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Title: How Many Post by: johnl on February 23, 2014, 16:59:46 pm 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............ Title: Re: How Many Post by: Fastbrit on February 23, 2014, 18:34:14 pm 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 Title: Re: How Many Post by: johnl on February 23, 2014, 19:21:45 pm Keith, I've sent you a PM.
John Title: Re: How Many Post by: javabug on February 25, 2014, 21:19:08 pm 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! :D Title: Re: How Many Post by: Sarge on February 25, 2014, 22:58:36 pm Only ELEVEN.... less is MORE! ;D
'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 Title: Re: How Many Post by: Fastbrit on February 25, 2014, 23:07:53 pm Stay behind after school - must try harder! ;D
Title: Re: How Many Post by: johnl on February 26, 2014, 00:36:20 am Stay behind after school - must try harder! ;D Keith, you must remember we are seasoned veterans and he is just a young guy. Hey I wonder if "seasoned veterans" = ancient mariner??? ;) Title: Re: How Many Post by: Rennsurfer on February 26, 2014, 06:02:03 am Nice wheel finish on the Bavaria. Refreshing to see a set done properly for a change.
Title: Re: How Many Post by: BeetleBug on February 26, 2014, 09:30:52 am Fastbrit, is not the A2 a fantastic car? I used to own one and I miss it. 90hp Tdi, Sline, all options. Lovely car!
Title: Re: How Many Post by: johnl on February 26, 2014, 16:17:07 pm 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. Title: Re: How Many Post by: javabug on February 26, 2014, 18:47:07 pm 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.
Title: Re: How Many Post by: johnl on February 26, 2014, 19:44:43 pm 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. Title: Re: How Many Post by: Jim Ratto on February 26, 2014, 20:05:46 pm 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) Title: Re: How Many Post by: javabug on February 27, 2014, 01:19:10 am 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. Title: Re: How Many Post by: javabug on February 27, 2014, 02:54:33 am 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. Title: Re: How Many Post by: Jim Ratto on February 27, 2014, 05:48:55 am 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. Title: Re: How Many Post by: javabug on February 27, 2014, 13:17:22 pm That all sounds spot on for an A2 Jetta or Golf. Aside from all those problems, they're pretty enjoyable to drive.
Title: Re: How Many Post by: Rick Meredith on February 28, 2014, 07:15:38 am Hey John, who's your BMW mechanic? Always looking for a good reference.
Title: Re: How Many Post by: johnl on February 28, 2014, 15:49:09 pm 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 Title: Re: How Many Post by: Rick Meredith on February 28, 2014, 22:29:11 pm Thanks John
Title: Re: How Many Post by: Neil Davies on March 01, 2014, 21:37:20 pm 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! Title: Re: How Many Post by: Neil Davies on March 01, 2014, 22:06:46 pm 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.
Title: Re: How Many Post by: mg on March 06, 2014, 05:27:10 am 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. 8) 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 :D http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_-Qo-INtbk Title: Re: How Many Post by: beetletom on March 08, 2014, 12:30:27 pm 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. Title: Re: How Many Post by: Rocket Ron on March 08, 2014, 20:21:48 pm 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 Title: Re: How Many Post by: Neil Davies on March 09, 2014, 02:17:57 am Crikey Ron, that's an eclectic mix!
Title: Re: How Many Post by: Rocket Ron on March 09, 2014, 10:21:40 am Spice of life and all that :D
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 :o Title: Re: How Many Post by: Neil Davies on March 09, 2014, 17:20:59 pm 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!
Title: Re: How Many Post by: Lids on March 10, 2014, 07:53:25 am 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 :) Title: Re: How Many Post by: Dave Rosique on March 10, 2014, 17:06:00 pm 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 ;D) 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 ;D Title: Re: How Many Post by: javabug on March 10, 2014, 18:06:27 pm I'll list what I can remember of my collection from the last 40+ years ;) How many days did it take to type that, Dave?!?! ;D Title: Re: How Many Post by: Dave Rosique on March 10, 2014, 18:27:58 pm I'll list what I can remember of my collection from the last 40+ years ;) How many days did it take to type that, Dave?!?! ;D Seriously! I started the list last week ;D Title: Re: How Many Post by: Fastbrit on March 10, 2014, 19:12:30 pm OK, you win! :D
Title: Re: How Many Post by: Dave Rosique on March 10, 2014, 23:58:47 pm OK, you win! :D Thanks Keith (I think ;)) Winner of the flat-wallet award! Never could resist a great deal or a chance to flip a car to get a better one. I had those cars years ago when they were affordable.. Wish I had a few back ;D Title: Re: How Many Post by: Rennsurfer on March 11, 2014, 06:22:52 am 'Tis no surprise that my Cal Look wheel pimp, for thirty-three years, has the most rides. A most impressive list, Mr. Rosique.
Title: Re: How Many Post by: Rick Meredith on March 14, 2014, 21:01:15 pm As you can see from the list, MY PROBLEM IS OBVIOUS ;D Not enough garage space? ;D |