Owners’ names: Dave and Leanne Silvestri

Club Member since: 1999

VW’s name: Olly

VW type: 1956 Oval Beetle

Engine: 1100cc, Solly carby, stock 1300 gearbox

Built by: Factory built

Wheels: Standard with white walls

Exterior: Standard grey, roof racks

Interior: Original trim and seats, Venetian blinds

Background: Acquired from Rod Penrose in 2002 at the Bulli Show. It had been restored and given to him as payment for work he had done. If you know Rod (drag car enthusiest), then you wil know why he sold it, "it doesn't go fast enough". We got the Oval home (after Rod so graciously towed him to our place and took $4700 from us to do so!). Gave it a good polish (six times), tightened up all the loose bolts, took it to Shannons and insured it for $10k, how good is that! Since then until now we have renewed all 6 volt components, painted his tinware, had a '70 model steearing box fitted, added some neat accessories, bought a shitload of old suitcases and had the best fun with this Club cruizin!

Best memory: Just cruizin and having a photo shoot done for VWMA magazine (he beat Jeff and Cool 56 in a drag race!)

Horror story: Only one recently when returning from the Rat Rod Day at Taren Point, one of six bolts holding the crown gear in the diff snapped and tried to come out, leaving a hole and oil dripping out everywhere. We limped home, just got out, patched up the hole and are still cruizin because he is the best!

Shows: About six trophies so far including Beetle up to 1957 Standard - 2nd Place at the 2004 VW Nationals

Future plans: Just drive him and enjoy him!

Dream Car: 356 Porsche, 1934 Ford Tudor Hotrod, a slammed Splitty Bus

Projects: An Oval display for my trophies, you have to see it, it’s hard to explain

Other VWs owned: 1966 Beetle