Red VW Convertible

A Trip from the Dentist - Owner : Lawrence Forton

I purchased this Volkswagen almost ten years ago, when the then owner, the wife of a local dentist, lost interest and it was kept in an outside storage facility. Since then, I have upgraded the engine to a dual carb 1776cc engine, a German Transaxle of America super street transmission, a shifter from Vintage speed, and door cards from Scat VW. The car came with real Fuchs from a 911 Porsche Carrera, 4 inch narrowed and adjustable front beam with disk brakes.

Convertible Bug

The car has since had its electrical gremlins sorted, its brakes refreshed, paint corrected, and its upholstery made not only presentable but usable. I am the 4th caretaker of this wonderful car. The original owner was a priest who bought it new from what was Riviera Motors in downtown Portland Oregon. I have met the second owner and his friends who helped him build this car long ago at some local VW gatherings. The second owner had the difficult decision of selling the car after starting a family to a local dentist who spent many thousands on it.

VW Sunset

Everything from a new top, to a custom sound system, top of the line car alarm and rebuilding and powder coating the frame. The dentist had the car done for his wife, who I am guessing probably lost interest in it. It was stored it outside, then eventually their son put it for sale on Craigslist where I came across the ad and immediately called. I used the car as a rolling project and daily drove it for the first five years of owning it. Since starting my own family, the car now gets to enjoy a warm garage space, awaiting any break in weather when I can take my son for a ride.

VW Beetle

The car has been shown multiple times at the yearly Woodburn VW show, the Portland International Raceway VW show, Beaches vintage show, along with local VW meets and charity runs including the KGW toy drive. The picture below with the kids inside, is my parents with half of their grandchildren. My dad in the driver seat, is holding my oldest son in his lap for this picture, which they had made into a poster that hangs in their living room.

VW Family


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