Ben Gancz 1972 Beetle
Here is my 1972 Beetle. I have had it for 10 years, but have recently finished a full restoration. It's a mix of Eighties Cal Look and Euro/German Look. With some pointers from The Van Shack in Oxford, I squeezed in the 1.8 Type 4 motor by Klaus. This was mated to a 1500 Beetle gearbox and plumbed into a full oil-control system from Mocal. It drives like a little go-cart and makes an awesome noise. Check out http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxBsdTQ0qJY to see some footage of the car.
I modified a pair of angel eye sealed beam units with Mercedes Bi-Xenon Projector headlights and put them in some sloping headlights which were chromed inside and out. They produce a lovely white light for night-time runs down country lanes. I would have sent you pictures of the interior, but some horrible thief decided they would try to get the stereo out with a screwdriver, but when it wouldn't come out, they decided to trash the interior. It's an ugly sight and I can assure you a screwdriver and painted metal dash do not mix. So the next project is re-doing the interior!
I have sent you one particular photo that my girlfriend took for me as a present. She is a fashion photographer but had a go at photographing my car. It was such a success that she has gone on to photograph a Split Screen Bus and Karmann Ghia which you can see on her website at www.pernillepahle.com.
I have never missed an issue of VolksWorld, and as I have used it as inspiration for my car, it would be great if I could see my Bug featured in your magazine. It has been a long struggle and has shown me how friendly the international Volkswagen scene is, from the boys down the road at the Van Shack to the gents over in Germany who supplied me with many of the parts I've used.
Ben Gancz
