Rare-Fest

Oktoberfest is a German tradition of "fun, friendship and fraternity". What better analogy to describe our favorite pastime and common ground, the lifestyle that revolves around our love for European cars.

Early in the day we start the ‘fest’ with a gas up of our cars and our stomach for a fun run. Meeting fellow gearheads, we haven’t got in touch lately and meeting new ones are more than enough reasons to be present. A rare blast on the road to open the throttle bodies of our engines, is the next obvious reason.

Picture this;
A rare two-door mark 2 VW Jetta, clean and fresh for its era. You don’t see much of this around in our part of the world.

A 40th anniversary version VW Golf 2 of which less than 500units of rare original left hand-drive made world-wide. click to view more of the 40th version VW Golf

A group of late 90’s VW Polo Classic, approximately 400units worldwide, being a Pinoy only model variant. There is no exact model like this outside of our country, thus making this a rare Polo model. I bet you, in due time this will be a real ‘classic’.
Thrown in for good measure is a Karmann made VW Corrado and a VW Transporter Crew-Cab.
A Ferrari as a sweetener of our group? Well this Italian must have noticed the Euro-cars' presence and we didn't mind it mingling.
Us admiring the Prancing Horse's rear motor.
A long double-line of classic Wolfsburg rear engined cars with a hundred gearheads in ‘fest’ mode, a rare fraternity of sorts. The fraternity of warm bodies, which doesn’t mind the slight drizzle to celebrate fun. A mingling of friends, old and new!
Indeed, a rare and perfect celebration of Oktoberfest!

One more reason to like Cinelli

Italian Exotic – VW Connection

I’m into Cinelli ever since I got to have my very own Italian exotic vintage bicycle. Researching and reading about the glories past and the passion that created this cult object reinforced my appreciation for Cinelli even more.

It is of course, a normal route for me to check if Cinelli had somehow, in one way or the other, made a VW connection, apart from my personal VW-Cinelli experience. And, sure enough, much to my delight, it does!

The company a few years back introduced another intriguing creation, very much like they’ve done in previous decades of revolutionary ideas that changed the cycling world. A concept they called “BOOTLEG” and a lifestyle that it suggests. This particular Cinelli was designed revolving on the RAT nameplate, predominantly flat black and exudes a sleek snobbish and creatively rebellious appeal.

Cinelli BOOTLEG Bike, a “Zz Rats”
Checking the Cinelli website, I was surprised (and happy) to find out that the rolling billboard image and support panel is a Volkswagen. Those Italians really know how to reinforce their cool appeal, and they made a perfect choice. Magnifico Cinelli!

Cinelli BOOTLEG Bus, a “baywindow VW-Type 2 Rat”

Ticket to Ride

When : June 28, 2006
Where : Kamias Overpass
What : VW Breakdown
Whew : Need a ride home
Well, I was traveling north from my place of work via EDSA and everything seems normal as usual. Normal apart from a slight sound while stepping on the gas pedal. A faint squeal, much like a rubbing friction sound that I’m not familiar with my Golf Notchback (or more simply put, my Jetta). After a slow traffic in Cubao, I began to accelerate from a rolling start-stop, and was surprised my gas pedal went flat on the floor. Since the car is equipped with an automatic transmission, I was able to limp it towards the shaded area below the flyover. The culprit; a snapped accelerator cable!
Good thing I’m a member of the AAP and got to contact them for a flat-bed transporter to take my car. I commend their fast service and well maintained fleet. While the Jetta is on top of the flat-bed and on our way home, I began day dreaming “Ticket to Ride”.

“Ticket to Ride” feat “Tito Natz”
A Boyd Coddington craft inspired Notch. Ultra smooth black body, sanitary engine bay, chopped top and clean lines. Fitted with Boyd’s Billet wheels and one-off billet aluminum parts, everywhere. A T3 custom this sweet rides to show wins on a custom T2 flat-bed….what else.

Printed Memories

Lithograph tin toys are always charming at least from my points of view. I remember during my childhood having a cowboy figure with his horse, key wind-up toy. When I first saw it in action, it really got me amused that it does move. So too did a lithograph tin car running on batteries, the bump n’ go variety, which I had fond memories of it.

Lithograph printed tin model cars are now sought after by collectors. It goes without saying this toy variety is very rare nowadays. Although most of what I do collect, are Porsche and VW diecast model cars, I keep my eyes open on these treasures. Once in a while I get to chance upon tin toys and I snapped them without much thought. Definitely their ‘days-gone’ charm is something I can’t resist.

My keyed-up T2 Bus….
Wind ‘em up VW, bobbing as it goes along….

My Other Jetta…

Mine is the famous….
….waterpumper there is….
It is mint….
….and very clean….
Fast looking….
….while staying still….
Cool white….
….but blue-flame hot….

Mine is worry-free….
….maintenance-free….
Does not leak oil….
….or spew out fluids….
Don’t do funny noises….
….as much as me….
No gassing up….
….that is the best part….

My Other Jetta…
....If only I can ride in it….