Setting the scene
Volks World|November 2019
Characterised by fat rear tyres tucked under stock wings, Pro Street has been a popular car trend since the 1970s, though it remains relatively uncommon in the VW scene. But who knows, the stunning 2332cc ’53 Oval you see here could be about to change all that...
Stephan Szantai
Setting the scene

As any early issue of VolksWorld will confirm, customized VWs played a significant role in our scene during the 1980s. Not a big surprise, considering Beetles in particular were plentiful, with late models still filling the ‘used cars’ section of newspapers; hence few folks had issues with extensively modifying them. Fast forward to 2019 and any pre-1970 Volkswagen is at least half a century old. Enthusiasts seem to be more reluctant to heavily alter them, due to their age and scarcity – at least the older models.

However, some examples are occasionally deemed ‘too far gone’ to have their body restored back to stock, making them ideal for a wilder project. this is the story of one of them, a desirable early Oval Window owned by Adam Espley. the forlorn saloon was missing its factory front and rear clip, while the chassis featured a late model rear section, thus enticing its original builder, Kevin McCain, to morph the hulk into a Pro Street animal.

Pro Stock & Pro Street

To understand the Pro Street trend, we need to travel back to the early ’70s and study the V8-powered muscle cars participating in the drag races of the era. the vehicles in question featured either relatively narrow rear tyres housed under factory wings, or wider rubber protruding from the wheel arches due to the use of a stock rear end. the year 1972 saw somewhat of a revolution when Bill Jenkins, a popular Pro Stock class racer, unveiled a Chevrolet Vega equipped with a tube chassis – it allowed Jenkins to fit a narrowed rear end. Suddenly, slicks over 12in wide could reside under an original bodyshell!

Bu hikaye Volks World dergisinin November 2019 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye Volks World dergisinin November 2019 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

VOLKS WORLD DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
Volks World

SITTING COMFORTABLY?

Newton Commercial has been producing automotive interior trim products for the last 40 years, though the history behind this family-run firm goes back much further. Paul Knight finds out more...

time-read
6 dak  |
January 2020
Welcome to the mag
Volks World

Welcome to the mag

The rapid rise in value of our air-cooled VWs over the last few years is proving both good and bad news for owners.

time-read
3 dak  |
January 2020
Bus front step replacement
Volks World

Bus front step replacement

It’s probably one of the most common rust spots...

time-read
6 dak  |
January 2020
WOLFSBURG IN EGGENBURG
Volks World

WOLFSBURG IN EGGENBURG

This one-day event in Austria is so good it attracts VWs from all over Europe

time-read
1 min  |
January 2020
Volks World

NICE ONE, SHERLOCK!

It’s fun investigating a car’s past – especially if the vehicle in question dates from the early fifties. That said, the Norwegian owner of this ’52 Beetle discovered more than he bargained for when he donned his deer-stalker

time-read
8 dak  |
January 2020
SUBTLY DOES IT (FOR US!)
Volks World

SUBTLY DOES IT (FOR US!)

So often, less is more. And we reckon that’s definitely the case with this oh so subtle ’66 Ghia

time-read
5 dak  |
January 2020
The Army era
Volks World

The Army era

It may have escaped your notice, but it was recently the 70th anniversary of Britain giving Volkswagen back to West Germany. The years of 1945 to 1949, when the British military ran Wolfsburg, were more crucial than many enthusiasts appreciate

time-read
7 dak  |
January 2020
PUTTIN' ON THE SHOW
Volks World

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…

time-read
5 dak  |
January 2020
Car of the month
Volks World

Car of the month

Car of the month

time-read
2 dak  |
January 2020
A TASTE OF DEUTSCHLAND
Volks World

A TASTE OF DEUTSCHLAND

Inspired by a couple of renowned German VW events, the So-Cal Vintage Treffen attracted 200 of the oldest and most rare VWs stateside

time-read
3 dak  |
January 2020