2009 Summer Jam
July 25, 2009
San Pedro, CA

The location was beautiful Point Fermin Park, adjacent to the historical San Pedro Lighthouse, overlooking the Pacific Ocean, with Catalina Island as a backdrop. Started off as a cool overcast day on the San Pedro bluff, but by 11AM we had an ideal sunny, so-cal beautiful day. Cars were parked on the grass amongst the majestic Oak Trees centered around the scaled-down version of I thought looked like the Hollywood Bowl. From the stage, live bands performs all afternoon while spectators mulled about. The setting was very laidback and the promoters, VW Street Scene Promotions & Victor “The Trophy Guy” ©, put on one of the best shows I've been to in recent memory. The show was a complete success and I recommend that everyone who can make this show next year do whatever it takes to get there. This show reminded me of the days of the VW Jamboree in the 80's and 90's. Like going to a picnic with a grip-load of nice VWs to look and drool over.

That said, here are my suggestions to make the show better. First, you need more food vendors. Second, you should add a dedicated section for sellers to swap. I didn't buy into the Raffle because you didn't have any Type-3 items to give away. Provide a choice to the winners of the Raffle of items of equal value so that they can choose what interests them... a Red-Anodized Pulley for a Type-1 doesn't work well in a Type-3 Engine, just ask Fastback Don! =)

Although not all of these cars are Type-3s, they were the most notable to me at the time. These pictures are shown in no particular order.

1950 Split Window Ragtop

Clearly a candidate for "Best of Show"!

1952 Split Window Convertible

Aside from the fender-skirts, this was my favorite Bug... Immaculate!

1956 Low-Light Karmann Ghia

Clearly my favorite Ghia of the Show! Just love the look of a 'bone-stock' low-light!

1963 Karmann Ghia Cabriolet

My favorite paint-job... love those 'Ghost Flames', Steering Wheel treatment, and the Shaved Handles... and the fact that this is one powerful vert doesn't hurt it's appeal!

1969 Unrestored Automatic Notchback

David, the owner of this '69 unrestored, 'savannah beige', automatic notchback is a reason to create "The 1600 Club"! David also has a '69 Auto Squareback and Fastback... anyone looking for a good home for their 1969 Automatic, Type-34 Ghia, just give David a call! This was my favorite to win Stock Type-3... yep, even more so than my two '62s.

196? Notchback

Not sure what the year is, but I know that it's on a '67 pan, has '62-'63 front fenders and doors, '64-'67 rear fenders, '64-'65 rear decklid, '66-'69 hood, and an authentic early Pedro Rack! Nice touch with the H4 Blue Halogen Headlights, polished two-liter rims, and the medium grey paint job. Very nice '62-'69 Notchback! ;-)

1962 Sunroof "Pepto-Gizmo" Notchback

Considered one of the oldest known factory sunroof Volkswagen's in the World, this mostly all original car still sports the original engine, pan, chassis, and interior. Although the female previous owner thought the car was better served in salmon pink, the car will be restored back to it's factory color of Anthracite Grey. Needless to say, most of the attention that this car brought was of the female persuasion. Takes a man comfortable with his manhood to drive this car with confidence... that's why I had my good friend drive it to the show. =8^)

1962 Gulf-Blue Notchback

WINNER WINNER, CHICKEN DINNER!

My original '62 Gulf-Blue Notch, from Italy, took top honors for the Stock Class. I think it was the original '60's era Dodger Bobble head accessory that put it above the rest (interestingly the color is very similar)! Notice the "1st Annual Type-3 Day" Dash Plaque from December 8th, 1985. Chalk up another 1500 Club victory (Subliminal message for all the Darksiders out there)!

1955 Oval-Window Convertible

Longtime collector Richard Shriver, owns arguably the nicest car at the show. He has owned some incredible cars over the past two decades, including a '55 Wolfsburg Micro Bus and a 35KM all original 1965 Notchback. If I owned one Bug, it would look like this! See who can pick out all the ultra rare accessories on this work of art. This was my favorite for Best of Show!

Speedster

Nuff Said... [wipes drool]

196? Turbo Sunroof Notchback

Type-3 Custom Winner!!!

Although I wouldn't normally condone a Type-1 motor in a Type-3, I must say that this was one ultra-sane, sweet, custom ride. All Darksiders in the World stand up and take notice... you have a new Pagan God to bow down to. I would like someone to email me some info of the owner of this fine specimen. That is by far the best Turbo setup in a Notch I have ever seen! Kudos! Did I mention it's a Sunroof too...
[gizmo questions his commitment to the purists]

Any additional info concerning these cars can be emailed to bob@vw1500.com

© Copyright of Bob Walton and The 1500 Club