Gone but not forgotten - Jeff has now moved interstate

Owner’s name: Jeff Baker

Club Member since: 2002

VW’s name: Cool 56

VW type: 1956 Beetle - Oval

Engine: 2055cc, twin 45mm Dellortos, head modification, ported, flowed, external oil cooler, electronic ignition, carby work, deep sump, custom point work, machined carby tops, oil breather box, side single entry gearbox

Built by: Jeff Baker and Klaack Motors

Other mods: Front lowered adjustable suspension, rear lowered IRS, disc brake front end, far too much to list, whole car extensively altered.

Wheels: Standard rims painted yellow, Coker white walls

Exterior: House of Colour Magenta

Interior: Hyundai front seats, yellow vinyl trim, magenta embroidery, tall gearstick, gold chain steering wheel, skull switches, Kenwood CD, speakers and subs, six classic instrument gauges, 1950’s inspired interior, bronze pedals, chequered fire extinguisher

Background: Acquired in 1996 as a bare shell. I saw an ad in the Trading Post for a 56 shell. The ad underneath was for a 69 semi-auto (IRS rear, disc brake front) and it seemed like a good idea at the time!

Best memory: When I christened it!

Horror story: The car catching fire on the way to Queensland and having no fire extinguisher…burn baby burn!

Racing: Drags – Top Speed ¼ (86mph) – Best ET 1/8 (15.5) - Best reaction time (0.196)

Shows: Trophy winner for Custom Oval and Custom Interior at Valla (Nambucca) 2003, Custom Oval and Custom Interior and Car of the Day at Dubs By The Pubs in Queensland, trophies won at other shows also including the Flat Four Shootout and the VW Nationals. Also some press coverage (not that it matters!)

Future plans: Nitrous! Bigger, fatter, rear white walls. That’s it, doesn’t need anything else!

Dream Car: 1940 Willys, 1956 F100 Ute

Chit-chat: Customising a car is more than a paint job and a set of wheels! The car was saved from the hands of a restorer!