1967 Volkswagen Beetle Restoration
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 6 ธ.ค. 2018
- Kathleen Brooks bought her first Beetle in December 1966 in Riverside, Calif.-a red 1967 model she quickly named Annie. Ever since, Annie has been Kathleen’s daily transportation, racking up more than 350,000 miles over 51 years, or enough to circle the globe 14 times, and Kathleen, now 73, still drives Annie to work.
After hearing about Kathleen and Annie’s special relationship last year, Volkswagen’s North American Region undertook a unusual project-offering to restore Annie at the North American home of the Beetle at the Puebla, Mexico, factory. Over the past 11 months, a team of some 60 Volkswagen employees and trainees reworked Annie back to factory-quality specs, with several custom touches that celebrate Kathleen’s dedication. This week, Kathleen and Annie were reunited, and Kathleen met key members of the Volkswagen team that led the restoration.
We often hear stories of dedicated Volkswagen owners, but there was something special about Kathleen and Annie that we felt we needed to honor, said Derrick Hatami, Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Volkswagen of America, Inc. The original Beetle launched our business in the United States. This isn’t just a Beetle, it’s a member of her family, and after all the time our employees have spent with this special vehicle, we feel Annie is a part of our family as well.
Brooks works with breast-cancer patients and survivors to provide comfort and cosmetic care during treatment and recovery. A three-time breast cancer survivor herself, Brooks says for over five decades Annie was a constant conversation starter with Beetle fans and owners, but also always there for me. I’ve said many times she and I are so much alike because she’s old, she’s faded, she’s dinged, she’s dented, she’s rusted, but you know what? She keeps running, says Brooks with a laugh. And as long as I take as good care of her as I can, she’s going to continue to run.
Even with Brooks’ best efforts, Annie had several needs when her restoration began in Puebla early this year, from a floor pan rusted through to the ground in spots to suspension, transmission and electrical challenges. Over 11 months, the Puebla team replaced roughly 40 percent of Annie’s parts and restored 357 original pieces, down to recreating the stickers that Brooks had added to the body and windows over the years. To properly restore her faded red paint, the team matched the original shade from the inside of the glovebox, sandblasted the body, repaired with a mix of period-correct and updated parts, and then reassembled.
Several parts of the vehicle were restored with better than their original factory parts, from the disc brakes that were an upgrade on later Beetles produced in Mexico to the AM/FM/Bluetooth stereo designed to mimic the look and feel of original Beetle radios. The wiring was completely redone; the transmission rebuilt and suspension upgraded. The engine was completely disassembled, cleaned, updated and rebuilt. Even the seats received a special touch, with Kathleen and Annie embroidered in a classic VW font over new leather. And to tie the car to the modern era, the car’s toolkit and jack was painted in deep sea teal metallic, the color of the 2018 Beetle Coast edition.
The goal, says project manager and mechatronics engineer Augusto Zamudio, was not to create a museum quality Beetle, but to bring Annie back to a state where Kathleen could drive and enjoy her for many more years to come.
When Annie arrived, our team members quickly understood the connection Kathleen had with her car and embraced this project wholeheartedly, said Steffen Reiche, CEO of Volkswagen of Mexico. Restoring this car posed a number of challenges, but also provided a demonstration of the dedication we put into every Volkswagen we build.
When Brooks parted with Annie, she wrote a heartfelt note to the Puebla team members thanking them for their efforts and asking them to take care of her special car. Zamudio says the feeling is mutual - and the team wrote Brooks back a note of their own. - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
Hi Guys, Where are you from? :)
hello brazilian
Indonesia, love what you work there
It's all pretty now, but if you think you did a good job, TEST IT OUT: Put it in water and see if it floats! LOL!!
Momma said to not tell strangers.
Ukraine
Annie is just like I am- old and imperfect! She is my one and only car. I drive her to work and tootle around town on errands etc. I had no idea of what to expect but was thrilled to be reunited with her. She is beautiful! She may not have all the original parts, but I’m not a purist (except when it comes to my coffee). The fact that her license plates and a few other features were kept the same is nostalgic. And for something being crooked, well, you should see me! All the best to you VW Beetle enthusiasts! Kathleen
Annie is a Beetle through and through. You take care of her, she'll take care of you. The fact that she's lasting this long is a testament to how well you maintain her. She's well and through a part of your family, and I find that beautiful! I'm sure you'll take good care of her from now on too! It makes me proud to own a Beetle as well!
She is a beauty!! May ya'll have many many more years together. God Bless.
Peace and love Miss Brooks. ✌️
Fantastic story Kathleen, cheers to both you and Annie.
Happy birthday Annie and Ms. Brooks!
My Dad drove one when we 4(!) kids were little. He, my mom and us could all fit as long as I sat in the cramped luggage area! Now, whenever I hear one coming down the street, it’s sound brings tears to my eyes. I’d LOVE to own one similar to this one!
My first car was a 1974 VW Beetle. I do appreciate the craftsmanship of Volkswagen. Especially the older Beetles.
Better than the day it rolled off the production line. Beautiful, detailed restoration, well done to the team 🙌🏼
Perfect. This is just perfect. I wonder how much it has costed. The result however is remarkable. Absolutely stunning.
Beautiful restoration - the choice to go with the pre-67 headlights threw me a little as one of more iconic aspects of the '67 was then new headlight treatment. Still - what a labor of love. Bravo.
My first car was ‘69. When he started the engine I almost shed a tear. That sound. I can almost smell the Bug interior. So pretty.
I owned a 67 Beetle in the late 60s. Absolutely awesome year.
Thanks again for sharing your experience with great results...I purchased the 1967 model brand new off the showroom floor & it was the best car I owned it was Polar White in colour...only sold because family size grew & needed something larger... cheers from Australia 😀
That's a beautiful car. It would be great if we could still build cars like this, simple, affordable, reliable. One good thing about Beetles is if you do have a problem with it, no matter how mysterious, you know it won't be a glitch in one of the engine computer boxes!
I'm a cancer survivor myself and to me, there isn't someone more deserving than one who works with cancer patients and is a survivor herself. I hope you and Annie have many more years together.
Absolutely beautiful! But I’d never take this to the beach, it belongs in a museum.
They did a great job to restore this Volkswagen.
Congratulations Ms. Brooks!! You can't know how much this video delighted me. My first car ever was a 1967 VW just like this one, only differences were the color (mine was pearl gray) and I had the rear windows that can be opened a little bit, all with a 1500 cc engine that made her (name was Cleopatra) super agile and reliable. I still miss her simplicity and trustworthiness. Long and happy life for you and for Annie!!
One of the greatest cars ever made. Loved by many and still seen on the streets today and hopefully tomorrow.
The VW & the Mini. Classics that will outlive all of us. My dream is to own one of each one day. Thanks for saving this beautiful car.
To see a restored VW is magic... coming back to life!
What a beautiful restoration from the last vintage vw plant in Puebla. Muchisimas gracias a todo los trabajadores Mexicanos. Vive el vocho!
The front fenders are not the originals
My Dad bought a brand new Ruby Red bug just like this, when I was a small boy!
Beautiful!
From Chicago. I remember my late Uncle had a beige one. My sister and I sat in the back seat. Always loved that car. ( now this was back in 1974) good memories.
That castle logo in the middle of the steering wheel brings back memories!
Woe Annie is absolutely breathtaking now!
So glad Volkswagen did this for Kathleen!!!
4:30 the guy wearing the black t-shirt at the left corner. That's me during my college group projects.
You must have had a great time.
I so much envy you!
Woosh
So where are u now
GUYS HE'S MAKING A JOKE HE ISNT SAYING THAT WAS HIM
A Red 67'. Wow, that is the best of the best.
Better than it was new. Fantastic job.😁😁😁
My FIRST car was a 1957 VW bug - man I loved that car -so many great memories.
was that the last year when it had the little rear window?
I had a 59, I miss that car. Sold it for 500 bucks. If only I knew what it would have sold for today lol
Awesome video and restoration. I learned how to drive in a 72 Beetle, so this brings back fond memories. 👍
Very cool!
I learned how to drive in a '68 Beetle, eventually graduated to a '72 Super-Beetle, which I bought in 1984. I still have it, lovingly restored by me and "a little help from my friends". This video brings back memories of that project, although without the help of all those guys! :)
Had a 1967 and loved it. It even had a manual pull start pulley on it so it could be started like a lawnmower..
my first car was a 67 bug. Sold it for a Buick Skylark, then bought my second 67 Bug and it was red. Wish I could post a picture!
such an amazing story...old VW's are family members they bond with the special folks that love them and love driving them!
Yes your exactly right.
Love the restoration! The beetle looked loved finally. You could see it in his face! ( yes cars have feelings).....
My poor bug is sitting the garage, this is inspiring!
Many memories of this 🍅 RED color 😔
Good job 👍
My Friends Son has a 67 like this, they just finished rebuilding the engine & trans!, the body is in good shape! Easy cars to work on!
Wow! These have to be THE cleanest,best manicured mechanics I have EVER seen! :)
My thought exactly
The way it should be. Love it.
When I was a youngster in Germany, I would watch the VW mechanics at the dealership service my Dad's car -- they all wore gray labcoats and were meticulously clean, and they worked in teams. Impressive even to a six year old.
Agreed. I always respect engineers who dress the part. Black t shirts and an armful of tattoo's do nothing for me.
It's for the video don't ya know.
This is the kind of restoration video I enjoy. Not like those silly shows where guys covered in tattoos yell at each other, have fits, throw wrenches and create artificial drama. These men were professionals in a professional environment.
Craftsman making it happen. Beautiful!
Absolute fabulous restoration for a car which was built for the working german people after war which have not much money to buy.
For me still a car a car that has survived decades and in my view, one of the best cult cars what is still worth a smile to people as soon as you see a VW Beetle
Rudi Schulz It has truly stood the test of time! You put that all very well! I’ve been hook on them for 40 years
i love how this lady care for her. i also admire those builders. kudos to you all. fans from the philippines.
I drove a 67 back in the late 70s...always needed something, but never left me stranded.
My first car was a red '62. Helluva car for a first timer back in the early 70s.
wow beautiful thank you all for keeping it alive
Thanks VW of Mexico! Your Team did very well repairing her Beetle. Nice Car, hold on to her a long as you can, she is part of you now Kathleen.
Im a child from India. Ive always loved the beetle since childhood, It was such a unique car. Sad to know that there aren't many in my country. But still ill try my best to get one when i grow up
that was my first car I owned. 67 Beetle. Paid $150 for it and the same to get it certified road worthy. For $300 bucks I had a lot of fun with this car at 16 years of age. Thank you for the memory's! And watching your video!
That might just be the most laybour intensive restauration I have ever seen! Amazing
Absolutely gorgeous! They did a beautiful job making the old Beetle better than new :). Miss my old Beetle, simpler times.
I learned to drive on my Dad's 1967 VW. She was and will be my one true love.
made me cry. I had a '67 Bug. Oh did I love that car! I could tell endless stories of love and adventure her!!! 🙂
I am literally crying. Love the TLC put into this VW's restoration back to its glory.
Chrome valve covers prone to leaking oil
Wonderful restoration! I want to congratulate all those involved.
Toll gemacht besser als früher, schön das es Leute gibt die diese Autos zu schätzen wissen
Ein Traum von einem Auto, allzeit gute Fahrt.
The most sensible consumer friendly car the world has ever seen , a design masterpiece .
I agree. I have owned 9 so far in my life.
A deathtrap though...
And thought up by a maniac.
They were all disassembling and assembling it like it was the space shuttle. It's a Volkswagen Beetle, the simplest car on planet earth!
Most are trainies, learning the trade under a watchful eyes of trainers.
1967 was a good year 😌
Wunderbar! Läuft und läuft! Great Job!!
Great memories for me and my wife. 1967 Beetle (Fusca), 6 volts, was our first car in Brazil, just after we got married in 1984. We had to restore it and it was our daily commuter. Great restoration project. Thanks for sharing.
67 Was the first year of the 12 Volt......
Congrats. You got yourself Bumblebee.
Simply Breathtaking !
Absolutely stunning. The selected permutation of red is, without exception, quite possibly THE most beautiful "red" I have ever witnessed, period. Folks.........., you are owed a massive applause. I would ditch the whitewalls, though...............
I so wish this crew could help me with getting my beetle to look this sweet again, I really liked what i saw in the video great job you did on saving the beetle!!!
ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL. What a joy to see this "Bug" in such a condition. Great job guys. 👍👏👏👏❤
Gorgeous! Better than factory new. Bravo.
Perfect restoration!
Hermoso Bug, yo tengo un 1967 y tengo varios años buscando quien haga este trabajo perfecto como este en el.
Felicidades
a nice restoration of the people's car.
Beautiful!! I had a '65, '71, and a '74.
It brings back some good memories of my 73's
Annie is a beautiful restoration! I wish they would continue making Beetles (officially VW 2-door Sedan) so more people could own and drive them. They are great little fuel efficient cars that just keep running.
Wonderful video and very nice work. The car is beautiful again. It was pretty nice to begin with. I bought a brand new bug in 1971 for $1,865. VWs were everywhere back then. I told my wife that the VW would become a collector's item some day and here we are full circle seeing that come true. The old busses and campers are out the roof lol!
Awesome car. I really like that.💝💝💝💯💯💯👍👍👍
Just beautiful!!!! Mine was the same year and color.....😁❤️
I can feel the love they put into it.
I owned a 1967 Bug back in 1971-1973, I knew when I sold it I would regret it, and I have. An amazing restoration. BRAVO ZULU
These people are so skilled, passionate and full of knowledge! Respect for your great work. Especially the rechromed rear fender is a great detail!
Great story and work!
Beautiful!!! The way this video was presented was almost perfect!!! Hats off to all those involved. Very well done
Huge props to the team from Puebla Mexico for the superb restoration work!
Its a pleasure and honor watching pros at work. My deepest respect
This touched my heart not sure why but its BEAUTIFUL!!!! What An Amazing Restoration!!!
not beautiful
Gran trabajo!, Felicitaciones!!!.
"Alice was a '73 model. Couldn't keep her had to let her go I miss her! I am glad your beautiful Annie is back home!
S7b2
What a joy to watch this old girl become beautiful again! The only thing better would've been to see the reaction of Kathleen Brooks when they were reunited!
Now if we humans could work together like this to repair the damage we have done to our planet! Stunning work!
Una maravillosa, a mi parecer, obra de arte, gracias por compartir, abrazos desde Colombia.
Great job!!! Heart warming. Now when your ready my 1986 Toyota x-cab LB 2wd truck needs a complete makeover as well.
Thank you for the video. This was my first car in 1978. I was still at school and felt like a king, beside another guy who had a mini cooper. Over the years i had other cars, faster and more expensive ones. But for me this ist still the greatest. I regret that I sold it in 1980.
De 0 a 100 km/h en apenas 10 minutos, y aunque no lo alcansara, amo ese vocho.
It’s beautiful beetle
The 67 model year was certainly special bloody good Restoration well done to you all
I had a red '67 Beetle. It was THE MOST fun to drive vehicle I ever owned.
Espetacular! Isso é um serviço de qualidade!
Ótimo trabalho, lindíssimo!
remenbered back in the days fixing bugs every weekend
Superbe restoration for a legendary icon .
Volkswagen should resume production....I would buy this car over any "Modern car".
I had a 2017 VW Beetle Turbo
Truth Filter For TH-cam If they truly put it back out, the original air cooled, I believe it would sell like crazy!
@@franciscogallardo5224 A beetle in name only.
the classic beetle is a stinker pollution wise. and it uses more steel than a vw rabbit. that's why it will never be produced. classic beetles are cool, always will be.
They tried the modern version and no success. It's not made any more. Don't get in a crash with a new one. I know some folks who did and they are not here anymore. No tensile strength in the steel whatsoever. I'm a huge fan of the 66 models and older.
Meus parabéns a toda equipe ficou excelente mesmo a restauração deste Volkswagen Fusca 👍👍👍👍👍
imagine uma oficina q tenha esta mesma qualidade técnica aqui. seria um ótimo negócio comprar carros abandonados no tempo e fazer a mesma coisa; eu ia comprar um Chevette 73 abandonado e fazer o mesmo tipo de reforma. :)
A simple car that everyone loves
I would do anything to have this car,I grew up in with this car in the 90s as a child
O carro ficou muito lindo perfeito!!!