Every day we drive our sweet little Ela...our '66 Beetle....to work. Either Leanne or I take her to work & don't even think that anything is going to happen.

We are very careful when it comes to parking her in car park spots and always make sure we travel with plenty of room to the car in front of us. Sometimes I think we take her for granted and don't realize how sweet she is on the road. We constantly get comments from strangers about what a nice car she is.

Last Thursday, I was travelling home from work. I called into my Mum's place and decided to go home the back way to try and avoid traffic on the Hume Hiway through Liverpool. It was 5.30pm and I was travelling passed the Liverpool Catholic Club and was contemplating taking the M7 but realised I needed petrol and continued on down Benara Road to Camden Valley Way......if only I took the M7.

As I sat there turning left onto Camden Valley Way, I was creeping forward waiting for a break in traffic. Then it happened. The young bloke behind me thought I would dart into a small gap and he took off....WITHOUT LOOKING IN FRONT OF HIM....and rammed....at pace...into the rear of Ela.

As I said earlier....we don't take risks in our cars. It was a big hit people. It threw my neck back hard and it sounded horrible....and it was. I pulled over around the corner and so did this young fella. I got out and slowly walked around the back, scared at what I would see. I was devastated!!!! It is bad!!!! I exchanged details and after ripping this bloke a new... you know what.  I started her and it was not good. Black smoke poured out of her exhaust because her muffler was cracked. The sound of the bottom pulley rubbing on the deck lid only stopped when I bounced on the severely bent rear bumper.

I nearly cried and that's exactly what Leanne did when I called her. She sobbed as I tried to calm her....she loves this car. I took the risk and drove her home all the time talking to her telling to just get me there and we will try and get you fixed. It was very sad just thinking of how sad she looks as I nursed her home. Upon arrival, Leanne came out the front, still very upset and cuddled me saying,"She still got you home...what a good girl."

The damage is pretty bad and I am hoping that she can be repaired but I am very concerned for her. The body is creased from the bumper bar brackets pushing everything back and the chassis has jammed against the tappet cover forcing the clip to be half off. I don't know how we got home but I think she knew what she had to do and that she really wants to stay with us and I truly hope she does.

Take a look at the photos, it's a little worse than it looks and I am worried....but think she is fixable. My good mate Adam has already lined up the panel beater down the road from Klaack's workshop so he can remove the motor for any repairs needed and also keep an eye on proceedings. Hopefully she goes in next week and fingers crossed all will go in our favour.
 
A very sad and concerned Dave.