wagensville may 09

wagensville

54 Road Test Revisited • Bug-In 09 • VW SP • From the Archives and more...

The Official Magazine of the Volkswagen Club of Victoria Inc.

Volume 54 Number 11 May 2009

VWCV General MeetingsMelbourne Club meetings are held every fourth Tuesday of every month at 8pm at Bell’s Hotel, 157 Moray St, South Melbourne, unless advised of an alternative venue in the Club Newsletter.

WVCV Annual Membership Fees• Single One Year Full Membership $55• Single 3 Year Full Membership $150• Additional Family Membership $20 (per extra member).• Membership Joining Fee $10 (first year members only).To join the Club, please complete the membership form inside this Newsletter and forward together with cheque for payment to the Club’s postal address as quoted on the form.

VWCV membership also available on line www.vwclub.com.au

Wagensville News is a monthly Newsletter of the Volkswagen Club of Victoria Inc. Correspondence, articles and items of news are invited and should be sent to:

VWCV EditorGPO Box 1215 Melbourne VIC 3001 Email [email protected]

DEADLINE FOR NEXT ISSUE June 5th 2009

1wagensville Deluxe May 2009

The Official Magazine of the Volkswagen Club of Victoria Inc.

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DISCLAIMER All material in this magazine represents the opinions of the author(s) and does not carry any endorsement by the Editors of Committee unless otherwise stated. Any material advertised for sale does not carry any endorsement by the Club and the onus is on the purchaser to ensure the purchased goods meet their requirements. Each VWCV Committee Member is a volunteer, carrying out Club duties in their own leisure time. The Club has no paid officials, only enthusiasts dedicated in furthering the interests of the club and it’s members. Could members please bear this in mind when contacting Club Committee Members.

www.vwclub.com.au

VWCV CommitteePresident Dean Holden 0412 500 588

Vice-President Brian Reed 9481 5673 [email protected]

Secretary Michael Cronin 0419 684 181

Treasurer John Farlow 0418 357 416 [email protected]

Additional Committee Members John Stevens & Richard Graham

Public Officer John Stevens [email protected]

Motorsports Co-ordinator Michael Clark 9878 [email protected]

Social Secretary Richard Graham 0418 527 862 [email protected]

Membership Secretary Andrew Mengyel 0420 967 948 [email protected]

Technical Officer Bill Malkoutzis & Andrew Ermel

Editor Tony Albers 0408 330 894 [email protected]

Assistant Editor Andrew Ermel 03 9369 1360 [email protected]

Web Master David Holinger [email protected]

Advertising Manager Dean Holden 0412 500 588

Club Historian Chris Scane 0417 593 573 [email protected]

2 Road Test Revisited 54The Volkswagen that was viewed as one of the most advanced or most unorthodox on the market in it’s day.

4 The Victorian Bug-In 09All the action from the Volkswagen Club of Victoria Bendigo Bug-In 2009.

MAYMay 26th VWCV General MeetingBell’s Hotel at 8pm.157 Moray St, South Melbourne.BRING AND BRAG NIGHT. If you have that rare or collectable Volkswagen item that you think needs bragging about, bring it along for all to see.

May 31stVWCV ConcourseSee Ad on page 4 for full event details.

SEPTEMBERSeptember 20thVWCV Swap MeetSee Ad on page 5 for full event details.

NOVEMBERNovember 15thDay of the Volkswagen 09See Ad on back cover for full event details.

MOTORSPORT EVENTSJune 21st and July 19thTest ‘n’ Tune DaysHeathcote Park RacewayEntry Fee $50.00Start time 11.00am. Any vehicle welcome.

For information on Motorsports Events contact Michael Clark VWCV Motorsports Co ordinator on 9878 1554, 0413552164 or [email protected]

Calendar of Events

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“We’ll be there before you know it in our New Volkswagen,

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“This is great Dad, you have made the right choice!”

“Thanks Son”

Become a Volkswagen Club of Victoria member today.

The kids love it.

www.vwclub.com.au

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Hello everyone and welcome to the May issue of the Wagensville Deluxe. We do hope you enjoy this bumper edition with heaps to read with reports on the Bug In, member profile and a retro-spective road tests on our favourite Volkswagens.

We had a great turn out at the April general meeting with lots of VW club members coming along to hear the good folks from CTEK tell us all about their fantastic range of battery chargers. I would like to thank, Eunice, Rowan and Nick for a great presentation and also for kindly donating 3 of the excellent CTEK battery chargers that we auctioned on the night. Some lucky club members got a bargain and the VW Club received a very nice donation. If you are in the market for a battery charger please check out the quality products available from CTEK.

We have a few events coming up over May and June. The VW Nationals over the weekend of the 23rd and 24th of May, as reported last month there are a number of VW Vic Club members heading over for this event.

The following Sunday, May 31, we have the VWCV Concourse at the Williamstown Maritime Association. Entry from 10.00am. This will be a great day at a great location. Hot food is available from the fully licensed Pirates Tavern or there are a multitude of cafes just a short walk to the Williamstown shopping strip. Cruise with the VWCV to the Concourse from the Brandon Park shopping centre. Michael Clarke will lead the group on a leisurely cruise, avoiding the tolls, and will leave for Williamstown at about 8.30am.

The May general meeting will be held at Bell’s Hotel in South Melbourne on Tuesday the 26th. We will be having a Bring and Brag night so please bring along any rare VW goodies or memorabilia that you can brag to the group about.

See you all then.

2 Volkswagen Club of Victoria Inc. 3

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President’s Report Dean Holden, VWCV President

wagensville Deluxe May 2009

Australia 1954, Prime Minister Robert Menzies was at the helm, Rising Fast wins the Melbourne Cup, Mawson Station in the Australian Antarctic Territory is established, The Australian Grand Prix was held at Southport and won by Lex Davison driving a HWM Jaguar, RCA manufactures the first colour TV set (12” screen, Price $1,000), Ernest Hemingway wins the Nobel Prize for Literature, the Footscray Football Club wins their first Grand Final, Queen Elizabeth II becomes the first reigning monarch to visit Australia, Kim Hughes (Cricketer) and Jacki MacDonald (Media Personality) are born and the population in Australia is 8,986,530.

For some the memory is real but for most we can only imagine 1954 when things were very different compared to what we have come to accept today.

1954 also brought with it a very different vehicle, the Oval 54 Beetle. First introduced to Australia in 1954, this moderately priced saloon was viewed as one of the most advanced or most unorthodox on the market in it’s day. Comfort, quietness, speed from the 30hp engine and the ability to cover all types of road surfaces at average speeds made the 54 an attractive car for Australian conditions.

Unorthodox features included the engine design and it’s compact rear mounting. The flat 4 engine was air-cooled to allow for quick warm-ups, the ability to operate efficiently at high temperatures and helped eliminate running noise and fumes. The 54 at the time of release had an average top speed of 62mph, 72mph being the highest speed recorded and clocked a standing 1/4 mile of 23.8 seconds.

Road conditions of the 50’s can not be compared with what we have to drive on today, the independently sprung four wheels

The Volkswagen that was viewed as one of the most advanced or most unorthodox on the market in it’s day.

Road Test Revisited 54

on the 54 made light work of Australian roads back then. Tests undertaken on the Volkswagen showed the Aussie market that the Volkswagen was the vehicle for downunder. Gravel and pot holed roads were not a problem at high speeds, cutting through mud and slush was achieved with minimal slide and Highway cruising proved to be a comfortable experience making the 54 exceptional under all conditions with complete control.

Designed for hard and tough use, the braking on the 54 was well up to standard and at the time were among the best tested. Standard braking at 30mph would successfully stop the vehicle within 26ft and remain straight with no sign of pulling.

Creature comforts 55 years ago were modest, simple but effective, the 54’s heater had outlets for all four occupants’ feet with two more for windscreen demisting, most efficient when

turned right up and apparently just the right thing for drying wet shoes in wintertime. Ash-trays were standard for all the smokers, front and rear, a convenient push-button glove-box on the passenger dash and rear passengers had assist straps fitted with coat hooks for those tight corners. Interior finish was high with the restrained use of chrome trim, a combined ignition switch/starter and self parking electric

windscreen wipers. Seats and trim were fitted with high-grade leather plastic and both front seats were individually adjustable.

At night headlamps were adequate for it’s time giving a fairly long and wide white beam. When dipped the light was short and spread. A supplementary driving beam was recommended for those serious night drivers.

The tool kit was seen as sparse but adequate consisting of Jack, wind-up, side-anchoring type

and the spare wheel was easily removed from under the bonnet with minimum fuss and dirty hands. The Volkswagen 54 did it’s job efficiently in it’s day, performed as it’s designers intended and for some lucky one’s still is. In the 50’s it was considered to have a degree of finish better that some higher priced vehicles, it ran well, was quiet and completely fool proof. Tony Albers, VWCV Editor

4 Volkswagen Club of Victoria Inc. 5

For further information contact Andrew Ermel on 0419 513 749 or visit vwclub.com.au

SwapMeetSunday 20th SeptemberWilliamstown Maritime Association28 Nelson Place Williamstown (Melway Ref 56 E9)

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Fully Licensed “Pirates Tavern” on site serving hot & cold drinks and food.

Public entry and Buyers 9.00am sharp. Entry fee $5, children under 12 FREE

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• Volkswagen parts, cars, accessories and memorabilia.

• Over 40 undercover swap sites and 40 outdoor sites.

• All swap sites $30 payable on the day and admits 2 sellers.

• Swapper’s site entry from 8.00am sharp. (Strictly sellers only).

• Cars for Sale $15 - Entry from 9.00am.

Concourse 09 Sunday 31st MayEveryone is welcome to attend. Concourse vehicle entry is reserved for VWCV members only.

Williamstown Maritime Association Vehicle Entry $1028 Nelson Place Williamstown (Melway Ref 56 E9). 10am - 2pm. Judging 11am - 12noon.

Fully Licensed “Pirates Tavern” on site serving hot and cold drinks and food.

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wagensville Deluxe May 2009

First produced in 1973 the SP was supplied with two motor sizes both the 1600 and 1700 cc twin port type 3 motor. It was marketed as a two door sports car and had a streamlined shape similar to the Porsche 911 from the 1970’s.

In Germany Volkswagen were producing the type 3 which was a five seater two door vehicle in three configurations, sedan, fastback and station wagon. The Brazilian SP was the only true two seater sports car produced by VW at that time. The SP was fitted with a rear mounted Type 3 engine producing up to 75hp and the cabin seating position and shorter overall length gave the SP handling characteristics of a “mid mounted” engine vehicle .

Interior was fitted with high back contoured bucket seats padded dashboard with full instrumentation including electric clock tachometer and oil temperature gauge in addition to the instrumentation normal to all VW’s of that era. Steel bumper bars and twin headlights were standard as well as multi speed intermittent wipers first of its type produced by VW.

The SP was fitted with front wheel disc brakes and radial tyres and the 4 speed short shift synchromesh gearbox. The floor pan and suspension was a full independent torsion bar with additional front and rear stabilizers.

Brazil is famous for many beautiful things including coffee, beaches and skimpy bikinis but Volkswagen Brazil produced one of the most beautiful air cooled Volkswagens ever made, the Volkswagen SP.

Volkswagen SP

Top speed for the SP was 100mph and was the fastest air cooled VW built at the time. This was attributed to the much lighter kerb weight of 890kg and was nearly 100kg lighter than the Type 4.

The pictures demonstrate the fine design and the familiar “Porsche “shape of the rear quarter window. Unfortunately the production cost was high and due to design rules of the time these vehicles did not make it to our Australian shores. Many fine examples are still to be found in South America and few examples of these cars made it to the USA where they are very prized by Volkswagen collectors.

Andrew Ermel, VWCV Assistant Editor.

A Cruise to the Concourse will meet at the Brandon Park Shopping Centre Carpark at 8am for an 8.30am departure. Sorry, No BYO Alcohol or dogs.

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What a show!Congratulations to Anthony Surie and Nathan Leversha from VW Cruisers and Melburg Luft who put on another great Jamboree. This event seems to be growing every year, with this years attendance just about out growing the venue.

This unique event has everything a Rat lover could ever dream of, rust, very little suspension and that wonderful lived in look. Good to see some interstaters made the trip down to support the show together with the swappers and the Band who put the final touch to the day.

Look forward to next years show.

6 Volkswagen Club of Victoria Inc. 7wagensville Deluxe May 2009

The 40th annual Bug-In was held in Bendigo over the 10 to 13 April 2009 Easter period. This celebration of the Volkswagen was jointly organised by the Volkswagen Club of Victoria Inc. and the Volksclub of Bendigo and in the 12 months leading up to the 2009 Bug-In the committees of both clubs put in a huge amount of work to provide for what was a very special event.

The Bug-In commenced with the Registration and Afternoon Tea which was held at the Foundry Hotel in Golden Square at 3.30pm on Friday 10 April 2009. Each registrant was given a bulging show bag full of goodies that had been donated by the event’s very generous sponsors. It was great to see that the planning had been successful and the 188 people who had registered did not have to queue for long and were then able to quickly move through to the afternoon tea area where a fine range of cakes, tea and coffee were supplied. This time was well spent renewing old VW acquaintances and forming new ones. We did not have to move very far for the 6pm Welcome Dinner which was also at the Foundry Hotel but by now we had graduated to the Platinum Room. The room was extremely well decorated by a number of our committee members and the table arrangements were organised to mix the 147 participants allowing for lots of new VW interaction. The food was of a high standard and after dinner we were able to participate in an auction, conducted by our one and only resident expert auctioneer Andrew Ermel, who some believe has really missed his true vocation in life. This was a terrific event that generated $1,171 towards the cost of running the Bug-In with some merchandise and memorabilia donated by VW Australia, All Tools QAir Bendigo, Formula Vee Association and the Bruty Family.

On Saturday 11 April the Show and Shine was held in Bridge Street, Bendigo which is located in the central business district of the city. It was an excellent location, the weather was perfect and we had a huge roll up of 120 cars. This event was held in the vicinity of other Easter activities and the amount foot traffic through the car display, comprising both Bendigo residents and holiday visitors, was unbelievable.

Entry to the Show and Shine was by gold coin donation, so members circulated charity collection tins around the venue. The result was a collection of $395 for Sanctuary for Kids, a Bendigo Health initiative.

After the Show and Shine finished at 1pm people had booked in for either a winery tour or an organised car tour in the Bendigo area that included a choice of visiting Bendigo Pottery, Central Debra Gold Mine and the Chinese Museum. The Bendigo Pottery proved most popular with 57 VW enthusiasts arriving in convoy to tour the facility. Afternoon tea was a priority however the clay throwing activity proved very popular with many members having a go at throwing a dish, bowl or vase. We won’t say it was hit and miss with the clay throw but the item of creation tended to automatically reveal itself after a few minutes of squeezing and stretching the clay.

With the hectic pace of the last two days, and with two days of activities yet to come, the organisers had provided for a night off on the Sat. evening and people did their own thing which, we understand, included arrange of activities including pub visits, restaurant dinners and good old Aussie BBQs.

The morning of Sunday 12 April saw the Bug-In activity move 25km out of Bendigo to the Bagshot Motorsports Complex for the Motorkana, Kanacross and the Novelty Event. This facility was a great venue for this event with all amenities and tracks conveniently located for both the spectators and the entrants. We had 32 competitors and 29 spectators which are good numbers for a Bug-In motor sports event program. The clubs put on a BBQ lunch in an area reasonable close to the track and the chefs were, on a regular basis, required to take evasive action to protect the food from the clouds of invading dust stirred up by the enthusiastic motor sports drivers. Michael Clarke and his team did a fantastic job organising and running the event and from feedback received everyone involved had a bonza time.

On Sunday evening the Presentation Dinner was held at the All Seasons Bendigo Quality Resort which is one of the largest function complexes in regional Australia. The organisers of this event had spent a lot of time and effort decorating and setting the room up during the afternoon and it looked a treat. The guests started arriving for pre-dinner drinks and nibbles at 7pm and at 7.45pm the 130 VW aficionados moved into the main room and the fun began. Each guest table had a special VW feel to it and a prize of a VW

model was awarded to one lucky person on each table. No one missed out on a gift however as everyone took home a commemorative Bug-In coffee mug, ruby in colour and proudly sporting the Bug-In logo, commissioned from Bendigo Pottery. In addition, special Bug-In Welcome Dinner placemats adorned each table. Designed by Matt Kinsey with printing and lamination donated by Cameron Young of Allardice Pty Ltd. The food provided was top notch and soon after we finished the meal a local band, The Corvettes, started to strut their stuff. A brief interlude in proceedings provided the opportunity for the presentation of Bug-In Awards to be undertaken and the handing over of the Bug-In Banner to Wally Penboss from the Queensland club, which will be hosting the 2010 Bug-In in Stanforth. At this point in time the raffle, generously supported by Valvoline Oil, Autobarn Bendigo, Bendigo Auto Sound, Bendigo Pottery, Beeps Auto Store Bendigo, Yelba Pty Ltd. and our own Michael Cronin, was drawn and many very lucky people went home much the richer for buying a few raffle tickets. After the formalities were concluded it was time to get stuck into the dancing and the great 60s/70s music pumped out by the band. The dance floor was packed with people of all ages and it was clear that everyone had a terrific time. After such an event packed day not too many people partied on after the event concluded.

The Bug-In 2009 formal participation in the Bendigo Easter Festival activities, being the Show and Shine on the Easter Saturday and the inclusion of 12 Volkswagen vehicles in the Easter Parade on the Easter Monday, was very well received. Volkswagens of all types were most definitely the star vehicles of the Easter Parade with the appearance of Herbie (our own Richard Graham’s car) delighting the children (of all ages). A highlight for the Bug-In organising committee was to be able to meet the request of the Easter Parade organising committee and provide transport vehicles to lead the parade, transporting the Bendigo Mayor and the two citizens of the year. With assistance from the local VW dealer, Symes Motors, our club members were proud to lead the parade with a Passat CC and an EOS

In the afternoon the Bendigo Club hosted a Farewell Afternoon Tea in the premises of the Bendigo Rowing Club on the shores of the picturesque Lake Weeroona, which was still reasonably full of water. The club had gone to a good deal of effort to finish the Bug-In on a high note and provided more cakes than you would see at a fully stocked Fergusson Plarre cake shop.

It was a great way to conclude the day and the Bug-In and it would be fair to say that by any standard the 2009 Bug-In would have to be judged a tremendous success.

The Bug-In is not run as a profit making venture. In most cases they either make a loss or break even at best. In any event any profits that may be made are always passed onto a suitable charity. We are very pleased to advise that due to the combined support of the major 2009 Bug-In sponsors, Volkswagen Group Australia, Symes Motors VW Bendigo, Shannons, Volkswagen Magazine Australia and support from local Bendigo businesses who donated items that were either auctioned or raffled, plus the monies raised by club members with tin rattling at the show and shine, we were able to run the 2009 Bug-In at a profit. A cheque will be formally passed to our nominated Bug-In charity, Sanctuary for Kids a Bendigo Health initiative, at the general meeting of Volksclub Bendigo on the 12th of May 2009. Our total charity donation will be $3,000.

To hold the event in Bendigo was, we believe, an inspired choice as it is a beautiful city with all the infrastructure required to successfully hold an event such as the Bug-In. People from both clubs put in a tremendous amount of planning, effort and time to make sure that every event went off like clockwork and the weather simply could not have been any better. Feedback indicates that everyone who attended the Bug-In enjoyed themselves to the max and Victoria provided a Bug-In that would have to be as successful as any Bug-In on record. Thanks have to be extended to all those people involved.

John Stevens.

Bug-In 09 Show and Shine WinnersColin Hyett 23 window Samba (VIC)Janet Cropley white Beetle (VIC)Matt Kinsey white 67 Beetle (VIC)Cory Seegers Syncro Kombi T4 (SA)Keith Lawler Passat CC (QLD)Rod McSwain Jetta (WA)

With the sun shining like it had all weekend we headed off to Bagshot Motor sports Complex to run the motorsport section of the 2009 Bug in. With help from James Woodward and Michael Cronin taking entries and Matt Gardner, Chris Antonello, Steve Craven and the Ermel Boys setting up the courses and Mark Zellner who scrutineered all the cars Evan, we got under way. We ran the motorkhana first and with 33 entries and 4 tests to get through before lunch there was no time to muck around, although once the first couple of cars had run it was obvious that dust was going to be a problem.

The motorkhana field consisted of 20 Victorians, 5 South Australians, 2 Queenslanders, 3 West Australians and 3 from New South Wales. One of the best things about the event was the fact that we had a large proportion of first timers. I’d like to mention in particular young Andrew Conway who not only won himself a trophy for best junior but also gave his dad Michael a run for his money in his dads buggy.The dust aside the morning went off without a hitch and everyone who competed had a great time. Before I go on I have to again thank Matt Gardner and Stewart Ermel who stood out in the heat and dust all day timekeeping for me and James who took down all the scores.

While most of the competitors enjoyed hamburgers and sausages lovingly cooked by the many helpers who gave their time in the club house during the lunch break, Andrew Ermel ran a novelty event for anyone who felt they weren’t quite up to doing the motorkana. The funny thing was the event was made so competitors had to go very slowly through the course but was won by our own self-confessed VW hoon Richard Graham.

After the lunch break we herded all the competitors up to the khanacross track for 2 single laps of the 1100 metre track, running the first lap anticlockwise and the second clockwise.

This was a lot of fun for both competitors and spectators as the track winds it’s way through the local bush. There is a raised area in the middle of the track where spectators were able to see most of the track, which was appreciated because we did have a few very fast cars there on the day. Although it was hot and very dusty, all in all we had a great day at the Bug In motorkhana and khanacross, but it could not have happened without the help of a lot of VWCV club members. Other than those already mentioned a big thanks to John and Jan Stevens, John and

Lorraine Farlow, Evan Davies, Cheryl Ermel, Bruce Woodward, Chris Scane and Bill Malkoutzis, If I have missed anyone I apologise but I was so busy our paths may not have crossed.

MOTORKHANA / KHANACROSS 1st outright John Rosengrave1st Ladies Becky Southham1st Junior Andrew Conway1st Non Volkswagen Frank Rogan

1st Victorian John Rosengrave2nd Victorian Tim Hosie3rd Victorian Bill Malkoutzis

1st South Australian Mal Dodd2nd South Austalian Phil Southam3rd South Australian Becky Southham

1st West Australian Pete Summerfield2nd West Australian Rod Mc Swain3rd West Australian Ray Willis

1st Queensland Neil Pemboss2nd Queensland Dave Sidery

1st New South Wales Scott Harper2nd New South Wales Chris Harper3rd New South Wales Nicole Bavers

1st outright Khanacross Phil Southham

Thank you to all competitors and helpers that made the day a great success.

Michael Clark, Motorsport Event Director.

Bug-In 09 Motorsport

Symes Motors

Mattel Toys Flash Lube Salta Constructions Car Safe

Victorian Bug-In 2009 proudly supported by

The quicker cars left Harrietville first so that they would not be restricted by the older, more senior, VWs. This was, well and truly, a day for the mountain climbers. After leaving Harrietville it was 3rd gear stuff all the way to the top of Mount Hotham some 23 kms later at 1861 metres.

We re-grouped at the fairly deserted Mount Hotham car park, had a coffee to warm up (it was cold, bloody cold up there), a few puffs of oxygen and then it was all down hill, with smoking discs and drums, to historic Omeo. Christine and Bernie Morosow joined the group here and it was great to have them with us. After browsing the Omeo shops we re-grouped in a very scenic spot just off the main street by a river for a group people/car photo and everyone had their ruby red t-shirts on. The scene looked terrific and not unlike a group of kids on a school excursion.


The VWCV decided to promote Victoria to our interstate Bug In visitors so we planned a 1500 km road trip that would take in the wonderful sights of the Murray River towns, the magnificent high country around Corryong, the historic goldfields area of Beechworth, the autumn splendour of Bright, the challenge of Mount Hotham, the mountains-to-the-sea transition of the roads from Omeo to Lakes Entrance and lastly the peaceful East Gippsland farming country from Bairnsdale to Pakenham.

On the tour we attracted 33 VW people from WA, SA, Vic, Tas, NSW and Qld. They would be transported in a wide range of air and water cooled VWs including 7 x Kombies, 6 x Beetles, 3 x T4s, 1 x T5, 1 x Jetta, 1 x New Beetle and 1 x Passat CC.

The Tour commenced in Bendigo and on the first day each car received a show bag containing lots of goodies. Special thanks must to go to Joy and John at Volkshome and Tracey and Boris at Volkscare who contributed items to the show bags at their own expense. The RACV, all the local tourist bureaus along the way and many other people and organisations also generously contributed to the show bags.

First up we travelled from Bendigo to Echuca. We had a Devonshire morning tea at Cohuna, a cruise on the Murray River onboard the Pevensey, a historic paddleboat built in 1911, and a guided tour of the Echuca wharf precinct that included a visit to the nearby unlicensed (at the turn of the century) hotel. We actually experienced the tunnel escape route used by the thirsty patrons when the place was regularly raided by the local constabulary. Dinner that night was at the local Echuca Services Club

The next day was a 357 km cruise from Echuca to Corryong. Shortly after leaving Echuca we encountered 60 to 70 knot cross winds that provided challenging driving conditions and with the extremely dry countryside the wind whipped up a 1930’s style dust storm on the road for the 198 kms to Rutherglen. At times we had only 10 to 15 metre visibility.

Many of the crew had morning tea at the very welcoming Chambers Rosewood Vineyards at Rutherglen. We discovered that they make a superb Walnut Muscat at $16 per bottle, just perfect for washing down the dust of the road. Bernd and Edith had a little bit of trouble with their car at Rutherglen and had to seek the assistance of our very good friends the RACV who trailered

the car to Albury for repairs for no cost (via RACV Total Care). It was later found that an electrical fault was causing fuel flow problems and once this was repaired they elected to re-join the group the following day on our return to the Albury/Wodonga area. We hosted a BBQ lunch later that day at the Army Museum at Bandiana. While people wandered around this huge military museum, which is the largest in Australia, and inspected the extensive collection of army equipment and memorabilia, including a jungle green Kombi, gourmet food was prepared and made ready for them on their return to the very pleasant BBQ facilities outside the museum.

Later that afternoon we arrived in historic Corryong and our first port of call was the Corryong Cemetery. Here we had Jack Thompson (on CD) recite Banjo Patterson’s Man from Snowy River at the very grave site of the man himself, Jack Riley. This was right on sunset, in the quiet solitude of the small isolated cemetery with a few lone Currawongs calling in the background. Jack’s voice resounded around the cemetery, on the amped up CD player, and some tour participants had genuine tears in their eyes at the end of the poem. This was a very special experience.

The next day saw us head north then west along the southern shores of Lake Hume. We were happy to see that Bernd and Edith were able to rejoin us at the Lake Hume Resort so we had a celebratory morning tea there before we took to the road again. From there it was on to the very pretty town of Yackandandah and its beaut craft and collectables shops and then to Beechworth for lunch. Some of the crew went on the Milawa to stock up on Brown Bros superb reds while the others shopped for bargains in Beechworth. From Beechworth, where Brian Reed was welcomed to the tour, it was 60 kms to Bright which was our overnight stop. Dinner in Bright had been booked at the Alpine Hotel and a few thirsty VW people were seen to explore the full range of James Squires beers (in pint glasses) over dinner. The next day there a few rather quiet individuals as a result of this activity. The pub food was really great and after dinner we gave out the complimentary tour ruby red t-shirts to each person and, extraordinarily, the t-shirt sizes all worked out OK.

This was a relatively early night as the next day was going to be a real 327 km driving challenge.

We left Bright right on time at 8.15am. The road was scenic and flat until we exited Harrietville and then it was up, up and away.

The quicker cars again left Omeo first and, from all reports, had a truly fantastic drive all the way to Bruthen. Quite a few very experienced drivers later told us that the empty roads, the scenery, the driving conditions and the company made for one of the most exciting and exhilarating drives that they had ever had. There were unconfirmed reports that Andrew Ermel’s 1953 split window Beetle was cruising, at times, at around 120 km/ hr but that would not be possible…...would it?.

That evening we had the final night gala dinner at the Central Hotel in Lakes Entrance in a pre-booked private room right on the Esplanade with views of the water and the fishing fleet. The evening had a Nautical theme (what else in lakes Entrance) and we had appearances from a range of famous people including The Captain and Tenile, Jacques Cousteau and his long time diving colleague Frederic Dumas, a mermaid fresh from the cool waters of the Tasman Sea and Long John Silver. We gave out a one-off commemorative ruby red tour pin to all the participants and this capped off a truly memorable and successful evening. Jan even got inspired (it wasn’t the red) and made her own thank you speech.

The next day we met in the car park opposite the Lakes Entrance RSL and said a few goodbyes

as some of the crew were leaving to travel north from there to their home bases. We then travelled west from Lakes Entrance through Bairnsdale and stopped at Stratford for morning tea. From Stratford we continued to Yarragon where we had lunch at the Yarragon Hotel (great pub tucker). The tour officially, and quite sadly, ended there.

In Conclusion

The Tour went off better than we could possibly have hoped that it would.

The weather, apart from the incredible dust storm on Day 2, could not have been any better. The tour participants were truly a remarkable, co-operative and friendly group that made our job as co-ordinators so much easier. All 33 people in 21 cars turned up at the nominated meeting place each morning before the agreed departure time eager to get on the road. That was great.

We have to thank our own Evan Davies and Michael Cronin who were always driving at the tail of the convoy, in radio contact, to make sure that everyone was present and accounted for, after every stop, for the whole 1560kms and the 5 days. This provided a heap of reassurance to our interstate guests some of whom who feared getting lost en-route and they really appreciated this precaution.

We received a lot of positive and complimentary feedback from those who attended the Tour for the effort that the club put in. We are positive that the VWCV can be proud of the way that this Tour went off. We are very confident that it was certainly at least the equivalent of the great Tasmanian Bug-In Tour of 2007.

Special thanks must go to Tony Albers who did a terrific job organising the complimentary T-shirts and pins. They were very well received by everyone on the tour and really were the icing on the cake.

The cars on the tour travelled nearly 33,000 combined kms. The best fuel consumption achieved was 4.2 litres/100km in the Passat CC.

Long live the VW.

Jan and John Stevens.

Tuesday 14 to Saturday 18 April 2009

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Catalogue Available. Discount Freight (Conditions Apply).Mail Order, COD & Credit Cards Welcome. Bulk Order Discounts. Trade Welcome

Every now and then a rare photograph surfaces of the earliest years of Volkswagen in Germany. This photo was recently purchased in Australia from a German military memorabilia collector. It was most likely originally collected because the various examples of the military German uniforms of that era which would have significant interest to collectors of WW2 militaria. From an historic point of view the value of this picture lies with the Cabriolet Beetle which was one of the first three prototype Volkswagens produced in 1938.

A translated typed description on the rear of the photograph reads “The Fuhrer undertakes a trail-drive in the open model of the KDF-car as they will be constructed on a large scale in the automobile works at Fallersleben”

This photograph would have reproduced from an original negative and would have been sold and or given away to the public and military officers to mark an historic moment at the ground breaking ceremony for the Volkswagen plant at Wolfsburg in March 1938. A date on the rear of the photo reads 10 June but the year that it was produced is no longer visible. The photographic company who produced this was Orbis Photo and they were located 73/74 Schotzen Strasser Berlin SW 68.

Some items of interest from this picture are the designation of 111A on the registration plate which indicates that this car was from the Stuttgart area and was carried through to post WW2 production and the driver who is Ferry Porsche, son of Ferdinand Porsche.

This is a very rare and original example of photography from the early years of Volkswagen in Germany.

From the archivesby Andrew Ermel, VWCV Assistant Editor

Beetle 803, one of the first three prototype Volkswagens produced in 1938.

What is your earliest memory of a Volkswagen?My earliest memory is painting the headlights on the family’s VW with pink primer. My Dad discovered it when he was driving home in the dark and was not impressed with my handy work. I was about three years old at the time. Oh, then there was the time I thought the passenger window need fixing, so took a file to it. Dad again was not happy so I did some quick talking and blamed Andrew. I was very keen on restoring VWs at an early age.

What first got you interested in Volkswagens?My first car was a 1971 Superbug called ‘Chloe’. I had owned it for five years and cried when I traded it in on a new car.

What do you like most about Volkswagens?The simplicity of the car, the nicest people have VWs and especially the smile it bring to other people’s faces when they see a VW. What I love doing is restoring a car back to its showroom condition. Also, I like meeting other obsessed car owners and looking at their cars.

How and why did you become involved with the Volkswagen club of Victoria?Steven was the president at the time and he invited me along to the social events.

What is your favourite Volkswagen Type you have owned?My standard 1954 Goldie Sunroof beetle named ‘Loxley’. It is such a classic 50’s car.

If you could have any Volkswagen what would it be?I would love to own Ferdinand Porsche’s 1938 Beetle. I was lucky enough to sit in it during the last VW German trip.

What has been your most enjoyable experience in a Volkswagen?Being a VWCV member and cruising in Loxley with the sunroof opened.

Is your unique Volkswagen enthusiasm recognised and supported by family, friends and community?No! Everyone in my family is obsessed with VWs including my mum. The rest of our relatives think we are mad. Of course! VWs will always be my car of choice. I have even met my partner Chris through the club and our mutual love for VWs.

Is your family car a Volkswagen?No, I would stress out leaving Loxley in the railway station car park.

What is your profession and do your Volkswagen interests and profession cross paths?Training consultant in the Superannuation industry. No matter how hard I try, superannuation and VWs don’t go together. However, I did tell one recruitment agency that my dream job would be working for VW Australia Group.

On a scale from 1 to 10, how much of Volkswagen nut are you?I like to think I have a balanced life, so I would have to say 9.

Member Profile Cheryl Ermel

Everyone in my family is obsessed with Volkswagens, including my Mum. The rest of our relatives think we are mad.

PLEASE NOTE: All additions to this section MUST be accompanied by either registration number, chassis number or VIN number. Advertisements for vehicles without these details WILL NOT be published. Advertisements will be limited to a period of two months only. If you wish to continue your advertisement beyond the initial two month period or your Ad has been SOLD in the first month of Advertising, please contact the Editor(s) so the Advertising space can be updated for NEW Ads.

Send your for sales and wanted ads to the Editor: VWCV Editor GPO Box 1215 Melbourne VIC 3001 Email [email protected]

PAY MEMBERSHIP and RENEWAL ON LINE! www.vwclub.com.au/membership.phpIs your Membership renewal due? Don’t mess around with cheques or money orders, why not pay online?The Volkswagen Club of Victoria website now has an online payment facility to make renewing your membership even easier. Ensure your place in the club by paying with either Visa, MasterCard, or PayPal. or please return this form together with your cheque or money order for payment to the above address.Please allow 28 days for processing.

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Membership Stats

VW MembershipsCurrent total memberships of the Volkswagen Club of Victoria - 432

New MembersThe following people joined the Volkswagen Club of Victoria in April-May 2009.John, Maree, & Ilma Beaney, Ken Jones, Pasty – Anne Vendy & Family, Tony Leone, Shane Ryan & Veronica Rybicki, Russell & Cheryl Browne, Nick Orloff, William Dennis, Mollie McCallum, Mark & Thomas Zellner and Phillipa Gardner.

Welcome and thankyou on behalf of the Volkswagen Club of Victoria.

Current Memberships RenewalsThe following memberships are due in the month of April 2009. Andrew Waddleton, Denise & Brian Burfoot, Paul Schmidt, Elly Sommer Payet & Kevin Payet and Scott Branden.

The following memberships are due in the month of May 2009. John Cook, Cheryl Ermel, Richard Jordon, Ross Harrison, Vaughan deLautour, Nathan Dmytiw, Jeffrey Schwarz, Margaret & Ian Ferguson, John Bryant, Frank & Steve Grocl, Bruce Argaet, Helen Noble, Troy Bennett, Cameron Young, Griffiths, Jason South, Andrew Lawton, Phil Drozario, Sabine, Bob, & Felix Wilson and Simeon Orive.

Memberships Renewals ReminderReminder for the following members of your membership renewal.Wayne Hulbert, Peter & Erika Behrendt, Michael Yanko, Nadia Lerk, Don Santowiak, Pasquale Piccolli, Luke Reisner, Jose Gonzalez, Alan & Avis Gardner and Michael,Lauren & Lucy Watts.

Please note; If your membership renewal has been paid after the 31st March 2009 please disregard the above reminder. Also if you have not received your renewal notice for some reason please fill out the application again and state ‘renewal’, or you can now renew ONLINE at www.vwclub.com.au/membership.php

12 Volkswagen Club of Victoria Inc.

Please support the following businesses who regularly support the VWCV.LINKS

Volkswagen Club of Victoria Inc.Membership Officer GPO Box 1215 MELBOURNE VIC 3001 Phone 0420 967 948

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Club Membership FeesSingle One Year Full Membership $55 $

Single 3 Year Full Membership $150 $

Additional Family Membership $20 (per extra member). $

Membership Joining Fee $10 (first year members only). $

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Membership ApplicationMembership Application also available at the VWCV website www.vwclub.com.au

SOUTH YARRA VOLKSWAGEN93 Commercial Road SOUTH YARRA

03 8866 6888Proud Partner of the 2007 Day of the Volkswagen.

SHANNONS321 Warrigal Road CHELTENHAM

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ANTIQUE TYRES134 McEwan Road WEST HEIDELBERG

03 9458 4433Australia’s Largest Range of Veteran Vintage, Classic and Hot Rod Tyres.

AUSTRALIAN VW PERFORMANCE CENTRE

10/25 Lusher Road CROYDON 03 9725 5366Contact Mick for trade pricing typically 10% off retail on most parts and services (up to value of

$100). Dyno tuning at $60 per hour.

VOLKWERKEUnit 1/171 Para Road GREENSBOROUGH

03 9435 1868email: [email protected]

www.volkwerke.com.auSpecialists in Volkswagen, Audi, BMW, Mercedes.

VOLLKOMMEN ART28 Clifford Street HUNTINGDALE

03 9543 7804Speed and Style.

VOLKSCARE4 Macquarie Place BORONIA 03 9729 9281

10% discount on parts (maximum discount $50). Does not include genuine or special orders.

VOLKSHOME AUTOMOTIVE16 Commercial Drive THOMASTOWN

03 9464 0366Contact John for club member prices.

WOLFSBURG AUTOMOTIVEUnit 2, 290 Old Geelong Road

HOPPERS CROSSING1300 370 310

Contact Gary for club member prices.

“We’re not there yet Dad?”

“We’ll be there when we get there, sit back and enjoy the ride Son!”

“Thanks Dad”

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