ORIGINALLY commissioned in the 1930s, the much loveable Volkswagen Beetle has since captured the hearts of many.
Mount Gambier resident Sharon Taylor finally owns the car of her dreams holding the key to a 1971 Volkswagen Super Beetle convertible.
With its curvy, unique build, the vehicle packs a punch with a 1600 cubic centimetre engine, six-speed manual transmission, original dashboard and steering wheel, updated upholstery and original wheel hubcaps.
“It sits on the road at 110kph really nicely,” Ms Taylor said.
“Because it is a Super bug it goes a little bit harder than a normal one.
“The best way to distinguish the two models is to check the location of the spare tire and look behind the front wheel for a MacPherson strut and coil spring front end.”
Ms Taylor’s husband bought the car for her birthday seven years ago.
“I have wanted one ever since I went on a holiday at the age of 18,” she said.
“I saw a pink convertible Beetle with ‘topless hire’ written on it and told my boyfriend that I wanted one.
“I was so surprised when I came home from work to see it parked there for me.”
The vehicle was purchased from Melbourne and shipped by a transport company to the South East.
“I have had a lot of people ask me to be in weddings, but I prefer to keep it to myself,” Ms Taylor said.
“Many do not know that I have the car and it does not go out much.
“Now that I am a member of the South East Street Machines, I am able to drive it 90 times a year as long as I use a log book.”
Ms Taylor previously owned a 1970 convertible Beetle fitted with a Porsche style kit.
“Around 15 years ago we stupidly drove from Sydney all the way home in the convertible car,” she said.
“We were so cold we had to use seat covers to keep our heads warm.
“By the time we got to the motel at Ballarat we all thought we had chilblains and had to get into the shower as soon as we could.”
