How Many

[johnl]

Yesterday morning at Cars & Coffee in Irvine, CA one of my BMW friends commented he has just purchased a 2007 3 series wagon sight unseen.  He is very astute so I know he bought a good car but what intrigued me more was the fact he announced this was his 64th car and he is somewhat younger than me.  So last night I sat down and created a list of the cars that I've owned.

My list starts in 1963 when I obtained my driver's license.  Since that time my count is now 40.  Some would say that is a lot and some probably would state I'm only a beginner.  What ever the opinion would be I suspect the count is more than the average car owner in his or her lifetime to this point of 51 years of collecting.

I have a very close friend, Wayne Graefen, who now lives in Kerrville, Texas and is the most learned car historian I've ever me.  Over the years I've learned much to him regarding research and continue to do so.  Wayne is what I consider the most knowledgeable person on the Hudson mark in the world.  At last count on that mark he was at number 49.  So once again that makes me an amature.

Heading the top count of my list is Chrysler with a total of twelve which was my first car and at present the inventory is down to six.  Next is a two way tie between Volkswagen and BMW, both with ten.  Funny, I figured there were more Volkswagens until I put the list down.  Even BMW I had at eleven in my mind but now have a more accurate count.

The latest is a 1972 BMW Bavaria, yep I can hear the comments now saying something like, "is this guy nuts?"  Not so as we all like what we like.  This Bavaria is our second one with the first preceding it by thirty nine years.  What makes this car so special is I've followed it for probably a dozen years and always had an interest to purchase it.  Like all of my collector cars there is a story but this story may get your attention just a bit more.

Early on I discovered that this car was originally purchased by Magna Schley, mother of Paul and Mark Schley.  Yep, the Schley brothers and to add to it I now know that the "boys" picked the car up at the New Jersey dock right of the boat in July of 1972.  The car was brought to California where Magna used it until she stopped driving.  At that time it was sold to a shop owner who I've known for years and services our BMWs.

He did a very detailed with factory parts restoration but never registered the Bav and never drove it.  There is a story there as well but I'll save that for another time.  Last November I discovered he was selling cars and this was one of them.  After a bit of negotiation we came to an agreement and the car is now registered with me as owner number two.

Currently the car is having some updates done and will be on the road very soon.  Mark and Paul have been very helpful in providing detailed history of the car's life in their family and I'm proud to be the current caretaker.  Photos attached of Magna's Bav.

So back to the topic of this post.  You might want to make your list and you might be surprised just how many vehicles you've owned............

[Fastbrit]

Hi John, interesting story! You do know, I guess, that the Schleys have photos in their collection of that car? I have copies of them if they can't lay their hands on them (or haven't already given them to you).

You got me thinking about my automotive life, past and present. I keep thinking of others to add to the list, but it totals 69 so far (I think!)...

1950 Beetle
1951 Beetle
1952 Beetle
1953 Beetle
1954 Beetle
1955 Beetle
1958 Beetle
1962 Beetle x 2
1964 Beetle
1965 Beetle x 2
1966 Beetle
1967 Beetle x 2
1968 Beetle
1971 Beetle x 2
1963 Karmann Ghia Cabrio
1966 Fastback
1972 Fastback
1973 411 x 2
1963 Type 2
1966 Type 2 x 2
1971 Type 2
1972 Type 2
1973 Type 2
1983 Type 25
1978 Scirocco
1984 Scirocco
1979 Polo
1978 Golf GTI
1988 Golf GTI
1993 Golf GTI
1994 Golf SE
1996 Golf GTI
1997 Golf GT TDI
2002 Lupo GTI
2004 Passat TDI

1966 Porsche 912 x 2
1970 Porsche 914-6
1970 Porsche 914
1974 Porsche 911 2.7 Carrera
1989 Porsche 928
1963 Porsche Junior tractor

Audi 80 2.6 V6
Audi 100 2.0E
Audi 100 Avant 2.6 V6
Audi A4 Avant 1.9TDI
Audi A2 (current daily)

Skoda Octavia 1.9TDI

Alfa Romeo 156 2.0TS
Alfa Romeo GTV TS
Alfa Sud 1.6

1963 Austin Mini
1964 Fiat 600
1966 Renault 1100 (R10)
1966 Ford Zephyr Mk4
1974 Ford Cortina
1986 Ford XR2
1991 Rover 216 Gsi
Austin Montego
Vauxhall Astra GTE
Rover 600 Vitesse V6
MG ZT Tourer V6
Citroen Xantia
1951 Studebaker Champion Starlight coupé

[johnl]

Keith,  I've sent you a PM.

John

[javabug]

I'm an amateur, or an armature, compared to you guys. But best as I can tell I come in at an even twenty:

63 Corvair
83 Rabbit GTI
84 Rabbit GTI
84 Rabbit GTI
80 Rabbit
82 Rabbit
83 Rabbit
84 Jetta GLI
82 Rabbit truck
87 Scirocco 16v
1990 Jetta GLI
1974 Super Beetle
1974 Karmann Ghia
1967 Beetle
1957 Beetle
1973 Baja Bug
2003 Ford Focus SVT
2007 Mustang GT
2001 Audi A4
2012 Jeep Patriot (family truckster)

One thing to note, however, is everything I've owned so far has had a manual transmission. No automatics, no exception!   

[Sarge]

Only ELEVEN.... less is MORE!

'56 Bug
'56 Ford Wagon
'63 Bug
'69 Bug
'73 Datsun Pick Up
'65 Ford Pick Up
'67 Bug
'90 Chevy SS454 PU
'99 Passat GLX
'08 Passat
'13 Jetta TDI Sport Wagen

[Fastbrit]

Stay behind after school - must try harder! 

[johnl]

Stay behind after school - must try harder! 

Keith,  you must remember we are seasoned veterans and he is just a young guy.  Hey I wonder if "seasoned veterans" = ancient mariner???   

[Rennsurfer]

Nice wheel finish on the Bavaria. Refreshing to see a set done properly for a change.

[BeetleBug]

Fastbrit, is not the A2 a fantastic car? I used to own one and I miss it. 90hp Tdi, Sline, all options. Lovely car!

[johnl]

Nice wheel finish on the Bavaria. Refreshing to see a set done properly for a change.

This car has not been modified except an ignition distributor upgrade from a later model.  My goal is to convert it to a 5 speed (already have that) and just drive and enjoy it.  Our original one was such a joy I don't know why we ever parted with it. 

Here is one of the photos that Keith provided me of the car when new with a somewhat younger Mark & Paul Schley.  I believe the photo was taken, summer of 1972,  at Skip Hamm BMW in PA.  Skip campaigned the NED Bug back in the day.

[javabug]

John, have the address for the BMW dealership? It doesn't seem to be in business anymore, but Hanover isn't too far from me and I'm curious what is there today.

[johnl]

John, have the address for the BMW dealership? It doesn't seem to be in business anymore, but Hanover isn't too far from me and I'm curious what is there today.

Unfortunately I don't but would like to so that I have more history to go with the car.  Next time I see the Schleys I'll see if they can provide such.  Back then BMW was just establishing themselves in America.  From the looks of the sign and the area around it looks small.  Attached are a couple more photos that I believe were taken at the same location.  Currently trying to identify the car make parked inside the building.  Should you go "hunting" please get photos assuming the place is still standing. 

A side note on the story.  Mark & Paul both told me that THEY took delivery of the car at the docks in NJ and took the car to Skip Hamm for the pre delivery inspection.  This is where the Blaukpunt radio was installed.  It is still in the car with matching dash knobs.  If you look at one of the photos closely you will see PA plates on it.  Speculation on my part but I'm thinking that Skip provided them the plate to drive the car from NJ to his dealership.  Mark is the one with the detailed memory and I need to sit down with him and document everything I can.

[Jim Ratto]

1967 Bug ( Dec 1986) still have it
1967 Bug Convert narrow-eye Baja (June 1988, sold Oct 1989)
1981 Fiat X19 (June 1990, sold Jan 1993)
1970 Vw Kombi (Dec 1990, gave it away Sept 1992)
1971 VW Westfalia (Dec 1991, sold it Oct 1992)
1985 VW Vanagon wasserbox (Sept 1992, burned to ground summer 1996)
1990 VW Jetta Wolfsburg (summer 1996, traded in summer 1999) worst car I have ever driven or owned. Absolutely hated it.
1999 Ford Ranger 2.5L twin plug 2WD (Summer 1999, Dec 2001)
2002 Subaru WRX (WRB of course) (Dec 2001- totaled it Nov 2005)- favorite car ever, aside from '67
2006 Subaru Legacy GT Turbo (Dec 2005- Sept 2010)
2007 Honda Accord 3.0 4dr (Christmas Eve 2006, Dec 2012)
2011 Hyundai Sonata 2.4 (Sept 2010 still have it, love it)
2013 Honda Accord 2.4 (Dec 2012 still have it a bit of a bore but I don't drive it much)

[javabug]

Unfortunately I don't but would like to so that I have more history to go with the car.  Next time I see the Schleys I'll see if they can provide such.  Back then BMW was just establishing themselves in America.  From the looks of the sign and the area around it looks small.  Attached are a couple more photos that I believe were taken at the same location.  Currently trying to identify the car make parked inside the building.  Should you go "hunting" please get photos assuming the place is still standing. 

A side note on the story.  Mark & Paul both told me that THEY took delivery of the car at the docks in NJ and took the car to Skip Hamm for the pre delivery inspection.  This is where the Blaukpunt radio was installed.  It is still in the car with matching dash knobs.  If you look at one of the photos closely you will see PA plates on it.  Speculation on my part but I'm thinking that Skip provided them the plate to drive the car from NJ to his dealership.  Mark is the one with the detailed memory and I need to sit down with him and document everything I can.

I'd say Skip did provide the plate, as it is a PA dealer tag. Dealer plates in Pennsylvania begin and end with the same letter, that one being A.

It's hard to tell, but the white car in the showroom looks like a small Japanese car, perhaps a Datsun.

[javabug]

1990 VW Jetta Wolfsburg (summer 1996, traded in summer 1999) worst car I have ever driven or owned. Absolutely hated it.

I consider my 1990 Jetta GLI to be the worst car I've ever owned, also. I never had car trouble until I got this car. I've put two engines in it, parts falling off of it on trips, stranding me in the middle of Virginia on my way to Nashville, etc., etc.

The clincher is I LOVE VW's 16v engine. And those Recaro seats ... ooohhhh. But with the acquisition of the Baja Bug, the Jetta will likely be departing this year. Hopefully before it breaks again.

[Jim Ratto]

I had tons of interior rattles, problem with vacuum actuated hvac mixing doors, noisy lifters, cracked exhaust manifold, chattery clutch, bad starter, sunroof fell into car, transfer pump quit, coolant flange cracked, limp rear shock, ps reservoir puked fluid, horrible brakes... all in under 55000 miles. Unacceptable.
My friend had an 87 GTI 16V, wonderful car and tough as nails.

[javabug]

That all sounds spot on for an A2 Jetta or Golf. Aside from all those problems, they're pretty enjoyable to drive.

[Rick Meredith]

Hey John, who's your BMW mechanic? Always looking for a good reference.

[johnl]

Hey John, who's your BMW mechanic? Always looking for a good reference.

Hansa Motors
7501 McFadden Ave, Huntington Beach, CA 92647
(714) 891-4876

[Rick Meredith]

Thanks John

[Neil Davies]

My list, as far as I can remember it...
1968 Beetle which is the red one you've all seen pictures of, still own!
1960 Beetle (written off after 3 months
1968 GP LDV Beach Buggy, swapped for...
1971 Karmann Ghia, gunmetal grey on 8 spokes, 1641cc
1966 Beetle, Bahama blue,  bought to turn into a race car but was too nice!
1966 Beetle (Headstraight, my chop top race car)
1970 bay camper, written off
1981 T25 camper
1970 Beetle, orange, 1641, sprintstars
1971 Beetle 1200, sold to a friends son, still being restored!
1951 split window Beetle (owned for 7 years and did nothing with it, so sold it)
1970 Beetle 1500 bought to restore for my cousins husband)
1974 Beetle bought to break for parts
1970 Beetle as a donor for the other 70
1972 Beetle floorpan (to go under '70 above as neither of the 1970 floorpans were worth using!
1993 Mk3 Golf Driver 1.8
1994 Mk3 Golf (engine donor for above)
1991 B3 Passat estate 1.8 petrol
1974 Beetle floorpan from a 1303 bought cheap for scrap money but mint!
1994 B4 Passat estate 1.9 td
1994 Audi A6 2.5 tdi bought off my Dad and supposed to be my daily driver...
1970 Beetle Karmann Cabrio bought for my wife, long term resto project
1968 Beetle 1500 bought as a donor for the cab above
197? Beetle race car, think its a 74 Jeans body on a 1970 pan, formerly a 12 second Baja and will eventually be a late model street and strip car

Thats about it I think!

[Neil Davies]

So thats 24 cars (or at least projects...) in 18 years of driving, which isn't too bad! It doesn't include part ownership ones tho, there have been quite a few of those, but all watercooled things.

[mg]

In the 80s for a hobby I would buy $300 ragtop bugs and flip them.
John that is a pretty tan BMW, you should be very proud.  
As they say another man's dream, likely my race cars would not be your cup o tea.  

My list contains VWs, street rods, Porsches, Corvettes, sports cars, muscle cars and race cars.
Currently 9 insured street vehicles and 4 race cars.
Since I left DKP my preference has been race cars that challenge and improve my driving skills.

Last month brought home another 850hp road race car.
It was SCCA raced only on weekends by an 80 year old man, Andy Porterfield. lol  
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/v/A_-Qo-INtbk" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/v/A_-Qo-INtbk</a>

[beetletom]

1963 beetle x2
1965 beetle
1966 beetle
1967 beetle
1968 beetle x2
1969 beetle
1970 beetle x2
1971 beetle x2
1971 1302s
1972 beetle x2
1973 1303s
1974 beetle x2
1982 mk1 golf gti (still have)
1988 mk2 golf gti
1991 mk2 golf gti
2000 vw lupo

sold my last air cooled car, and havn't bought another.

[Rocket Ron]

73 beetle ( still have )
73 mini
83 mini metro
70 square back
69 fastback
70 beetle
73 gt beetle
70 Baja
69 beetle
72 beetle
84 cortina
86 cavalier Sri
86 fiesta
1981 Renault 5
90 ex post office escort van
90 gti mk2
94 RSI Clio
95 mk3 golf gti
New cabriolet bug 2000 I think
2000 v5 golf
86 28 k mile 911
Martin and Walter 550 spyder kit car
2001 abt tuned rs4 avant
2001 Nissan cabstar
2007 vw t5 2.5 still have
59 sunroof beetle still have
72 ex moody / slush puppy drag car
56 Ghia
Ned bug replica still have
60 beetle still have
67 beetle
2007 fox urban
2002 polo
2014 vw t5 180 kombi current daily from Monday

That's all I can remember for now  32 I think

[Neil Davies]

Crikey Ron, that's an eclectic mix!

[Rocket Ron]

Spice of life and all that  

Choice of ride has always been dictated by a particular phases of my domestic life and cash flow I'm afraid Neil, comes from having kids reasonably early !

Ps you were up early this morning 

[Neil Davies]

I was woken up by the dog, so thought I'd have a bit of a browse on the net for a replacement T4 as Em was driven into in hers on Tuesday, pretty sure its a write off. If I could work out a way to do without sleep I'd get loads more done!

[Lids]

I was woken up by the dog, so thought I'd have a bit of a browse on the net for a replacement T4 as Em was driven into in hers on Tuesday, pretty sure its a write off. If I could work out a way to do without sleep I'd get loads more done!

Speed and coffee.  If you feel you need sleep then drowsy cough medicine counter acts

[Dave Rosique]

I'll list what I can remember of my collection from the last 40+ years  
(Not counting parts cars & wrecks.)

Current driver / project vehicles:

1929 Packard 626
1941 Chevrolet "Special Deluxe" two door sedan
1947 Chevrolet "Fleetmaster" coupe
1949 GMC 1/2 ton five window truck
1950 Flxible Visicoach bus (My RV)
1953 Dodge M38 Power Wagon (Weapons carrier)
1956 Flxible Visicoach bus
1956 VW Oval
1960 VW Sunroof Baja
1967 912 Porsche
1968 VW Burro
1975 To#¤ta FJ40 Landcruiser
1982 To#¤ta 4X4 Pickup
1982 Dodge 3500 flat bed (my Ranch truck)
2000 Chevrolet S-10 pickup
2006 Dodge Diesel 3500 Crew cab 4X4 pickup
2014 Ford Focus (daily driver- please don't laugh)

Current vehicles / projects for sale:

1962 VW Sunroof Baja
1974 VW Sunroof Superbeetle
1968 To#¤ta FJ40 Landcruiser
1970 To#¤ta FJ40 Landcruiser
1974 To#¤ta FJ40 Landcruiser
1947 Flxible bus

Vehicles from the past...

Trucks:
1950 Dodge 1/2 ton
1953 Ford 1/2 ton
1950 GMC Suburban
1954 Chevrolet 1/2 ton Panel truck
1960 Chevrolet short bed fleetside
1962 Chevrolet Suburban
1964 Chevrolet X3
1965 GMC
1966 Chevrolet 3/4 ton Camper Special
1968 Chevrolet Panel truck
1968 Chevrolet Suburban 4X4
1972 Chevrolet 3/4 ton Custom Deluxe
1974 Ford F250
1976 Ford F250 4X4
1987 Chevrolet Suburban
1985 To#¤ta 4Runner 4X4 (X3)
1989 To#¤ta 4X4
1990 To#¤ta 4X4
1990 GMC Suburban 4X4
1991 GMC Suburban 4X4
1997 Chevrolet 3500 Crew cab 4X4
1998 To#¤ta 4Runner 4X4
2000 GMC Yukon 4X4
2002 Chevrolet Tahoe 4X4

Basic transportation:
1969 To#¤ta Corolla Coupe
1989 Nissan 240SX
1998 To#¤ta Camry
2002 Buick Lesabre
1972 Mercedes 250


Jeeps, 4X4's:
1945 Ford GPW WWII Military Jeep
1949 Jeep
1953 Willys Wagon
1955 Willys Wagon
1955 Willys Pickup
1968 To#¤ta FJ40 Landcruiser
1970 To#¤ta FJ40 Landcruiser
1972 To#¤ta FJ40 Landcruiser
1992 Jeep Cherokee

Buses (non VW, I'm talking BIG buses)
1957 Chevrolet / Wayne coach
1957 Crown Coach
1946 Flxible Clipper
1947 Flxible     "
1948 Flxible     "
1949 Flxible     "
1955 Flxible VL100
1959 Flxible VL100

Air Cooled VW:
1954 Type1 (donated to Dave Wright for his Cal-Look Chop Top "Dream Machine"
1955 Type1 Cal-Look
1956 Type1 Cal-look
1956 Sunroof Baja (with semiphores  )
1959 Lowlight Ghia
1959 Sunroof Baja
1960 Type1
1961 Baja
1962 Type1
1962 Type1 Sunroof Cal-look
1963 Sunroof Baja
1963 Type1
1965 Baja (X2)
1965 Type1 Cal-look
1965 Type1
1964 Type1 Sunroof Pre-Cal
1964 Type1 Sunroof Cal-look
1964 Type3 Squareback
1965 Type3 Notchback (35,000 original miles!)
1968 Type3 Fastback
1960 Vert
1967 Vert
1967 Ghia
1969 Type1 Sunroof Baja
1970 Vert
1970 Type1 Sunroof Cal-look
1973 181 Thing
1974 181 Thing
REAL Meyers Manx (X2)
1959 type2 Deluxe Microbus
1965 Type2 Deluxe
1965 Type2 Panel (had real Empi 5's then Fuchs, IDA motor)
1966 Type2 Kombi
1969 Type2 Deluxe Bay
1971 Type2 Westfalia
1972 Type2 Westfalia

Water cooled VW's:
1981 Jetta Sunroof (Only new car I've owned)
1988(?) Vanagon
1985(?) Diesel Jetta
2002 VW TDI Wagon

Porsche:
1962 356 B Super
1965 356 SC

Other cool cars:
1955 Chevrolet Nomad (I really miss this one)
1957 Ford Fairlane Hardtop
1957 Chevrolet Bel-Air Wagon
1960 Chevrolet Impala 2 door Bubbletop
1962 Cadillac De-Ville
1962 Ford Thunderbird
1964 Corvair Monza
1964 Corvair Spyder Turbo (X2)
1966 Corvette Roadster (Miss this one too)
1969 Chevrolet Camaro
1974 Chevrolet V-8 Vega

Well, 129 plus.. that's all I can remember, I'm sure I missed a few.
I left off parts cars, motorcycles, trailers & boats  
As you can see from the list, MY PROBLEM IS OBVIOUS