A bit about Rae
Hey, I’m Rae, I work in the JK warehouse.
I’ve grown up in a very car crazy family, and spent most of my childhood at the race track and at car shows surrounded by petrol heads from day dot. I’ve watched my dad and his friends build countless race cars (mainly fixing them as he’s broken something) and always had a love and appreciation for the smell of fuel and the sound of a cool engine.
About Rae's New Beetle
Year: 1973
Engine: 1600cc fitted with a Weber carburettor and a GT exhaust system.
Wheels: White smoothie style wheels with Wolfsburg hubcaps.
Accessories: Custom seats with a leather finish, various Wolfsburg decals such as steering wheel, window winder handles and gearstick. She is also on lowered suspension with cambered rear wheels.
What made you want to get a Beetle?
So long story short, I found my love for beetles as a toddler. I used to make my older sister watch Herbie (fully loaded) on repeat every night, you may ask her and she’ll tell you how I “traumatised” her, and she can no longer watch her Herbie full stop. As a child and a teen I would often waffle on about how one day I will have my own, and how cool I will look driving around in my Beetle. It was always said, I will own a Beetle, it’s not a matter of if, it was always a matter of when. And to say at 20 years old I have achieved this, I’m more than just happy about it. And can also say I do think I look cool in that driver's seat, and most definitely feel it.
What made you want to get this Beetle?
I’ll be honest, in the various months I was looking around she did not fit the description at all. I wanted a dark grey ragtop, I looked at a fair few that fitted that description as well, but they just weren’t right, it just didn't click. I only went and looked at Maggie as she looked really clean in the photos in her advert, and we’d already travelled a few hours to look at another Beetle and she wasn’t too far out. But it clicked, I honestly wasn’t holding high hopes of bringing her home with me. But I made her an offer and with a little bit of haggling we agreed on a price, and I signed the paperwork. Low and behold I owned a Beetle, she was mine. Having never driven a classic car before, I drove her all the way back from Doncaster. And to say I was nervous and excited all at the same time with this big cheesy grin from ear to ear wouldn’t be an exaggeration.
Did you notice any big differences driving the Beetle compared to your more modern car?
The first thing I noticed is definitely the lack of powered steering, but once you get going it’s not bad, but stationary was something I definitely had to get used to, parking was a whole new ball game to say the least. But driving her overall I would say is a whole different experience especially being sat so much lower as well, you feel the road a lot more. The overall visibility around the car I would actually say is way better than any modern car I have ever driven. In truth I genuinely prefer driving Maggie, I think it may have to do with the sound of my engine and the smell of fuel, and just overall super cool feeling it brings.
Have you got big plans for the Beetle?
I wouldn’t say any major plans. I have already changed out the white wing beading for black, and changed her name sticker. But I would say I have definitely fallen in love with the way she looks already. But maybe new headliner.
Will you be driving it through winter, or stashing it away?
I do plan on putting her into storage through the winter months but also plan on still taking her out, weather permitting on occasions through the colder and wetter months.
Any advice for anyone who’s thinking about getting a Beetle?
I would definitely say, don’t limit yourself on appearances of adverts alone. The one you are actually looking for may not be the one you think. But definitely take your time and look around.
