Here we have a slight change of pace from all the time attack and tuning coverage I have been posting recently. If you talk to a lot experienced car enthusiasts, there is a good chance that they have owned a fixed up air-cooled VW at some point.
Although I haven't yet owned one myself, I do have a passing knowledge of the VW scene as my dad, brother, uncle, and cousin all have or had air cooled VW's. My mom even drove a lowered bug at one point. I have fond memories of attending SoCal VW events with my dad and brother and have always appreciated the craftsmanship that is put into old VW's. I don't think there is anyone that can deny the downright coolness of a slammed VW transporter or a bug packing a Weber-inducted stroker motor.
When I heard about the Street VW's Jamboree event in Japan , I knew I would have to go take a look. I am trying to show all sides of Japan's car-crazed enthusiasts, and the old school VW scene fits right into that.
The event is put on by Street VW's Magazine, the top custom VW magazine in Japan, and is held at Odaiba in Tokyo, a very popular spot for car gatherings with its massive parking lots and easily accessible location.
The event is one of the biggest of its kind, drawing VW nuts from all corners of Japan. I even saw a number plate from Kagoshima Prefecture in the far reaches of Kyushu. Japanese weren't the only enthusiasts at the event though, there was actually of a tour organized by the famed SoCal VW club, Der Kleiner Panzers as well as media representatives from VW publications around the world.
Although the cars are German in origin, most people know that the heart of the custom air cooled VW scene is in California. This was quite obvious at the Tokyo event, with many cars sporting California license plates and classic Beach Boys tunes playing all day long. The cars at the event ranged from perfect Cal-look recreations, to kustom style cars on air suspension, to full race cars. There was something for everyone.
Let's have a look-
It is quite common in Japan to see small shops made out of converted vans. Even down the street from our place in Tsukuba there are some of these. The most common base for these conversions is the VW Type 2 Transporter. At the event there had to be at least 20 of them, with each selling different kinds of food and drinks. This one was selling "Omu-rice" with its name derived from the combination of an omelette and rice.
This one was serving up some fresh burgers.
There was a HUGE turnout of Type 2's of all types. That's the famous Fuji TV building in the background.
I loved the color combo on this one. Check out the California black plate on the front too.
Crew cab pick-up.
Panel bus with "safari windows" up front.
Another panel, I dig the blue light on top.
Hot rod style.
Rat Fink is taking a break.
Coolest go kart ever.
Fresh looking second generation van.
Drag bus.
Bus sitting low on EMPI 5-spoke wheels. Looks unrestored.
Just beautiful.
A few Karmann Ghia's.
Type 3 Notchback.
I fell in love with this Ghia.
Early Porsche cars were able to join in on the fun too. Check this crazy looking 356.
Looks like this speedster sees some circuit action. I don't know enough about these to tell if it's genuine or not, but either way it's impressive.
Simple and clean Squareback.
Type 3 and a Ghia sporting some nice pinstripe work.
Not really sure what this thing is, but it was packing air-cooled VW power.
Restored Ghia.
Classy 356.
There were a handful of "water pumpers" on hand, including this New Beetle with Volk RE30's.
Let's go surfin'.
Of course there was a swap meet for all of your shopping needs. You can see the vehicle of choice for the vendors.
This Type 2 panel was sitting on BBS wheels and Porsche brakes. Rad.
Check out with RS Watanabe's and flares on the rear of this bug.
Lowness.
The bugs at the show ran from these modern-looking cars...
...to genuine Cal-look cars like this one...
....to all original early cars. And everything in between.
Type 1 on the ground.
Wild looking Hot Rod bug flanked by two choppers.
This car looks ready for the strip.
Mooneyes heavily supports the VW scene in Japan. This transporter is sporting original Mooneyes wheels.
This J/Sports demo car is built on the rare 1303S platform. Power comes from a 2165cc engine. It is also running a 4-wheel disc brake conversion, Buddy Club P1 wheels and original J/Sports aero parts. Very unique and it looks like it hauls ass too.
Clean rag-top car.
A couple drag cars.
More swap meet action.
This ridiculously low Notchback was part of a club consisting of only "low down" VW's. The owner told me he had to do a lot of work to make the car sit this low while running 17" wheels. Crazy camber too.
Another member of the group.
Single cab transporter.
Great color.
One more shot of some of the wicked looking bugs at the show.
Just as the show was ending the rain starting to fall, bringing a wet end to what was a fantastic event. After the show, the streets of Odaiba were filled with the sound of flat 4's humming. I'm hoping to catch some of these cars in action at the drags soon.
The Japanese are really living the " 'Wagen life", and the quality of cars enthusiasm of the owners rivals anyone in the world.
For the rest of the photos, check the gallery right here.
Thanks for sharing! This is just another event showing the incredible dedication and enthusiasm the japanese have to their cars. They got nothing but great style and taste. I wish it was the same in Europe where I and those cars originally come from. You see too many riced out ones on the streets over there :(
Posted by: Matt | April 01, 2008 at 03:37 AM
very cool! did not know there was such a VW following in Japan, should have figured tho they love Porches, BMW, and Benzes, Sweet pics
Posted by: George Apostolopoulos | April 01, 2008 at 10:50 AM
I love the old school notchbacks and still see a few every year around socal.
Posted by: thuy | April 01, 2008 at 03:19 PM
Awesome, I want a type 3 notchback!
Posted by: Lawrence | April 01, 2008 at 11:54 PM
Wish I still had my '73 Karmann Ghia. Great photos!
Posted by: Sticky Notes | April 02, 2008 at 05:06 AM
Very nice. I was hoping to see one of those Daihatsu "VW Busses." Ha, killer coverage! I have thought about buying a bunch of buses in the US and selling them in Japan, since they sell for twice as much as they cost here.
Posted by: アート | April 08, 2008 at 02:51 AM
Lol, I just realized that the VW replicas are actually Subaru's and not Daihatsu...
Man, I totally fell in love with the gunmetal notchback, gorgeous.
Posted by: アート | April 08, 2008 at 11:47 PM
I knew there was a good VW scene in Japan but those Type 2s in particular are astonishing. Real quality and some amazing examples. Great photos.
Posted by: kombi1976 | April 17, 2008 at 05:20 AM
Hi
I'm in Thailand and wanna know about VW classic parts seling website for business deal.Need your recommend.
Thanks
Posted by: Wipavaris | August 11, 2008 at 06:18 PM
hi All VOLKS...I though there're toyota or honda in Japan but two thumbs up for Japan's VW Mania 'n Great View Volks
Posted by: Rozi Kurniawan | October 29, 2008 at 06:44 PM
I would love to see a rat rod vdub, if you get the pics let me know so I can post them on http://www.ratrodrags.com I have not seen so many great vw images in one page. I loved that blue one with the body kit on it, never saw that before.
Posted by: rat rod | rat rods | January 06, 2009 at 02:09 PM
Hello all, looking for a fuel gage style clock, it's a clock that fits in the area of the fuel gage 1958 on.
Posted by: Dave Wright | March 08, 2009 at 09:51 PM
Is this an annual event?
If so what are the dates and where is the next one being held?
Posted by: Chase | October 20, 2009 at 10:10 PM
Congratulations for the event note in 1000, pity I stay away, but I would also participate for sure.
おめでとうイベント注記のための1000で、残念な私は、滞在が、私も確実に参加するだろう。
Posted by: Valmir | December 06, 2009 at 11:47 AM
Fantastic Event!!!
I'm from Brazil and here we love the BUG!!!
And it is a pleasure to see many BUG's, Kombi's, and VW's in the other side of the world!!!
This seems that the BUG is loved in all countries of the world!!!!!!!!!
Congratulations!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Maykon Pereira | December 06, 2009 at 04:10 PM
I want to say that a trustworthy classification essay service is a light on the road of term paper thesis creating. Thus, people should use it anytime they want buy an essay.
Posted by: Am27Gemma | February 10, 2010 at 06:19 PM
me from malaysia,
nice to see vw scene in japan..
congrats..
www.vwclubselangor.webs.com
Posted by: indera | April 02, 2010 at 10:39 PM
very cool! did not know there was such a VW following in Japan, should have figured tho they love Porches, BMW, and Benzes, Sweet pics
Posted by: generic viagra | April 08, 2010 at 06:55 AM
Wow nice to see the pics, and yeah Beetle always rocks. The new Beetle is too amazinng.Good to see this.
JT
Posted by: Generic Viagra Online | April 22, 2010 at 05:04 AM
very cool! did not know there was such a VW following in Japan,
Posted by: Edegra | May 07, 2010 at 10:55 AM
Hey,
Beetle is always superb car for youngsters as well as for older ones. There is no match for Beetle in any way.
Posted by: lovegra | June 02, 2010 at 02:28 AM
Hey....Hi really Nice blog I like all pics from old Volks Wagon Cars...
Posted by: Generic viagra | June 11, 2010 at 10:30 PM
Awesome Cars.......great pics ...i need some for my garage too
Posted by: Jerry | June 11, 2010 at 11:51 PM
Oh, what nice cars. If when I shall have much money certainly deal with collecting cars.
Posted by: Commander Viagra | June 30, 2010 at 11:48 AM
I would like to appreciate the great work done You
Posted by: Generic Viagra | July 01, 2010 at 12:11 AM
Nice pics !!
VW Malaysia's having a gathering on 25th July 2010 in K.L ..If Interested pls google bugorama 2010..
or check out
http://cbt.com.my/100719/bug-summit
cheers...
keep these cars on the road 4 as long as u can.
VW 4 life...
Posted by: kane | July 20, 2010 at 11:33 PM
Fantastic Event!!!
I'm from Brazil and here we love the BUG!!!
And it is a pleasure to see many BUG's, Kombi's, and VW's in the other side of the world!!!
This seems that the BUG is loved in all countries of the world!!!!!!!!!
Congratulations!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: NFL Jerseys | July 26, 2010 at 06:59 PM
Your article is useful
Posted by: ケアプロスト | July 27, 2010 at 01:12 AM
Great collection of cars pics by author.
Thanks for sharing this awesome post.
Keep posting.....
.... Mark
Posted by: Men's Viagra | August 02, 2010 at 11:56 PM
Perhaps this is one of the most interesting blogs that I have ever seen. Interesting article, Funny comment. Keep it up!
Posted by: replica jerseys | August 06, 2010 at 07:25 PM
Thanks for all information which you gave us. Its very usefull. I ll come back For sure. So see you soon!!!
Posted by: oil paintings | September 07, 2010 at 11:58 PM
I am very happy to see your blog. I t is very well. Thank you you post it. If you have time please post more.
Posted by: Jordan 5 | October 06, 2010 at 06:04 PM
Avandia is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus• Due to its mechanism of action, Avandia is active only in the presence of endogenous insulin. Therefore, Avandia should not be used in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus or for the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis. • The coadministration of Avandia and insulin is not recommended. • The use of Avandia with nitrates is not recommended...
Posted by: generic avandia | October 12, 2010 at 07:30 AM
Fantastic Event!!!
I'm from Brazil and here we love the BUG!!!
And it is a pleasure to see many BUG's, Kombi's, and VW's in the other side of the world!!!
This seems that the BUG is loved in all countries of the world!!!!!!!!!
Congratulations!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: viagra | October 19, 2010 at 09:50 PM
ese es el tipo de cosas que hacen interezante el encender la radio por la mañana,nunca se sabe con que cosa aparecera Rafa para sorprender y hacer pasar buenos momentos!
Posted by: cialis | October 20, 2010 at 09:23 PM
In the 19th century, factories in cities such as Paterson and Trenton helped to drive the Industrial Revolution. New Jersey's position at the center of the Northeast megalopolis, between Boston, New York City
Posted by: viagra | October 20, 2010 at 10:23 PM
The secret of being miserable is to have leisure to bother about whether you are happy or not .
Posted by: coach outlet | November 03, 2010 at 02:29 AM
thanks for your post ,it si very good for me ,best regards
Posted by: nike jordan packages | November 04, 2010 at 01:20 AM
This topic is awesome in every way!
Posted by: buy on taobao | November 11, 2010 at 08:03 PM
Oh I hope you all have a blessed day
Posted by: taobao auction | November 12, 2010 at 02:07 AM
Thank you for sharing to us.
Please one more post about that..
Posted by: Generic Viagra | November 14, 2010 at 11:15 PM
I am writting to you just http://www.cheap-guccibags.com/Gucci-Bags-Women/Gucci-Princy-Bags-s14/to let you know that i have got my website. They are lovely, buthttp://www.cheap-guccibags.com/Gucci-Bags-Women/Gucci-Positano-Bags-s15/ I will never be able to affordhttp://www.cheap-guccibags.com/Gucci-Bags-Women/Gucci-Boston-Bags-s16/ one,And if I could afford one, it would be the Cupcake, that was the best.
Posted by: gucci bags | November 25, 2010 at 05:43 PM
i like to read ur blog it's grate...
Posted by: generic nexium | November 28, 2010 at 11:19 PM
Liste Nice. Linkedin est de mieux en mieux chaque jour. N'oubliez pas de youtube ainsi. Selon ce que vous recrutez pour, il ya des gens créatifs there.And ADD Friendfeed sur votre PDP pour 2009. Il est un excellent site et les conversations qui se déroulent là-bas ou une valeur inestimable.
Posted by: jordan 11 space jam | December 22, 2010 at 10:52 PM
Nice series of VW's. Wish I could have been part of that show.
Posted by: K Sport | October 17, 2011 at 07:34 PM
Must have been a great experience for everyone out there. Classic VW rules!
Posted by: hot rod air ride | October 18, 2011 at 03:35 AM
There is such fun to be riding in a classic VW car, such a thrill from the car riding perspective. I remember my brother used to own one of these cars. Memories!
Posted by: psychic | November 08, 2011 at 02:54 PM
I have added you in my social bookmark…and i am waiting for your next post.
Posted by: Wholesale jerseys | November 10, 2011 at 05:24 PM
Thank you for sharing. I completely agree with you. I really like this article. You would probably get more readers if you interviewed controversial people for your blog.
Posted by: oil paintings | November 13, 2011 at 07:58 PM
Hey just a thought, you would probably get more readers if you interviewed controversial people for your blog. I really like this article. It contains a lot of useful information.
Posted by: oil painting | November 13, 2011 at 08:00 PM
I am really glad I have read this one. I was getting interested more and more when I am reading this. This is great!
Posted by: Air Suspension Kits | December 17, 2011 at 10:06 AM
Wonderful post, very informative.
Posted by: Carpet cleaning Sacramento CA | December 20, 2011 at 03:38 AM
Classic cars were really so inspiring, they reminds me of old days. It would be such a precious if you have one of those cars.
Posted by: NRG Quick Release | December 30, 2011 at 09:47 AM
Thank you for sharing. I completely agree with you. I really like this article. You would probably get more readers if you interviewed controversial people for your blog.
Posted by: Oil Painting Reproductions | January 03, 2012 at 06:43 PM
Wow, VW's. Seen many of it but never seen actually most of it.
Posted by: Drop Suspension | February 01, 2012 at 05:31 PM