greg aronson /jim holmes ragtop for sale ???

[speedwell]

guys what do you think about that advert on samba

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.

[leec]

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

[Fastbrit]

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. 

[bilboa2]

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

[Fastbrit]

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...

[Brian Rogers]

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.

[deano]

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.

[Russell]

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

[Bryan67]

Russel, you`re the man for the job.

[bilboa2]

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 ..... ?

[70slooker]

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

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

[bilboa2]

I put a key in it.  lol 

[restojohnny]

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

[Bill Schwimmer]

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!!

[elrick]

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

[Zach Gomulka]

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: You are not allowed to view attachments ]

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?

[deano]

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

[Russell]

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

[alex d]

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!
 

[Andrew]

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

[empicolector]

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

[empicolector]

Period piece

[nlvtinman]

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

[Russell]

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.

[Scotty]

I hope you get the car Russell!

[So.Cal.Life]

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

[Zach Gomulka]

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

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.

[Bill Schwimmer]

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.

[Jeff68]

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 

[Fastbrit]

We have the technology...   [ Attachment: You are not allowed to view attachments ]

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