- El Dub's NOSTALGIA VW Corner -
|
|
 EMPI GTV... The first years... 1965 to 1967...
There are always those who don't want to perform engine or body modifications to the car themselves, but they do want a vehicle that is modified in one manner or the other. This problem, of course, was solved a long time ago with the the advent of speed and custom shops. But EMPI had added a new twist. It is now possible to purchase a modified volkswagen in one or four distinct stages at any authorized EMPI dealer. The car is dubbed the GTV - a pretty obvious name.
It comes in stages termed Mark I thru Mark IV. The MK I is a 1300 with the following equipment installed : a set of four bumper guards, a pair of bumper stiffeners, a racing stripe, special EMPI steering wheel and walnut faced dash with chrome glove box pull. Garnish strips are added to the tail, along with a set of chromed taillights.
This 1300 1966 GTV used to appear on cover of the first (and only...) EMPI Volkswagen Annual magazine. It's a very interesting picture mainly because color pictures of the '66 GTV are very rare. White stripes are evident on this one. Note the mega cool head rest and the Delswift antenna mirrors. Don't miss also the pre-production BRM rims... How rare...
The Mark I features an EMPI camber compensator and a Track-Tru front anti sway bar. A Slick Shift and extractor system are also added. A set of five chrome wheels with chrome hubcaps are also part of the option. Rounding out the list are rear fender shields, cocoa mats, front fender shields, door handle shields, a hood handle shield and GTV emblems. The GTV Mark I can be purchased as a complete automobile Thru EMPI-VW dealers or as a kit to be installed on your personal VW 1300 for $437.20. Your financial status will dictate you how you should buy the GTV.
Now talk about a very rare picture of those early 1300 GTV... This one appeared in the front cover of the EMPI newsletter Accelerator in December 1965 and was sent to me by Richard ROTH. What we see here is glamour bikini model Hansi KLAUS promoting the brand new ECONOMOTORS VOLKSWAGEN GT...
The second stage of the GTV features all the aformentioned equipment plus these additions : a pair of bumper bars, cigarette lighter, brake light, fuel guard, a pair of twin vents, a shift knob, inside door handle, rear speaker shelf, a pair of backup lights, an engine compartment lock, a fan belt guard, map light, underdash parcel shelf and a mirror/aerial set. It, too, is offered on the same basis as the Mk I GTV and sells for $566.85.
The very same day downtown Riverside at ECONOMOTORS with Hansi and sales manager George MOOK. Note the early Rader wheels...
The GTV Mark III adds to the Mark I and Mark II packages the following : oil temperature and pressure and ammeter gauges with a replacement panel, a flip mirror and a set of headrests, both left and right safety harnesses, a gas pedal cover, and the chrome wheels and exchanged for a set of five mag wheels. There are 41 separate items in this package, and it sells for $755.05 as a do-it-yourself kit. The most equipped VW in the series is the Mark IV with 48 items. It includes the Mk III kit plus the following extras to make it the king of the road : a tachometer, AM radio, power brake kit, headlight shields, left and right front seat recliners, special shocks both front and rear and a RAM induction kit to increase the VW's power.
Would you believe there was 2 different designed PENNEYS GTV folders with the same car on cover?
The Mark IV kit sells for $1238.75 to do it yourselfers. That's the rundown on EMPI's latest addition to the Volkswagen automobile line. You can choose the degree to which you wish to modify the Volkswagen (or have it modified for you) by counting the big ons in your wallet. Whichever model you take, the GTV is bound to repay you many times over. It's EMPI equipped!
A very early folder : Discover a new exciting world of driving pleasure with the EMPI GTV... Comfort, Safety, Pleasure...
Here is the complete listing of the parts that were included in the four stages of equipement :
- GTV Mark I EXTRA SAFETY AND COMFORT : The MK I features the following additions : bumper guards, a pair of bumper stiffeners, racing stripes, steering wheel, walnut dash, glove box pull, garnish strips, chrome tail lights, extractor exhaust system, camber compensator, five chrome wheels with hub caps, fender shields, cocoa mats, track-thru front anty sway bar, slickshift, door handle shields and a hood handle shield and two GTV emblems.
Awesome cutaway with the 4 GTV versions available...
- GTV Mark II ADD GLAMOUR TO YOUR VW : The MK II add to the items found on the MK 1 the following : a pair of bumper bars, a cigarette lighter, a brake warning light, fuel guard, twin vents, shift knob, special inside door handle, rear speaker shelp, two backup lights, an engine lid lock, a fan belt guard, map light, parcel shelf and a mirror aerial set.
Add a touch of Glamour to your VW... Sure Joe VITTONE understood early the power of attractive ladies as far as selling cars is concerned...
- GTV Mark III GET BIG CAR CONVENIENCES : Goes even further by the addition of the following over the MK II : Oil temperature gauge, oil pressure gauge, ammeter, replacement panel, a flip mirror, head rests, a gas pedal cover and a set of five mags wheels.
Cool picture of the back of a '66 GTV... Note the racing stripes and the EMPI bumpers guards... Those stripes looked just like those on the belgian Mach 1 bug...
- GTV Mark IV TURN YOUR VW INTO A TIGER : Adds headlights shields, a power brake kit, a ram induction kit, seat recliners, heavy duty shocks for front and rear, an AM radio and a tachometer to the already plushy MK III.
Well, compiling this page wasn't as easy task as you can imagine... Early GTVs are not very documented and we highly recommended you have also a look at the EMPI demonstrators cars HERE as there are evident similarities between them... Not surpringsly as demonstrators cars were used to promote EMPI line of accessories... If you have more infos on these early GTVs please feel free to email us...
|
THAT UNKNOWN ORANGE '67 GTV...
What can I say about that very early bright orange '67 GTV? Nearly nothing as this is the only one picture I have ever seen... I remember saving it when Darrell used to share, a decade ago, some of his very early EMPI pictures days... And it seems in fact it was Darrell's personal GTV and daily driver... First notice : the car had the very same license plate number as the '67 checkered roof above... Probably an Economotors dealership number... Second thing to notice is that the bug had one of a kind mods : Custom rear side scoops (same shape as Inch Pincher) and decklids louvers for some fresh air... GTV badge on the decklid is evident, as are the famous BRM rims... Aluminium fenders beadings were early EMPI accessories... If you know more about that car, please email me...
RICHARD ROTH '66 GTV :
I've reproduce below an article I wrote a while back for the Airmighty Nostalgia Chapter...
The EMPI GTV is certainly one of the most iconic vintage performance-oriented special series Volkswagen ever created. By definition, production volumes of limited-edition beetles were pretty low, and GTVs were no exception. Today, it is nearly impossible to find a 'For Sale' ad for what the specialist press of the time called a 'Little Wonder' or a 'Mini-Porsche'.
I can't stop thinking this is one, if not the, greatest VW bug in the world as far as period original performance is concerned... Simple as that... And it's still in the making...
As well as having compiled a unique collection, and being one of the greatest connoisseurs of the EMPI brand, Richard ROTH, who lives in Ohio, USA, is one of the privileged few who ons an original GTV beetle. And if I tell you that this is a 1966 model (so, one of the very first models to have undergone the magic treatment at EMPI), and that Richard puts an unbelievable amount attention to detail into every single one of is projects, you'll understand why I wanted to share its background here.
Probably the greatest bug dashboard I have ever seen...
So here is a little preview of the car, or more appropriately, aclose-up of some details. For me, it's already the most authentic VW EMPI in the world, even its in unfinished state... A real EMPI catalog on wheels, simple as that... The part allowed allocated here would not be enough to list all the EMPI parts fitted to the car... They go from purely asthetic accessories (add-a-dash, scoops, dashboard knob kit, roseood door-toppers, dashpad, bumper guards, bumper braces...) to more functional add-ons like MAICO front disc brakes, Shorrock supercharger boost gauge, chrome shocks and a 88x82 stroker kit with Shorrock supercharger...
White stripes on Bahama Blue... Sounds to me like a good song title...
This little '66 was actually unearthed ina scrapyard by Richard, and had since undergone a thorough body-off restoration. During the whole renovation, Richard has stayed true to his vision : equipe the GTV with the complete range of EMPI accessories that were available for the 1966 bug in its most desirable version : the Mk IV. The complete kit that they marketed in 1966 included 48 accessories no less and was worth 1230 US$, a fortune, even back in the days... If you're lucky enough to hold a copy of the first Volkswagen Annual magazine in your hands (which will unfortunately never seen a second edition - it was a mine of informations), you'll recall it was entirely dedicaced to the promotion of the EMPI brand, and was showing a superb exploded view detailing all the accessories specific to the '66 bug. The GTV equipped on the cover, which proudly sported prototype BRM rims and a fully EMPI equipped dashboard,is worth the purchase of this dedicaced publicationin itself...
Yes, spare wheel is a prototype BRM with matching hubcap...
Aesthetically, the GTV have sported different liveries over the years. In 1967, they were caracterized by a discreet but beautiful pinstriping applied all over the orginal paint (with a notable exception : the car you see on the cover of the orange Penneys folder). The following years, the painted pinstriping was replaced by a set of specific stickers which enabled the little Volkswagen to stand out on the streets.
I'm looking forward to detailing this car in person, believe me...
In 1966, the GTV relied on classic asymetrical racing stripes to give it a sporty appearance, just like the Belgian Mach 1, EMPI's demo cars and, of course, Inch Pincher (since the famous Nassau race with Dan GURNEY at the wheel). Unsurprisingly, RIchard's GTV is decked out with two white stripes, as you'll see from the few pictures here, they give the car a disctinctive look, helped by the L519 Bahama Blue hue and the EMPI double oil-cooler kit mounted under the rear window... Now, it's just a game of patience until we can detail this exceptional car in real life :-)
THE SUPER VW... OR THE VOLKSWAGEN CAPRICE 900 XTC, LOADED... :
Below is a very interesting article I found a while back about those early GTVs, putting things in period perspective...
Joe VITTONE, President of Economotors in Riverside, Calif., and founder-owner of EMPI, sat in his plush office one day looking out at the Chevrolet dealership accross the street. Iconoclast that Joe is, it occuredto him that perhaps he was missing out on something the Chevy dealer had - namely Biscaynes, Bel Airs, Impalas, Caprices and mile-long option lists. What to do about it? Well, he had EMPI already, making and selling scores of hop-up, handling and dress-upaccessories for the VW. Why not take new VW fresh off the boat, replace certain parts with the accessory items and sell the modified cars right from his showroom as deluxe, super deluxz and super super VW models?
Thus was born the EMPI VW GTV, and VITTONE is slowly franchising other dealers to sell the cars alongside their basic VW beetles. By pulling off the original parts to be replaced while they're new, Joe's saves the customers some of what he would pay if he bought the accessories later, because many of the removed parts can go back into the parts bins. VITTONE sells the GTV in MK I, II, III and IV versions and the ultimate one, the MK IV has a list of 47 accessories and modifications ranging from cigarette lighter to ram-induction carburation!
The engine items bring power up to around 75 bhp and if one wants to go further than that, EMPI has all kinds of stuff, like large-bore cylinders and pistons, stroker kits etc... to put the output over the 100-bhp mark. That's another story. All four GTVs have the well known camber compensator at the rear and an anti-roll bar added to the front. The price : 2215$ for the MK I through 2277$ for the MK IV. A lot for a VW? It sure is.
Another VW dealer, Autohaus POMPANO of Pompano Beach, Florida, has a similar idea. Starting with a 1600cc, 75 bhp engine, this outfit builds a Beetle called the VTO. Modifications and accessories are similar to those in the EMPI car, and again the car is offered in four versions. Prices range from 2395$ for the Stage I to 2895$ for the Stage IV.
What's behind all this? What could possibly make a VW beetle worth 2900$? It's difficult to pinpoint the phenomenon exactly, but it seems to be based uopn the fact that today's high school and college students consider the VW an In-Car. Especially in the larger metropolitan areas, where insurance is astonomically high on high-powered American cars that might be In otherwise, VWs have become the rage because they can be owned by youg people for a realistic outlay.
The youths take it from there, allocating allowance money for extractor exhaust systems, "mag" wheels, camber compensators, wood steering wheels, tachometers, etc etc... When they're all done they still have a VW, and they still have VW insurance rate. And status. It's all good, clean fun and who are we to put that down?
Still, we think we should point out that when you've put even 2395$ into a Beetle, you've spent money that could be buying a lot more car. The basic 1600 Fastback sells for less than that and it offers more transportation value. And for 2600$ or so one can buy the likes of a BMW 1600 sedan. We've driven the EMPI MK IV and, true, it does go and handle better than a stock VW, but it's still VM through and through, complete with all the faults of what is an outmoded automobile. This one we'll leave to the teenagers.
|
|
Copyright 2025 El Dub & BenJ - All rights reserved.
E-mail : eldub@cal-look.com
|
A FRENCH TRIBUTE
TO THE PIONNEERS OF VW DRAG RACING
---
THAT CHECKERED ROOF '67 GTV...
I remember wondering for years 'what the fuck is this uber cool pinstriped '67 checkered roof EMPI bug' when I discovered it side by side with the Inch Pincher in an unknown mall on Glenn MILLER pictures... Clearly an EMPI promo car, but do have you ever seen a checkered roof on an EMPI catalog? I don't... Nor in any Volkswagen magazine from that era... Let's try to figure out the story behind...
Above picture coming from Heinz JUNG collection is quite probably the greatest picture of that '67 bug. Checkered roof and striping are evident...
Would you believe I found the answer in an old US 1967 Rod & Custom magazine? Yes, that's right... In fact, that GTV was a mobile advert for paint-on vinyl by a Los Angeles based company called COLOR-HIT... "Color-hit can be painted on upholstery, plastic, canvas, virtually any of the materials used to make up a car."
EMPI exhibition at Inland Empire Mall in San Bernardino with the famous Inch Pincher... Pic by Glenn MILLER is a thumbnail. Glenn recalls Mall's were a nex HOT thing in the late 60s, Car dealers would do display, even Economotors...
As usual, some glamour babes were there to promote the EMPI products...
'GROOVY SPORTS SEDAN', this is how the famous EMPI Accelerator newsletter described the GTV on this picture.
"What's happening to beetles? EMPI's GTV Sports Sedan is the improved Volkswagen, tailored to meet the demanding of the young generation. EMPI provides power and performance equipment, as weel as most wanted interior accessories, to assist the dealer in his merchandising efforts. The EMPI GTV has enjoyed international publicity, from dragstrip todrive-in, EMPI IS THE WORD. GTV Dealers encourage young people to drop in and take a look, working on the sound Public Raltions principle that taday's door slammer and tire kicker is tomorrow's car buyer - Get'em before Detroit does..."
Checkered roof kit was called 'The Winner' and costed 18$...
"Psychedelic your top and interior" was the company slogan... Kit was applied also on the original seats... Note the EMPI wood stickers on the dashboard...
THE '58 SOLID GOLD VOLKSWAGEN...
In this EMPI GTV section, I thought I had to make a special mention to another long time forgotten bug that used to be nicknamed the 'Solid Gold Volkswagen', or the 'Gold Bug' as some refers, quite probably the GTV's father in EMPI's world... I found detailed facts in another very early Mr EMPI folder... Enjoy...
THE CAR : The "Solid Gold" 1958 Volkswagen Sedan has been driven more that 125.000 miles by salesmen of the EMPI organization manufacturer of accesssories for Volkswagens. Naturally, the car is equipped with most of the engine, suspension, and dress-up accessories of the EMPI line. Many of these accessories are described in this pamphlet. Your local Volkswagen dealer stocks EMPI accessories or can order any you want for your Volkswagen.
THE PAINTJOB : EMPI wanted a truly distinctive paintjob for its demonstrator car. A Volkswagen dealer suggested a paintjob of metalflake gold, an acrylic-type lacquer, but warned it would be expensive. Indeed it was expensive - the bill come to 1.500$. The job required a month's time, about 200 man-hours. The delicate golden basic coat had to be protected by 50 coats of clear lucite. After the application of every five coats of lucite, the finish received a sanding.
SHE'S FAST : Despite her age, the 'Solid Gold' car is extremely agile. Her little 36 horsepower engine is modified with EMPI X100 Stroker Crank Kit and 6MS Ram Induction Intake to give an honest 85 miles per hour. Her suspension modified with an EMPI Camber Compsensator rear stabilizer, she corners like a racing sports car.
SHE WIN PRIZES : In September 1962, the 'Solid Gold' Volkswagen won first prize in a Mobil Economy Run. Equipped with an EMPI Transispark transistorized ignition system to insure positive engine firing, the car covered a hilly 235-mile Southern California route with a fuel comsumption officially computed at 58.65 miles per gallon of gasoline.
|
Back to menu...
