As I mentioned during my event coverage from the 2016 Mooneyes Xmas Party, air-cooled Volkswagens were out in big numbers this year, making for a nice contrast with the more traditional American hot rods and customs.
So when it came time to select some cars to spotlight at the show, I figured it was only right to include a VW in the mix.
But rather than a Beetle or a Transporter, the car that caught my eye was this orange Type III.
The 1970 Fastback is owned by Israel ‘Paro’ Sanchez of Los Angeles, who told me he just finished up the car prior to Saturday’s event. It’s far from a show car, but it has no shortage of character with an overall vibe that’s part rat rod and part lowrider with a touch of vintage racer.
The first thing you notice is the slammed ride height, and to achieve this Paro actually dropped the ’70 body over a 1965 pan with swing axle suspension. Factor in a set of Rader-type wheels and red accented tires tucked into the fenders, and it actually reminds me of a ’60s-era Hot Wheels die-cast.
For clearance reasons, the engine comes from a Type 1, and while it’s basically stock it more than gets the job done when it comes to cruising. And how about that exhaust setup?! After speaking to Paro, I wouldn’t be at all surprised to find a built motor back there the next time we see this car.
As for the interior, it’s simple and to the point with a large diameter stock steering wheel and an aftermarket shifter to handle the gear changes.
But my favorite part is the two-tone bucket seats which have these super-cool gold metal-flake inserts.
Combine all that with a healthy dose of patina and the bumper-less body and you have the recipe for an extremely cool looking and highly unique VW build that was achieved without breaking the bank.
Well done, sir.
Mike Garrett
Instagram: japanifornia
mike@speedhunters.com