As Batboy Freddie Kalaw once said “a VW should not only be shiny and flashy, it should be roadworthy”. So here is an example of an air-cooled VW that maybe is short of a jaw dropping paint job and “cool” interior but is way ahead of its brothers when it comes to completeness of parts. Edwin Besares’ Tagpi, aptly named for its appearance.
Tagpi is a 1968 deluxe beetle. Exterior shows a good patina, indicative of its age- not bad for a 40 year old paint-job. Adding to the flavor is some repair or patches of primer that simply adds attitude for its stock stance. Bumpers are original German steel with period correct bumper guards. Chrome hubcaps maybe the only shiny on the outside as it contrasts with the black painted steel German rims. Pop-out rear quarter windows keep the passengers cool. Vintage Bosch horn will surely wake you up!
Inside, original seats with original leather seat covers screams for dear life as horsehair peeps through the torn seats. Original seats are complemented with original side panels. Original steering wheel is presents as well as the chrome trims on the dashboard. Radio is period correct unit. Original EMPI T-shifter makes each gear change with ease. It still sports its original window crank handle and door lever.
This humble hoodride is a roadworthy beast with its good running 1600 overplant. Transmission gear box is from a 1978 Brasilia partnered with rear Brasilia drum brakes for more stopping power.
What more can I say? It’s your grandpa’s bug still alive today. I wonder if Edwin has full resto on his mind.
