Coverage: Classic VW's Invade Tokyo

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.

Comments

[Matt]

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 :(

[George Apostolopoulos]

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

[thuy]

I love the old school notchbacks and still see a few every year around socal.

[Lawrence]

Awesome, I want a type 3 notchback!

[Sticky Notes]

Wish I still had my '73 Karmann Ghia. Great photos!

[アート]

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.

[アート]

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.

[kombi1976]

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.

[Wipavaris]

Hi

I'm in Thailand and wanna know about VW classic parts seling website for business deal.Need your recommend.

Thanks

[Rozi Kurniawan]

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

[rat rod]

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.

[Dave Wright]

Hello all, looking for a fuel gage style clock, it's a clock that fits in the area of the fuel gage 1958 on.