Feature: GSR Special

The Gelb-Schwarzer Renner (or yellowblack racer, to English-speaking readers) was a motorsport-themed special edition Beetle built in limited numbers, and offered only to the home (German) market. Launched in December 1972, the GSR proved to be an instant hit – in fact, it took less than two months to sellthe full quota of 3500 units! ... more

Feature: Fire and Ice

When you consider that even the late, European-built, air-cooled Beetles will currently have had 30 years of abuse behind them, it’s easy to see how so many projects can (and do) take several years to complete. ... more

Feature: Panamericana 356

‘In the years after World War II, the American continents began building a great Panamerican highway, running from Argentina to Alaska. In 1949, Mexico finished its section and decided to have a road race to celebrate. Thus was born the Carrera Panamericana Mexico – the Mexican Road Race!’ ... more

Feature: Retro Racer

Is it a genuine Carrera?’, I managed to ask through the window of my car. As the lights were about to change, the answer came back, ‘No!’ We swapped business cards and that was that. ... more

Feature: Four Play

We’ll never be able to confirm who first ever raced a Beetle over the quarter-mile, but it’s a fairly safe bet that the event took place in Southern California in the very late 1950s or early 1960s. What we do know is that, by the middle of the latter decade, VWs played a major part in theNational Hot ... more

Feature: Too Much

Patrice was looking high and low for a 23-window Bus all over Europe, but none seemed to fit his price range. However, an interesting alternative appeared in the shape of its younger brother, a nice 21-window. This ’67 had already been partly restored, although it was lacking its seats and interior trim. ... more

Feature: achtung!

I’m sure most Ultra VW readers will have a pretty good idea about what is often described as a ‘German Look’ VW. For the benefit of those new to the term, here’s what the Ultra VW team considers to be the basic ingredients behind this influential and ‘EU-essential’ style. ... more

Feature: Inside Story

As he points out, back in the 1960s, if you had an interest – or a desire to own – an old Beetle, the chances were that you’d quite possibly end up with an ex-military VW of some kind, be it a post-war Beetle or an old Kübelwagen. ... more

Feature: Stitch-Up

I’m not going to hark on about Bad Bernie’s coachtrimming background, as you’ve no doubt heard all about his work at some point in the past. Similarly, I’m not about to wax lyrical about the previous ‘Gene Berg UK’ incarnation of this ’67 racecar – this feature is all about the fully-overhauled Stitch Up gasser that Bernie is racing and developing right here and right now. ... more

Feature: Mister Perfection

Yet, a fraction of our scene is more interested in the journey leading to the completion of a project car, rather than enjoying the fruits of their hard labour. We recently met an individual who lives by this motto – and happens to assemble some amazing rides in France. Named Rudy Olivença, he told us: ‘I love building cars but, once a project is done, I just feel the urge to start another one!’ ... more

Feature: Gates of Heaven

Since the introduction of the California Look to the masses three decades ago, VW enthusiasts continue to push the envelope, creating fast and highlydetailed ‘Best of Show’ contenders that wow the crowd. Larry Shaw’s 1962 sedan, a triple Bug-In winner from the early ’80s, may be considered as one of the first over-the-top Cal Look cars. ... more

Feature: Stuka Three-five-six

Peeking out from behind a clump of trees, what looks like a derelict building beckons to you, as if to say ‘Come here! Look what secrets I’m hiding!’ And, when you fight your way through the undergrowth, there’s an old barn with the rusting remains of a Porsche inside it… ... more

Feature: Sambalicous

If you’ve already had a look through the pictures of this ’66 21-window Samba, you’ll, no doubt, have already spotted a few tell-tale signature pieces which point towards this being a Bus built by Creative Engineering. ... more