Who is an original owner?, Bought it new Options

[Pat Garvey]

Think we did this some time ago, but an update is due.

As the title says - "original owner".

You should have bought it new from a dealer and still have it.

What's its status & why have you kept through all these years?

Any interesting things on your COA?

Pics appreciated.
Pat

[maxwelj]

I bought mine new while I was in the service in Germany. I ordered it in October of 1969 through a travel agency while I was still stateside. Total price was $5400 delivered in Brussels. I moved to Germany in January of 1970, but had to wait for it to be built, so I drove a 54 bug for a few months. I picked it up in Brussels in April and drove it back to Mannheim, where I was stationed. While there, I had the first of a series of rust problems. The wheel arch lips above the rear wheels rusted through the paint within the first 6 months. I had them fixed under warranty at the Volkswagen dealer in Mannheim (Islinger, I think). Next thing to happen was the oil pressure light started flickering under load. Took it to Reinhold Joest (Yes, that Reinhold Joest) and he quoted me a $300-500 charge to rebuild the motor. Luckily, it was found to be the sender itself, so no big deal. Put nearly 20000 miles on it in Europe. Shipped it back to the US in September of 1971 and drove it until 1980, when I found the floors had rusted out under the seats. Life happened and it hasn't been back on the road since, but has had all the floors replaced, the engine rebuilt and has been repainted. There were some issues on the engine and it is in the shop even as we speak. Hopefully soon!