you, but it was way cool".
After a few years of ownership, Lu felt the need for a Beetle that was a little easier to drive, had a few more comforts & was a bit more reliable. "The '56 Beetle was a great car, but it had no - blinkers, heater, air con or radio, it was a very basic & raw driving experience" Lu described. With that thought, Lu decided to take a leap of faith & launch into a brand new chapter of Beetle ownership. It filled his heart with excitement & great anticipation, as to what Beetle he would find to add to his VW family.
Introducing Birchette & Olive
Birchette was the Beetle that Lu found next by luck, originally he was looking to buy a 70's Beetle as a daily driver, but when an original 1966 Birch green came up for sale he couldn't resist. A very honest & original Beetle, it even had the original number plated from 1966. Birchette now has a lot of accessories including a genuine VW Stamped roof rack, which really enhances her 60s flair. I was interested to see what the difference in the driving experience of the two Beetle was going to be. "Totally different," Lu confidently said. The handling, the driving experience, the non syncro gearing down from second to first for the '54, which the '66 did have syncro, the comfort leave, there seemed to be a great deal of difference, Lu informed me that over 10 years of production between the '54 & the '66 Beetle, saw VW improve may components of the Beetle, making it a stark contrast between the two.
Olive is a 1954 Beetle, her coming into Lu's possession was a very different circumstance, it was more of the right place at the right time. "A friend called me up & said there's a really good original 1954 Olive Green Beetle that's just come on the market & you really need to see it" Lu said. Although he was not in the market for another Beetle, "Olive" was too good of an opportunity to miss. So Lu did go & see Olive & fell in love with her instantly. The deal was done & dusted, & Lu became her proud new owner. The only problem was, he didn't have room to garage 3 Beetles, so an extremely difficult decision had to be made - either the '54 or the '66 Beetle had to go. How does a true die-hard Beetle lover make such a call?
"I loved both of those cars so trying to decide which to sell was very hard. But in the end the decision was made for me, the '66 drove & handled better, so the prospect of having two '50's Beetle, which drove the same, didn't make sense, so I gave the '56 a big hug & told her she would be off to a new home".
It's so interesting hearing passionate owners talking through their decisions when it's time to move on the classic cars they love. These cars are so much more than metal objects, they tie us to our past, they propel us forward into the future & they leave an abundance in memories we carry in our hearts. Unfortunately we can't keep them forever, but somehow knowing they go to a good home & to someone that will love them just as much as we do, really does help relieve a bit of the pain. Which is exactly what happened to Lu's '56 Beetle, a mad collector all the way from Japan snapped her up & off she went to her new custodian.
Through Lu’s love & passion, the world opens up
Lu's story is not just about his cars, it's about the world of friendship & travel which has opened up for him, by owning these classic VWs. Obviously before COVID, when we were free to travel around the world, Lu embarked on some amazing experiences, all driven by his love & dedication to the VW brand. He visited historically significant VW locations & VW car shows. From a tour of the Volkswagen factory, the VW classic car show in USA, Bad Camberg vintage car show in Germany, Karmann Ghia factory in German & the Mecca for all VW devotees, Wolfsburg - the birthplace of VW.
To the uninitiated, Wolfsburg doesn't sound like a big deal, but! it truly is. It houses the Wolfsburg VW private museum. Lu enthusiastically explains, "This place gave me goosebumps, it was mind blowing, it has some of the rarest VWs in the world - prototypes, experimental vehicles, design studies, early production examples, plus loads more, over 130 unique & special VWs on display".
"VWs are a massive part of my soul, through that admarassion, I've met so many great people, both on my travels & here at home. I feel very lucky to be a part of the VW community & it really is a wonderful community with such fantastic support". Lu fondly conveys.
I feel Lu has found something we as classic car owners or enthusiasts strive to achieve. It's connecting our passion to a community, where we feel we belong, a place we can share our love & pride around these wonderful machines.
Lush Of Greens.
1954 + 1966 VW Beetles
"It came down by chance" - That's how owner Lu explained it, how his love affair with the VW Beetle was ignited. Just by chance, his uncle stopped by one day & took Lu and the family for a ride in his new VW Beetle in the early 70's. Even at the age of 4, it's that memory which lives the strongest in Lu's mind & burns brightest in his heart. That brief moment in time would start a lifelong passion for the VW Beetle.
The spark which ignited Lu’s journey
As Lu was growing up, the passion & desire for his own Beetle one day never waivered. It only got stronger. Sitting in the back of his uncle's car, listening to the "Dak Dak" iconic Beetle sound, left such an impression. It planted the seed for a life dedicated to the VW Beetle.
All through school & even into his college years, studying to be a Graphic Designer, Lu held onto the dream of Beetle ownership. Once he began working & earning money, Lu was able to fulfill his dream of owning a Beetle. He collected his hard earned cash & purchased a very original 1956 Beetle. Lu describes the experience "It was such an awesome moment, after so many years of wanting a Beetle, I finally had one & it was a beauty, a real early one at that, a 1956 model. It had the small rear oval window, which made it hard to see what was behind you, but it was way cool".
After a few years of ownership, Lu felt the need for a Beetle that was a little easier to drive, had a few more comforts & was a bit more reliable. "The '56 Beetle was a great car, but it had no - blinkers, heater, air con or radio, it was a very basic & raw driving experience" Lu described. With that thought, Lu decided to take a leap of faith & launch into a brand new chapter of Beetle ownership. It filled his heart with excitement & great anticipation, as to what Beetle he would find to add to his VW family.
Introducing Birchette & Olive
Birchette was the Beetle that Lu found next by luck, originally he was looking to buy a 70's Beetle as a daily driver, but when an original 1966 Birch green came up for sale he couldn't resist. A very honest & original Beetle, it even had the original number plated from 1966. Birchette now has a lot of accessories including a genuine VW Stamped roof rack, which really enhances her 60s flair. I was interested to see what the difference in the driving experience of the two Beetle was going to be. "Totally different," Lu confidently said. The handling, the driving experience, the non syncro gearing down from second to first for the '54, which the '66 did have syncro, the comfort leave, there seemed to be a great deal of difference, Lu informed me that over 10 years of production between the '54 & the '66 Beetle, saw VW improve may components of the Beetle, making it a stark contrast between the two.
Olive is a 1954 Beetle, her coming into Lu's possession was a very different circumstance, it was more of the right place at the right time. "A friend called me up & said there's a really good original 1954 Olive Green Beetle that's just come on the market & you really need to see it" Lu said. Although he was not in the market for another Beetle, "Olive" was too good of an opportunity to miss. So Lu did go & see Olive & fell in love with her instantly. The deal was done & dusted, & Lu became her proud new owner. The only problem was, he didn't have room to garage 3 Beetles, so an extremely difficult decision had to be made - either the '54 or the '66 Beetle had to go. How does a true die-hard Beetle lover make such a call?
"I loved both of those cars so trying to decide which to sell was very hard. But in the end the decision was made for me, the '66 drove & handled better, so the prospect of having two '50's Beetle, which drove the same, didn't make sense, so I gave the '56 a big hug & told her she would be off to a new home".
It's so interesting hearing passionate owners talking through their decisions when it's time to move on the classic cars they love. These cars are so much more than metal objects, they tie us to our past, they propel us forward into the future & they leave an abundance in memories we carry in our hearts. Unfortunately we can't keep them forever, but somehow knowing they go to a good home & to someone that will love them just as much as we do, really does help relieve a bit of the pain. Which is exactly what happened to Lu's '56 Beetle, a mad collector all the way from Japan snapped her up & off she went to her new custodian.
Through Lu’s love & passion, the world opens up
Lu's story is not just about his cars, it's about the world of friendship & travel which has opened up for him, by owning these classic VWs. Obviously before COVID, when we were free to travel around the world, Lu embarked on some amazing experiences, all driven by his love & dedication to the VW brand. He visited historically significant VW locations & VW car shows. From a tour of the Volkswagen factory, the VW classic car show in USA, Bad Camberg vintage car show in Germany, Karmann Ghia factory in German & the Mecca for all VW devotees, Wolfsburg - the birthplace of VW.
To the uninitiated, Wolfsburg doesn't sound like a big deal, but! it truly is. It houses the Wolfsburg VW private museum. Lu enthusiastically explains, "This place gave me goosebumps, it was mind blowing, it has some of the rarest VWs in the world - prototypes, experimental vehicles, design studies, early production examples, plus loads more, over 130 unique & special VWs on display".
"VWs are a massive part of my soul, through that admarassion, I've met so many great people, both on my travels & here at home. I feel very lucky to be a part of the VW community & it really is a wonderful community with such fantastic support". Lu fondly conveys.
I feel Lu has found something we as classic car owners or enthusiasts strive to achieve. It's connecting our passion to a community, where we feel we belong, a place we can share our love & pride around these wonderful machines.
Lush Of Greens.
1954 + 1966 VW Beetles
"It came down by chance" - That's how owner Lu explained it, how his love affair with the VW Beetle was ignited. Just by chance, his uncle stopped by one day & took Lu and the family for a ride in his new VW Beetle in the early 70's. Even at the age of 4, it's that memory which lives the strongest in Lu's mind & burns brightest in his heart. That brief moment in time would start a lifelong passion for the VW Beetle.
The spark which ignited Lu’s journey
As Lu was growing up, the passion & desire for his own Beetle one day never waivered. It only got stronger. Sitting in the back of his uncle's car, listening to the "Dak Dak" iconic Beetle sound, left such an impression. It planted the seed for a life dedicated to the VW Beetle.
All through school & even into his college years, studying to be a Graphic Designer, Lu held onto the dream of Beetle ownership. Once he began working & earning money, Lu was able to fulfill his dream of owning a Beetle. He collected his hard earned cash & purchased a very original 1956 Beetle. Lu describes the experience "It was such an awesome moment, after so many years of wanting a Beetle, I finally had one & it was a beauty, a real early one at that, a 1956 model. It had the small rear oval window, which made it hard to see what was behind you, but it was way cool".
After a few years of ownership, Lu felt the need for a Beetle that was a little easier to drive, had a few more comforts & was a bit more reliable. "The '56 Beetle was a great car, but it had no - blinkers, heater, air con or radio, it was a very basic & raw driving experience" Lu described. With that thought, Lu decided to take a leap of faith & launch into a brand new chapter of Beetle ownership. It filled his heart with excitement & great anticipation, as to what Beetle he would find to add to his VW family.
Introducing Birchette & Olive
Birchette was the Beetle that Lu found next by luck, originally he was looking to buy a 70's Beetle as a daily driver, but when an original 1966 Birch green came up for sale he couldn't resist. A very honest & original Beetle, it even had the original number plated from 1966. Birchette now has a lot of accessories including a genuine VW Stamped roof rack, which really enhances her 60s flair. I was interested to see what the difference in the driving experience of the two Beetle was going to be. "Totally different," Lu confidently said. The handling, the driving experience, the non syncro gearing down from second to first for the '54, which the '66 did have syncro, the comfort leave, there seemed to be a great deal of difference, Lu informed me that over 10 years of production between the '54 & the '66 Beetle, saw VW improve may components of the Beetle, making it a stark contrast between the two.
Olive is a 1954 Beetle, her coming into Lu's possession was a very different circumstance, it was more of the right place at the right time. "A friend called me up & said there's a really good original 1954 Olive Green Beetle that's just come on the market & you really need to see it" Lu said. Although he was not in the market for another Beetle, "Olive" was too good of an opportunity to miss. So Lu did go & see Olive & fell in love with her instantly. The deal was done & dusted, & Lu became her proud new owner. The only problem was, he didn't have room to garage 3 Beetles, so an extremely difficult decision had to be made - either the '54 or the '66 Beetle had to go. How does a true die-hard Beetle lover make such a call?
"I loved both of those cars so trying to decide which to sell was very hard. But in the end the decision was made for me, the '66 drove & handled better, so the prospect of having two '50's Beetle, which drove the same, didn't make sense, so I gave the '56 a big hug & told her she would be off to a new home".
It's so interesting hearing passionate owners talking through their decisions when it's time to move on the classic cars they love. These cars are so much more than metal objects, they tie us to our past, they propel us forward into the future & they leave an abundance in memories we carry in our hearts. Unfortunately we can't keep them forever, but somehow knowing they go to a good home & to someone that will love them just as much as we do, really does help relieve a bit of the pain. Which is exactly what happened to Lu's '56 Beetle, a mad collector all the way from Japan snapped her up & off she went to her new custodian.
Through Lu’s love & passion, the world opens up
Lu's story is not just about his cars, it's about the world of friendship & travel which has opened up for him, by owning these classic VWs. Obviously before COVID, when we were free to travel around the world, Lu embarked on some amazing experiences, all driven by his love & dedication to the VW brand. He visited historically significant VW locations & VW car shows. From a tour of the Volkswagen factory, the VW classic car show in USA, Bad Camberg vintage car show in Germany, Karmann Ghia factory in German & the Mecca for all VW devotees, Wolfsburg - the birthplace of VW.
To the uninitiated, Wolfsburg doesn't sound like a big deal, but! it truly is. It houses the Wolfsburg VW private museum. Lu enthusiastically explains, "This place gave me goosebumps, it was mind blowing, it has some of the rarest VWs in the world - prototypes, experimental vehicles, design studies, early production examples, plus loads more, over 130 unique & special VWs on display".
"VWs are a massive part of my soul, through that admarassion, I've met so many great people, both on my travels & here at home. I feel very lucky to be a part of the VW community & it really is a wonderful community with such fantastic support". Lu fondly conveys.
I feel Lu has found something we as classic car owners or enthusiasts strive to achieve. It's connecting our passion to a community, where we feel we belong, a place we can share our love & pride around these wonderful machines.
The gift of ownership
Through my chatting with Lu, trying to understand & unpack his story, what really struck me is his love & affection to his cars. "When I'm sitting inside, driving one of my Beetles, all that collective history & the passion I still have really comes to the forefront. I have the biggest smile on my face, because it brings me so much joy to know I own these 2 amazing cars. An even bigger thrill is seeing the smiling faces on people as I drive past & they notice the Beetle. It's the kind of car that makes you smile & be happy. Wherever I pull up, people always come up to me & share their own Beetle experiences. People just love these classic Beetles". Lu smiles ear to ear as he tells me.
I asked Lu, which of his two Beetles bring him the most joy. "Ah that's a question I get asked all the time. It's difficult because they are so different & I love them both, but! I would have to say Birchette, the '66 does, why? Because with Olive, the '54 is priceless, I'm always looking over my shoulder, worried that someone is going to hit me. The main reason that causes so much anxiety is the original parts for these early Beetles are getting so hard to find and prices are way too expensive. So I only drive her in certain circumstances, when I feel it's safe to do so.
Our sincere thanks to Lu for sharing his story with us, follow Lu, Birchette & Olive on Instagram - __.lu_gu.__
Photos courtesy of Lu-Gu Productions.
1954 + 1966 VW Beetles
Specifications
• 1200cc | • 1300cc
• 4 Speed Manual
Drums Front & Back
Lush Of Greens.
1954 + 1966 VW Beetles
"It came down by chance" - That's how owner Lu explained it, how his love affair with the VW Beetle was ignited. Just by chance, his uncle stopped by one day & took Lu and the family for a ride in his new VW Beetle in the early 70's. Even at the age of 4, it's that memory which lives the strongest in Lu's mind & burns brightest in his heart. That brief moment in time would start a lifelong passion for the VW Beetle.
The spark which ignited Lu’s journey
As Lu was growing up, the passion & desire for his own Beetle one day never waivered. It only got stronger. Sitting in the back of his uncle's car, listening to the "Dak Dak" iconic Beetle sound, left such an impression. It planted the seed for a life dedicated to the VW Beetle.
All through school & even into his college years, studying to be a Graphic Designer, Lu held onto the dream of Beetle ownership. Once he began working & earning money, Lu was able to fulfill his dream of owning a Beetle. He collected his hard earned cash & purchased a very original 1956 Beetle. Lu describes the experience "It was such an awesome moment, after so many years of wanting a Beetle, I finally had one & it was a beauty, a real early one at that, a 1956 model. It had the small rear oval window, which made it hard to see what was behind you, but it was way cool".
After a few years of ownership, Lu felt the need for a Beetle that was a little easier to drive, had a few more comforts & was a bit more reliable. "The '56 Beetle was a great car, but it had no - blinkers, heater, air con or radio, it was a very basic & raw driving experience" Lu described. With that thought, Lu decided to take a leap of faith & launch into a brand new chapter of Beetle ownership. It filled his heart with excitement & great anticipation, as to what Beetle he would find to add to his VW family.
Introducing Birchette & Olive
Birchette was the Beetle that Lu found next by luck, originally he was looking to buy a 70's Beetle as a daily driver, but when an original 1966 Birch green came up for sale he couldn't resist. A very honest & original Beetle, it even had the original number plated from 1966. Birchette now has a lot of accessories including a genuine VW Stamped roof rack, which really enhances her 60s flair. I was interested to see what the difference in the driving experience of the two Beetle was going to be. "Totally different," Lu confidently said. The handling, the driving experience, the non syncro gearing down from second to first for the '54, which the '66 did have syncro, the comfort leave, there seemed to be a great deal of difference, Lu informed me that over 10 years of production between the '54 & the '66 Beetle, saw VW improve may components of the Beetle, making it a stark contrast between the two.
Olive is a 1954 Beetle, her coming into Lu's possession was a very different circumstance, it was more of the right place at the right time. "A friend called me up & said there's a really good original 1954 Olive Green Beetle that's just come on the market & you really need to see it" Lu said. Although he was not in the market for another Beetle, "Olive" was too good of an opportunity to miss. So Lu did go & see Olive & fell in love with her instantly. The deal was done & dusted, & Lu became her proud new owner. The only problem was, he didn't have room to garage 3 Beetles, so an extremely difficult decision had to be made - either the '54 or the '66 Beetle had to go. How does a true die-hard Beetle lover make such a call?
"I loved both of those cars so trying to decide which to sell was very hard. But in the end the decision was made for me, the '66 drove & handled better, so the prospect of having two '50's Beetle, which drove the same, didn't make sense, so I gave the '56 a big hug & told her she would be off to a new home".
It's so interesting hearing passionate owners talking through their decisions when it's time to move on the classic cars they love. These cars are so much more than metal objects, they tie us to our past, they propel us forward into the future & they leave an abundance in memories we carry in our hearts. Unfortunately we can't keep them forever, but somehow knowing they go to a good home & to someone that will love them just as much as we do, really does help relieve a bit of the pain. Which is exactly what happened to Lu's '56 Beetle, a mad collector all the way from Japan snapped her up & off she went to her new custodian.
Through Lu’s love & passion, the world opens up
Lu's story is not just about his cars, it's about the world of friendship & travel which has opened up for him, by owning these classic VWs. Obviously before COVID, when we were free to travel around the world, Lu embarked on some amazing experiences, all driven by his love & dedication to the VW brand. He visited historically significant VW locations & VW car shows. From a tour of the Volkswagen factory, the VW classic car show in USA, Bad Camberg vintage car show in Germany, Karmann Ghia factory in German & the Mecca for all VW devotees, Wolfsburg - the birthplace of VW.
To the uninitiated, Wolfsburg doesn't sound like a big deal, but! it truly is. It houses the Wolfsburg VW private museum. Lu enthusiastically explains, "This place gave me goosebumps, it was mind blowing, it has some of the rarest VWs in the world - prototypes, experimental vehicles, design studies, early production examples, plus loads more, over 130 unique & special VWs on display".
"VWs are a massive part of my soul, through that admarassion, I've met so many great people, both on my travels & here at home. I feel very lucky to be a part of the VW community & it really is a wonderful community with such fantastic support". Lu fondly conveys.
I feel Lu has found something we as classic car owners or enthusiasts strive to achieve. It's connecting our passion to a community, where we feel we belong, a place we can share our love & pride around these wonderful machines.
The gift of ownership
Through my chatting with Lu, trying to understand & unpack his story, what really struck me is his love & affection to his cars. "When I'm sitting inside, driving one of my Beetles, all that collective history & the passion I still have really comes to the forefront. I have the biggest smile on my face, because it brings me so much joy to know I own these 2 amazing cars. An even bigger thrill is seeing the smiling faces on people as I drive past & they notice the Beetle. It's the kind of car that makes you smile & be happy. Wherever I pull up, people always come up to me & share their own Beetle experiences. People just love these classic Beetles". Lu smiles ear to ear as he tells me.
I asked Lu, which of his two Beetles bring him the most joy. "Ah that's a question I get asked all the time. It's difficult because they are so different & I love them both, but! I would have to say Birchette, the '66 does, why? Because with Olive, the '54 is priceless, I'm always looking over my shoulder, worried that someone is going to hit me. The main reason that causes so much anxiety is the original parts for these early Beetles are getting so hard to find and prices are way too expensive. So I only drive her in certain circumstances, when I feel it's safe to do so.
Our sincere thanks to Lu for sharing his story with us, follow Lu, Birchette & Olive on Instagram - __.lu_gu.__
Photos courtesy of Lu-Gu Productions.
1954 + 1966 VW Beetles
Specifications
• 1200cc | • 1300cc
• 4 Speed Manual
Drums Front & Back
original video stories.
'71 XY GTHO Phase 3
'70 E Type Jaguar
'73 Corvette Stingray
