PUTTIN' ON THE SHOW

When it comes down to rating the most desirable air-cooled VWs, I think it’s fair to say that a ’50s Karmann Cabriolet is gonna’ be pretty close to the top of the list. Now add some accessories, Fuchs and a decent stance and you’re talking about the stuff dreams are made of…

- Paul Knight

Having been a VW fan since childhood, John Cunningham has worked his way through more than 20 VW projects over the years, many of which being award-winning vehicles, we should add. He commented, “I think my passion began while visiting the Doncaster custom car shows in the late ’70s and early ’80s and, while my friends all seemed to love Fords or yanks, for me it was the VWs that caught my eye.” John’s first VW was actually a ’72 Fastback, which he bought back in ’88 at the tender age of 17. Before long the Fasty was lowered and the fuel injection system had been replaced with a pair of dual carburettors followed closely by the removal of the bumpers, trim and indicators, which was very much en vogue at the time. This car was eventually sold on and replaced with a Wizard Roadster that was used as daily transport for several years. From here, John built a string of ’60s Beetles, a Ghia coupe, a Bay Window, a Porsche RSK replica and a number of Golf and New Beetle projects, too (there literally are far too many to list). Oh, and if the name seems familiar, you might know John better as the face behind the successful VW Festival event, which takes place at Harewood Hall each summer. In fact, the event brings us nicely to the story behind this particular VW, which happens to be the first ‘built’ car John has ever purchased. He explained, “I’d wanted a Cabriolet for ages but, given the work involved with the show, I simply didn’t have the spare time required to build or restore a car myself. Hence, when I stumbled across this sweet Cab’ at IRV’s Resto Shop and found that it was for sale, I snapped it up and soon set about making some changes to put my stamp on an already awesome build.”

Recreation station