Jump to content
Model Cars Magazine Forum

Recommended Posts

Posted

This curbside model has a good story:

In 2000 some friends mentioned how they liked the new(then)VW Beetle. Since I preferred the style of the older VWs and having owned a couple, my last one being a Cal Look 57 Oval Window, I mention how I had some reservations about the new design. To me, it looked like it was based on the rounder, 'poochier' mid 70's Super Beetle. My friends thought I was just being a hater--How could I not like the fact that the beloved 'Bug' was back in our automotive culture? Jokingly, I told them it would probably look better going backwards! Needless to say, my opinion was laughingly disregarded.

One day, seeing the kit in my local hobby store gave me an idea: If I could prove my point somehow by building a model the way I saw it in my mind, I might be able to convince my friends! I bought it, took it home and work began in earnest:

I turned the body around so the front became the back, cut the top off which included the rear trunk lid and filled the gaping hole in the body with sheet plastic and portions of 32 ford front fenders(to complete the front fender bulges). A hole was then cut out to accommodate the interior while I widened the hood(which is now the rear of the car). The interior was shortened eliminating the front seats and using only the rear seats made the car a two-seater coupe. The interior also retains the original dash and steering wheel. Using an old Revell Parts Pack bubbletop, I scratchbuilt a lip for it from sheet plastic similar to the Beatnik Bandit(see the overall influence here?)and mounted the bubble top to the body. I picked out a set of Pegasus Wheel/tires, painted the car with some spare Summer Yellow automotive lacquer with Gold Pearl mixed into the clearcoat. I normally don't name my models, but 'Beatnik Beetle' seemed appropriate. My friends saw the point I was trying to make even though they didn't have a problem with the 'new' beetle to begin with. No offense to you that like the 'new' beetle but I still personally like my version better!             

BeatnikBeetleA.jpg

BeatnikBeetleB.jpg

BeatnikBeetleC.jpg

  • 2 weeks later...
Posted

Very nice outcome. A great concept and a fun approach. I've always felt that we lost something when modern cars starting having their hoods even with the fender tops. It's nice to see the fenders standing proud.

  • 3 weeks later...

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...