I'm 70 now, and my first car in college was a 1967 VW Beetle. I loved that car, and still dream about it. I was driving it home from college one weekend in 1973 and the engine locked up. The next day, my buddy and I went back for it, and towed it to my parent's garage. I purchased a book titled "How to Keep Your Volkswagen Alive. A Manual of Step by Step Procedures for the Complete Idiot". It sat in their garage until summer break. I used that book to go step by step through pulling the engine, tearing it down, machining and replacing most of the engine parts, and put it back together. My parents didn't think that it had a chance of starting, but when I turned the key, it started right up. That was the first time that I worked on a car engine. I drove it back to college that Fall and drove it for another 60K miles before selling it for $600 to a young girl getting ready to go away to college. I often wonder what happened to that VW Beetle.
That is an outstanding and very neat birthday present, congratulations and blessings to each and everyone that one way or another made it possible, may God bless you guys, enjoy your birthday and every day with your love ones, from the endless summer paradise Puerto Rico, Jesús Torres.
I've had two 67 bugs, and a bus, and wish I still had one of them. 67 is a one year only car. Great birthday present. The original pictures were a very nice touch.
I bought a '68 first gen. Corolla when it was 20 years old for $300. It's been my daily for 30 years. I've put about $4000 into it over the years. My sister swears she's going to bury me in it. My brother bought a new truck last year and gave me his immaculately kept, 94 Ranger (after seeing I have nearly half a turn of play in my steering now). Said he was just tired of driving a stick. So now it's a weekend car while I search for fixes. Hell, I might even paint it. I'll probably have to change the steering box, and column, it's just too far gone. I've put nearly 800,000 miles on it, don't know what the actual miles when I bought were since it rolls over. I'm third owner though. I go through the engine every 250,000 miles whether it needs it or not. Looking at a steering setup from a hot rod shop but there's not a lot of room to work with. Somebody trying to jump in and drive it would probably just say holy shit and park it. For me it happened gradually so I'm used to it. It's not like a bug where you can just order everything, practically an entire car , from a catalog.
I also have my dad's 67 he bought new. He drove it every day for about 20 years and then gave it to my wife. It is due for a complete restore also....my next project I guess.
Many happy memories. I had a ruby red 1967 VW as my first car, purchased in 1970 for $500. I drove it through high school and college. What a wonderful story, and a remarkably good restoration. Thank you for posting.
Love this video! What a wonderful story and thoughtful gift. I applaud all involved in making this happen! Excellent restoration! My first car was a '67 Beetle. Recently bought two '67s to restore. Meanwhile, I'm enjoying my '62 Ragtop and a couple of '69 Beetles.
What an awesome present having your trusty Volkswag eery n beetle back, precious memories, but what is more interesting, is that everyone chipped in to make this the best birthday ever.
That's cool. Me and a couple of guys are restoring a 67 bug as a surprise for the pastor's birthday in December. He had one when he was young. Always talking about it. I'm working on a 1/24 scale replica of it right now. We usually build a model to match when we build a car. One for your driveway. One for your shelf. The real car is almost ready for paint. He'll be presented with the model at church, as the gift. Meanwhile somebody will be outside moving his car and putting the bug in it's place.
I'm very happy for you. Both with the car and wonderful family. The two compliment each other and bring together those moments in life where one needs the other. The smiles on the grandchildren' s faces. The enthusiasm wife, son, children's, friends and neighbors. You've lived a full life my friend and seeing it sail into retirement like this is what I'm doing as well. Just got my 1968 Beetle on Saturday/ Matching VINs and original H5 1500cc motor. Lot's of work to do to get it on the road but she fires up and she is calling me to take her out there again. It should be too tough and I cam do it for her or hire someone. Vid to follow in a few months. Steve Smith (last day of work is in two days . Turning 62 next Wednesday June 30. Bought a Beetle and a Guitar to pass the time with. Free like Andy Dufrense. There will be plenty of time to work on her amongst other things. Please check back or follow. Thanks again for a happy feel good film. I needed it and it was better than I though. The sprkle in the eyes of everyone says it all.
I cut my teeth on my sister’s 67 beetle. On one occasion, I offered to drive a couple of friends to a party but work quickly spread and the end we had 13 teenagers inside and only had to let 2 out on a very long, steep hill as the clutch was slipping. Never told my sister that for many years. The toughest little vehicle I ever drove. In all, three of us kids owned the vehicle at one time or another but I probably drove it more than my two sisters. I would love to have it back and have it restored. Great video.
Never got a chance to reply to you. Great to meet you too. The new handles are on the car. I'm hoping to be able to show the car a couple of times this year. Are you going to be up north again this season?
Great video, car, and family btw Gary spelt in Swahili Gari means a car anyway thanks for the video and God bless! it reminded us of our Ford Cortina station wagon back in the days 70s-80s well cheers! #ThaRemnant254
There are only 4 really iconic cars in the world -The Ford Model T, the Volkswagen bug, the Fiat 500 and the Mini. All werde developed to provide affordable transport for the people and not a luxury vehicle for the few filthy rich! It´s about time the automobile industry starts to make cars like them again.
That is a beautiful VW my Dad had a Red 67 like that it was not that nice but the same color I wish 9 times he had not sold that car I would have painted it up like that one & redone the inside likk that too my friends Dad also had a 67 VW it was Tan it was a fairly nice car it just needed a little TLC to look good
Sadly from 2030 on all the combustion cars including classics will be banned from public streets in EU :-( In Germany the Green party gave order to shorten fuel supply from 2025 on by reducing petrol stations to only one single station per city or county...allmost same story with the USA (califorina banns combustion cars from 2027 on and stops selling fuel and oil...)
I'm 70 now, and my first car in college was a 1967 VW Beetle. I loved that car, and still dream about it. I was driving it home from college one weekend in 1973 and the engine locked up. The next day, my buddy and I went back for it, and towed it to my parent's garage. I purchased a book titled "How to Keep Your Volkswagen Alive. A Manual of Step by Step Procedures for the Complete Idiot". It sat in their garage until summer break. I used that book to go step by step through pulling the engine, tearing it down, machining and replacing most of the engine parts, and put it back together. My parents didn't think that it had a chance of starting, but when I turned the key, it started right up. That was the first time that I worked on a car engine. I drove it back to college that Fall and drove it for another 60K miles before selling it for $600 to a young girl getting ready to go away to college. I often wonder what happened to that VW Beetle.
From the looks of it I'd make sure the 🔑 were grandson safe. Those vws have a way to start many a story. Love your bug. 😁
That is an outstanding and very neat birthday present, congratulations and blessings to each and everyone that one way or another made it possible, may God bless you guys, enjoy your birthday and every day with your love ones, from the endless summer paradise Puerto Rico, Jesús Torres.
I've had two 67 bugs, and a bus, and wish I still had one of them. 67 is a one year only car. Great birthday present. The original pictures were a very nice touch.
Very cool! My dad gave me his '67 and I've driven it everyday for almost 20 years. He's since passed and I'll never get rid of my Bug!
I bought a '68 first gen. Corolla when it was 20 years old for $300. It's been my daily for 30 years. I've put about $4000 into it over the years. My sister swears she's going to bury me in it. My brother bought a new truck last year and gave me his immaculately kept, 94 Ranger (after seeing I have nearly half a turn of play in my steering now). Said he was just tired of driving a stick. So now it's a weekend car while I search for fixes. Hell, I might even paint it.
I'll probably have to change the steering box, and column, it's just too far gone. I've put nearly 800,000 miles on it, don't know what the actual miles when I bought were since it rolls over. I'm third owner though. I go through the engine every 250,000 miles whether it needs it or not. Looking at a steering setup from a hot rod shop but there's not a lot of room to work with. Somebody trying to jump in and drive it would probably just say holy shit and park it. For me it happened gradually so I'm used to it.
It's not like a bug where you can just order everything, practically an entire car , from a catalog.
I also have my dad's 67 he bought new. He drove it every day for about 20 years and then gave it to my wife. It is due for a complete restore also....my next project I guess.
I'm getting a bug as my daily driver in the near future.
Very good present......
It's a car that will always be there for you. And so charming 🤩
Many happy memories. I had a ruby red 1967 VW as my first car, purchased in 1970 for $500. I drove it through high school and college. What a wonderful story, and a remarkably good restoration. Thank you for posting.
Beautiful story and family. The work in the cars restoration is outstanding.
Great present! My first vw was a 67 bug. My son and I are working on our 69 Ghia that we saved from the car crusher 👍✌️ See you on the road 👍
I can just feel the nostalgia oozing out of him, its absolutely wonderfull!
Love this video! What a wonderful story and thoughtful gift. I applaud all involved in making this happen! Excellent restoration! My first car was a '67 Beetle. Recently bought two '67s to restore. Meanwhile, I'm enjoying my '62 Ragtop and a couple of '69 Beetles.
What a great gift! Thank you for sharing your beautiful story!
What an awesome present having your trusty Volkswag eery n beetle back, precious memories, but what is more interesting, is that everyone chipped in to make this the best birthday ever.
I waited 22 years for my Bug....I am now 40. Loving my Bug !
Great present! I also have a 1966 VW Beetle so this story realy touch my heart. Happy Birthday, from Portugal.
Great story and a great car! I own a 1979 BUG.
What a beautiful car. Your truly blessed to have family and friends like that.
That's cool. Me and a couple of guys are restoring a 67 bug as a surprise for the pastor's birthday in December. He had one when he was young. Always talking about it. I'm working on a 1/24 scale replica of it right now. We usually build a model to match when we build a car. One for your driveway. One for your shelf. The real car is almost ready for paint.
He'll be presented with the model at church, as the gift. Meanwhile somebody will be outside moving his car and putting the bug in it's place.
when I hit 70, I hope I get my bug back. great people
beautiful car beautiful family and a big congratulations human being
What a lovely Birthday present! I wish you many happy years driving your Beetle - again! It sounds lovely! Christopher
I'm very happy for you. Both with the car and wonderful family. The two compliment each other and bring together those moments in life where one needs the other. The smiles on the grandchildren' s faces. The enthusiasm wife, son, children's, friends and neighbors. You've lived a full life my friend and seeing it sail into retirement like this is what I'm doing as well. Just got my 1968 Beetle on Saturday/ Matching VINs and original H5 1500cc motor. Lot's of work to do to get it on the road but she fires up and she is calling me to take her out there again. It should be too tough and I cam do it for her or hire someone. Vid to follow in a few months. Steve Smith (last day of work is in two days . Turning 62 next Wednesday June 30. Bought a Beetle and a Guitar to pass the time with. Free like Andy Dufrense. There will be plenty of time to work on her amongst other things. Please check back or follow. Thanks again for a happy feel good film. I needed it and it was better than I though. The sprkle in the eyes of everyone says it all.
I would cry like crazy with a present like this. My bug is my treasure 😍
I cut my teeth on my sister’s 67 beetle. On one occasion, I offered to drive a couple of friends to a party but work quickly spread and the end we had 13 teenagers inside and only had to let 2 out on a very long, steep hill as the clutch was slipping. Never told my sister that for many years. The toughest little vehicle I ever drove. In all, three of us kids owned the vehicle at one time or another but I probably drove it more than my two sisters. I would love to have it back and have it restored. Great video.
What great family u have.... Happy birthday Gary
this couple is just adorable
My favorite year beetle. With the increase in price, I'll never get one. But happy to see his dream realized.
Bloody great for 70 years old...looks 60 years old...one happy granpa....well done team 😎
Nothing make me happy more than I make some hearts happy 💓❤️
This is the absolute pleasure you can have as a petrolhead.
I'm 70 and I have my 1967 Beetle.
Beautiful memories
Dan at Louis Foreign Car Repair. Just worked on the clutch tube on this car. Nicest restoration I have ever seen.
Cool story! Awesome 👌
I’ve had two 65 bugs that were real cherry.
1967 was the best IMO.
Brought me to tears.....
My '67 Deluxe was, I think, the best car I ever had.
Made me cry 😭
OMG!! Wish I could post a pic of me with my first car, it looks just like the one in the picture in the opening shot!!
How great, how wonderful for you, brother!!! ♐
I think I have watched this 90 times...
This is so beautiful!
Excellent video! Thank you for posting.
What a feel good story!
Oh wow, very intimate! Great video!
Nice car😍. Congratulations
What an absolute honor to meet you guys at pnw springmeet 2016! Glad i could provide a couple of missing pieces as well!
Never got a chance to reply to you. Great to meet you too. The new handles are on the car. I'm hoping to be able to show the car a couple of times this year. Are you going to be up north again this season?
I lowkey wanna cry. I hope mine will look as good as this one one day....
One of the best vw I have seen in my life..Does he drive it and what is that music? Wow !
Thank you. And yes, he drives is all the time.
Very nice I can’t wait to get mine o the road to enjoy
가족들의 사랑.
멋진 올드카.
당신은 인생의 승리자 입니다.
나는 1991년 닛산 피가로 소유하고 있다
You guys make me cry...
What a great gift !!
Nice vídeo 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 congratulations !
Wow - that was precious!
Really cool video,
I wish to go a long with my bug past the 70s...
Great story 😂😎👍❤️
Hermoso regalo felicitaciones 🤩😍
Great video, car, and family btw Gary spelt in Swahili Gari means a car anyway thanks for the video and God bless! it reminded us of our Ford Cortina station wagon back in the days 70s-80s well cheers! #ThaRemnant254
Very nice
Wish to experience the same...
Tremendo video es un acto bien bonito
Summertime in the Pacific NW!
awesome
I miss my red 67 beetle. If the heater worked, I might have kept it.
There are only 4 really iconic cars in the world -The Ford Model T, the Volkswagen bug, the Fiat 500 and the Mini. All werde developed to provide affordable transport for the people and not a luxury vehicle for the few filthy rich! It´s about time the automobile industry starts to make cars like them again.
PRECIOUS
That is a beautiful VW my Dad had a Red 67 like that it was not that nice but the same color I wish 9 times he had not sold that car I would have painted it up like that one & redone the inside likk that too my friends Dad also had a 67 VW it was Tan it was a fairly nice car it just needed a little TLC to look good
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
nice vid man!
More than a car it's a family member.
Lindo --- parabéns
AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
They must have been Hippies in the 60's!
Sadly from 2030 on all the combustion cars including classics will be banned from public streets in EU :-( In Germany the Green party gave order to shorten fuel supply from 2025 on by reducing petrol stations to only one single station per city or county...allmost same story with the USA (califorina banns combustion cars from 2027 on and stops selling fuel and oil...)