The Cal-look Lounge

guys what do you think about that advert on samba ???

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=2053342 (https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=2053342)

Very Special 1963 Ragtop Bug   Price: 21,500
This car was purchased from the original owner in 1969 by Greg Aronson (currently at FAT Performance) who later sold it to his friend Jim Holmes. Jim customized the car which started the “California Look” that first appeared on the cover of 1975 Hot VW. You can visit and read all the articles on the digital issue at:

https://www.hotvws.com/digital-magazine/1975-cal-look/

I purchased the car in the mid 80’s and at that time the prior owners had made changes and I did not know the history. I’ve owned the car now over 30 years and recently verified that the car I have for sale is indeed the VW that appears on the cover of 1975 Hot VW. When I put this car into a Trust (1995) the license plate was changed from 368CKY (which appears in this issue) to 2EIL616 and I have current CA DMV verification of that fact.

Since I purchased this car it has been parked inside and is currently insured with CA tags that are good until April 2018

The car does need a good paint job but you can see that it was the original “white car”---------

The car interior has been upgraded with custom aluminum dash and door panel, VDO gauges, Ricardo type seats, and roll bar. In addition a new adjustable front axle, ragtop, Centerline wheels, 2387 engine and Freeway Flyer Pro Transaxle have been installed (less than 200 miles on new build)

The original car had front and rear “nerf” bars installed and although I replaced them with bumpers I still have the original nerf bars (they may have been some of the original produced because they look handmade)

There are more pictures and detail information which are available upon request.

I have put a lot of time and money in this car but it also has a lot of historical value which will increase over time. I am in the process of downsizing and would like to sell this car at a reasonable price so my asking price is $21,500 or higher bid.

(https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/pix/7378418.jpg)
(https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/pix/7378419.jpg)
(https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/pix/7378420.jpg)
(https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/pix/7378421.jpg)
(https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/pix/7378422.jpg)
(https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/pix/7378423.jpg)
(https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/pix/7378424.jpg)

See my post below! I couldn't believe it when I saw it

I have my doubts. Dean Kirsten knows the full story on the original car. Let's wait to see what he says...

Maybe it is. Would be an interesting find. Goes against all the stories I'd been told about its history after Jim Holmes' ownership.  ???

I know a secret way to tell.
I take paypal....

I do remember what was supposed to be the Aronson/Holmes car coming up for sale in the mid- to late-1980s but hearing that there was nothing left of the original worth saving (at the time) as it had been crashed, had lost all the drivetrain, the dash had been cut out, etc etc. All of which fits with this story – definitely interesting, If it can be proven, then the car is worth a lot more than $21.5K to the right person...

Some one might go for it. This is a small community and people tend to know what went where. No worries from me, it's out of my league.

Well, well, well. It finally surfaced after all these years. White headliner is interesting.... Like what was said above, there are ways to tell IF this is the real deal. But from what little I see and read, I am 80% sure it is the real Aronson car.

so its the correct car was verified with Greg Aronson last week and with DMV the number plate was changed when the car was in a trust, seems too be 100% real, just waiting for my offer to be accepted (i hope)

Needs some work but noting that can't be sorted.

Russell

Russel, you`re the man for the job.

Great news.   I talked to kieth goss and we compared comments on the car pics. We liked the chrome ashtray, chrome e brake, also wished we had close up of decklid latch area to see if stud hole for aronson style decklid is there. T-bars looked right too. I told him I remember bending a t-bar and it was always lightly bent. If doors are the same, fog up the vent wing glass and see if the original dkp decal circle shows up. I remember always seeing that when the fog at the beach showed up. Goss worked on that car alot, said he saw the car after both front end issues.  He wished to see more pics of under rear apron etc and stated it was very likely the car. Now we know it is by vin number assurance..  So ..... ?

It can't be real, there is an ignition key.

This is fantastic to see! Greg needs something to do in retirement no?

I put a key in it.  lol 

Hmmmm just around the corner from my house too. If any potential buyers wants me to go check it out let me know  ;)

This car was on craiglist a few months back, I sent an email with a few questions about the heritage, the price was a bit less than now. I told my wife if this was the real car we are getting it. Never heard back from him.  Hope you get it Russell!!

Just a thought, I think 62 and 63's have 6 screws holding the doors on not 8 I think it's a 61 body

Good catch. From Progressive Refinements:
[attachment=1]

That would mean that this particular car is at the latest a 1962. I can't find a picture of the original car to compare. Anyone??

Edit:
The VIN as stated in the ad is 5172666, which puts it at a December 1962 build, 1963 model year.
So something is definitely fucky with those door hinges. Maybe the entire front clip (cut at A pillars and heater channels) was replaced at one point?

Yes, Jim crashed the car at one point. A whole new clip was added at the A-pillar and thresholds.

so after a lengthy chat with the seller last night, I'm also 100% sure its correct, but am finding the sale a little strange, As Bill stated it was in Craig's list, it was then offered to Greg 2 weeks ago, Deano had spoken to the guys years ago, etc..... with all these things it does make it very strange that it hasn't sold in the states yet and after the initial reply I got, I didn't think it would end up with me either, but I think the chat has helped, however with all these thinks the deal is not done until the deal is done....

Whilst I would love the car if it does go elsewhere, I do hope that they do the right thing and restore correctly and not a cheap makeover to sell on. This car should be and is a responsibility to whoever gets it to do the right thing.

Russell

I think most us us have an idea of what the right thing to do is with this car (IF it is the real stuff), let's hope it falls in the right hands!
 :)

Wow, what a find, hope it lands in a safe place.

Awesome I hope the car will be back to his former glory with original Brm

Period piece

With Deans note that this car was windshield clipped after an accident, while there are parts to the car that make it a piece of history, it's no more the real car now than that which Scott Bakken recreated years ago that Russell now owns.

Original bits and pieces do not make it "The Car". Just MHO

I get your drift but the clip was added during ownership of greg/jim, like any car that requires restoration you have to start with something, however if its a copy or a fake or even a replica it is what it is, however an original car is an original car all be it after a facelift..... look at the split bus's even after every panel is replaced its still a bus maybe not a vw but a funky green one !!!

This car has the original VIN number, floor pan and body as well as some other parts after 40 years you do expect some changes, look at tar babe it was a mess but still the original car and work putting back together correctly to be preserved for history.

Also, one of the doors on tar babe came from inch pincher but we never said it was the inch pincher

lets embrace that its still alive and might be returned to the way it was, that would be so cool.

I hope you get the car Russell!

,,,I'm 99% sure that over 90% of The Aronson Car's OG Parts are still MISSING,,,,sorry , Just an attempt at humor

That's unfortunate, I hope who ever did the work had the sense to swap over the original VIN plate in the spare tire well.

If it is the real deal, which is looking pretty likely at this point, I hope you get your hands on it RR.

So it is not in time capsule condition, but it looks like it is the original car.  Most of the significant hot rods that are restored now were in similar condition.  This is the most iconic cal look car there is. The Hirohata Merc / McGee roadster of our hobby.  I really hope you get it Russell, you have the means to make it right. It would make a great bookend to Tar Babe.

WOW! It's so cool the car still exists even though / without 100% of the original parts. This car is a large part of what inspired "Cal-Look" for me and most of us I'm sure.  I know who ever gets this car will do what's "right" for it....Very cool  8)

We have the technology...  ;)[attachment=1]

(Note lack of bumper cut-outs in the rear fenders and filled rear apron...)

This is pretty cool news. I always assumed this car was gone forever. So this is like unearthing the Ten Commandments or something. To me, the coolest thing about owning this, despite whatever state of affairs it's in, is to just sit in its presence, or in it, and think about all this car has seen and the fun those that have been part of existence, have had. All those stories Sarge has shared with us about prowling around in it, the different incarnations of wheels, motors, etc. I wouldn't care so much about the clip-job. At least the car wasn't given up on and left for dead. If it were up to me, I would make sure of one thing.... not to overdo the return it to its former self. If it were me, I'd pretend it was 1976, and forget about techniques and technology that's come to be since.

this is worth raising a beer for- later tonight

Jim

Awesome find, let's hope it ends up into good hands!

Jim's post speaks to my feelings about this as well. It's just plain cool that it still lives, such as it is, despite years of use. Face it, iconic or not, it was still used as transportation by just about all of its owners, including surviving a wreck. The rumors that had been circulating always gave me hope it would pop up one day, and here's that day. I'll drink to that; nothing less or more.

The 10 Commandments reference is spot on. It is the VW38 of the Cal Look VW world (and it carries only slightly more of its originality than that project did).

Amen Bro!!!!

Sold to Russell Ritchie......

,,,(Note) The lack of long hair, The lack of Fleming&Aronson sticker on fan housing, Leads me to think pic was taken prior to F&A becoming a business,,,,Can you date that pic Keith?,,,,also The (one carb method) for speedy engine removal.  Congrats to YOU Mr.Ritchie you're The Man!,,,,WARNING!!!,,,Leave those Rossi headlights behind, you don't want to poison Europe!!!

Send it to Drag Day and Bug-O before it leaves. Congrats on the find and look forward to the re-birth.
P-

Congrats Russell!!!,
You could probably make your money back charging everybody on here 5 bucks a head to sit in the thing.  Classic is coming up....

For The Classic do a quicky on it, similar to Doug M's Ghia a few years ago. Shoot some white on those panels, bolt up the T bars, IDA's and some BRM's :)

When I think about this Bug's heritage, and how it disappeared for 30 years, I am reminded of the recently found Mustang fastback which was one of two used in the Steve McQueen movie Bullet. It was lost in a wrecking yard in Mexico for years, and basically forgotten about, until someone took a close look at the remains. While the rest of the automotive world goes crazy over that Mustang that Steve sat in, us VW guys, or more importantly us California Look guys, this is THE car to have in your garage. Barrett Jackson would have an orgasm with this one! It is certainly a museum piece, as it would be something the Wolfsburg Museum would want for their collection (but all of us would say hell no!). It is easily THE most prized custom VW Bug street car of all time. No, it's not Herbie or the Inch Pincher, but a real street car driven daily by its creators, Greg and Jim. I am so glad that it finally came out of the garage after such a long time hiding.

I remember talking to his guy many years ago, and everything he told me about this Bug then, matches up pretty closely with how it looks today; aluminum dash, different seats, different engine, Centerline wheels, original door panels and back seat gone, decklid is supposed to be louvered, but can't tell in these photos. And he lived in Hesperia. Back then, a buddy of mine ran the VIN on it with his used car lot connection, and it matched up with Jim Holmes and the blue CA plates. I never bought into the story it was turned into a Baja Bug.

Hi Deano,  Cristy Duda sold THE CAR to the guy in Hesperia shortly after she rear ended another car AGAIN, I pulled the front end back out so she could at least drive it,,,shortly after that it was gone! When I asked her where it was ,she became very evasive .She started The Baja Bug story ,,But she told many stories about it's devolution,including The, it got rolled,cut up, and scrapped.  Years ago when I heard somebody tell your story about seeing THE CAR, I kind of said to myself (wishful thinking),,,,BOY am I glad to see your story is right , and Cristy was blowing smoke. I did alot of work on that car for three different owners ,so knowing all of this is happening is Heart Warming,,,,,,,,,,Keith

This is awesome news! To me, the two cars which are the Holy Grail are this car and Inch Pincher Too. Now let's keep our fingers crossed that somehow surfaces one day.

Russell, I have over 40 different photos of the Aronson/Holmes car ready for when you start the resto...  ;)

Incredible story, just wow !  :D 8)

Please, keep us posted on news about this !

Who would have imagine this car could have survived this long!
This is awesome and can't wait to see it back to his former glory.
Last car that make my hearth pumping was Rhoad's car. This one will certainly makes me have a tear...
Go go go Russell!

COOL story
Seems like the right guy has got it - true fan, good contacts, deep pockets, long arms!

Interesting related threads from the past
http://cal-look.no/lounge/index.php/topic,123.0.html
http://cal-look.no/lounge/index.php/topic,3644.0.html

Celebrating time  :D
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Keith, I wonder who was there that day I saw the Holmes car for the last time, you or was it Bill Rogers? At that time, the BRMs were gone, the rear seat was missing, the engine had been sold off and replaced with a basically runner stocker, and on and on. Not even sure what city that was in, just at a house she was living at. We need to find our beloved Christie now, and see what she remembers...

Deano ,I was not there the last time you saw it , The last time I saw it was about a week after I "tugged" the front end away from the tires,,at that time it was still ALL THERE, nothing missing, I think Clyde or Doug bought the BRMs,,,,,,I think Cristy will be evasive ,she always is when it comes to this topic, she just changes the story or starts blowing smoke ,"not Tony Stewart".  She always felt alot of GUILT for being the owner that caused the demise , It all happened due to "young dumb and so on"  kind of thing ,,,,After maturing a bit she realized the loss, she "DID" always care a great deal for THE CAR , she just did not know "HOW" to care for it, if ya know what I mean,,,,,,,,I sent you a PM ,if you want to know more,,call anytime ,we could catch up.

Awesome news    :o     ........hope to see it for real,WHEN brought back to former
glory.   ;)

Wow.......
 what a fantastic turn of events, it's great to know that this car will,
 in time be restored to its former glory and never be forgotten again.....

I'll look forward to seeing it!

Great to know this going into good hands! Please keep us updated about how things/work are going on the car!

(moderators should probably pin this thread on  the top of the Cal-look forums  ;) )

Yes today the deal was completed not Friday as previously suggested.

So I am the new very proud and privileged custodian of the very special 63 bug aka as "the car". I thought the excitement would be too much but it feels like I've been entrusted with a family airloom that has to be treated with respect which slightly worries me that I and my trusted friends, craftsmen and hopefully some advisors have to do the right thing with this car to restore it as it was on the front cover in 1975

As I have said before I was always willing to save this car if it turned up, and now it has, it will be restored to its former glory.

I'm currently working on the story of where its been and how it has arrived too today and in it's current condition.......

Thanks to all who have supported me in getting this car, thank you.

Russell

Soon.... Tar Babe and the Aronson/Holmes car will be reunited once again. How many years since that happen?

Glad to hear it has found its way into your passionate and caring hands. Look forward to following the progress of it's re-Birth. Congratulations Russell!

Excellent news Russell. It certainly is in safe hands. With regards to the front clip not being correct to the year of the car, I don't think that matters as it is part of the car's history - after all, it wasn't changed last year by some random guy, it was done many years ago by Keith Goss if I've read the history right, and that is quite cool in its own right.
The '63 is the car that put me onto the right path. I'd got my first Beetle (a stock '68) in early 1995, and didn't know much. It ended up lowered all round, it nearly had a horrid graphic paint job until I saw the issue of Volksworld with the Bill Taormina replica. Within a couple of months my car was dechromed, painted appliance white and had the back end put back up to stock height. Definitely inspirational!

Fantastic news. Well done Russell!  8)

Such great news , the car couldn't be in better hands , and will be returned to it's former glory  :)

I am definitely excited to see how this turns out.... 

Funny...I've lived in Hesperia since '84 and never saw it....

Was put in his garage in 1984 and never went anywhere

Very happy you got it Russell. If you are going back to February 1975 (which I wholeheartedly agree with) I do hope you put the appropriate front clip back on, but that's not my time or money speaking :) It's a big job, but if there ever was a car that deserved it, I believe this is it. Either way, we can all rest assured that it is in the most capable of hands. I hope you keep us updated on the progress of The White Car :)

What are the chances of reuniting the original BRMs with this car.  Both of those boys are still around.  Anyone talked to them lately?

That's nuts! I wonder why he never used the car?  ???

Congratulations Russell  8)

congratulations! can't wait to see pictures of the car

A massive thank you to Steve Wiedner for collecting and transporting the car for me yesterday, very much appreaciated, cheers pal.

Be cool to see a remake of the cover of Hot VWs when finished restoring !

It would be fun to have the same people in that as well. That should include the officer as well. Don't know as you could find a legit Torino but a new Charger would be good as well.

Linda was asked many times but always refused...

Might be good having a new pic staged with young lookalikes, and similar vehicles.  :D

Fantastic news.

Look forward to seeing it progress.

Often copied, biggest form of compliment.

Great stuff Russell.

    Neil , The front clip was done by Becker's Bug House ( not me) after Jim's wreck,,,Years later Cristy also crashed it and I pulled the front end away from the tires with a come-a-long and dead blow mallet, enough to make it driveable , no bodywork, no paint, JUST driveable.

Ah, right! Thanks for clearing that up Keith. It would be interesting to see if the front end that is now on it is the Beckers installed one that you pulled out or if it's been clipped again!

This is great news!! Congrats Russell!! Difficult to imagine a more important street car!!

I wrote a project at college in the late 80's about this car....very influential!! (the car....not my plagiarised project)  ::)

Xmas has come early this year!!
 
Ian

Hey Russell. I have a '63 clip from the a-pillars forward. If you think you might need it and can ship it with the car, it's yours.

Just a idea , But if your going on a third clip job , Might think about replaceing heater channels . That way you could remove heater channels from new clip and put on as a whole and not have any splice's to deal with door jam .

THis is awsome news! Chuffed it has been found.  :o :o :o :o :o :o

Rick

Thx could you send me some pictures please, will pm you.

Thanks russell

Since the accident in question happened after the famous Feb 1975 cover shot and feature was done, it makes sense to me to restore the car back to the way it was in December 1974. In other words, replace the front clip the right way, with the correct year sheet metal and hinges. Although the stale air heater boxes and new engine case came after the accident.

 I have owned two 62s and one 63, all had 4screw hinges, I thought 3hole started in 65"skinny post"models ,,,Am I wrong???

It may have to wait until the weekend. It's at my Mom's house. I'll be there tomorrow evening but I don't know if I'll have enough light.

I feel better about not being the only guy with car, & parts at Moms house ,  :D

LOL... she's got a 6 car garage and can't drive anymore ;)

Hey russell, have you got good news for us ?

I've spent years wondering about this car since reading about it in Keith's book in the mid-90's.  Been checking for years for any news of it re-appearing but forgot to do so over the past few months... naturally!  Thrilled to read this thread and delighted that Russell has purchased it.  Was just reading about his 'pepto squareback' in volksworld 30 year edition yesterday! 

Hopefully we will see some restoration photos soon Russell or maybe a bit more of its post '75 history.

Now where is that damned Inch Pincher 2 then?  ???

Chris