Owner’s name: Derek Gardner

Club Member since: 2005

VW’s name: Slammed '57

VW type: 1957 Beetle

Engine: 1741cc twin port, Solex 34 pict, 98mm barrels, pistons, mild cam, 009 dizzy, j pipes, headers, custom racing pipe

Built by: Me, tuned by Custom Bugs 'N Buses

Other mods: Shortened, narrowed and lowered (3") front beam, adjustable spring plates, 4 speed Kombi gearbox and brakes, short shifted kit, Momo gearstick cut down and rethreaded, Type 3 diff, Monro shocks front and back

Wheels: fully polished 5 spoke Empi wheels, 185/55/15 and 165/50/15

Exterior: 2004 Ford Blue Pearl, custom decals and sunroof, 3 1/2 inch muffler with chrome tip, stainless valves, fully unleaded.

Interior: 2002 Nissan Skyline seats, fully retrimmed by myself using tan vinyl and black carpet, Kenwood head unit, two 6 x 9 speakers, tweeters, two Pionner subwoofers, two 520 batteries, 5" monster tacho, shift light, custom petrol gauge, custom panels on dash made at home.

Background: Acquired in 2004. It was left abandoned in the front yard of my mate's place for 4 years. I did all the work myself in my backyard and workshop. Custom Bugs 'N Buses also helping with alot of the work.

Prior History: All I know is the car was left in a backyard for 12 years by a Kingswood Park resident prior to my mate owning it.

Best memory: The first time I kicked the car over after I rebuilt the motor and when it was finally registered and legal.

Horror story: On the way up to Emu Plains to pick up my son when the first motor seized on me! That's it for now I hope...ha ha!

Shows: Has won a People's Choice trophy, and Bluey's Choice Trophy at the Blast From The Past Show at Berry in 2005.

Future plans: 2 litre fuel injection, bigger subs, complete undercar neon kit, air bags front and rear, alarm, new sunroof, more custom work and to go lower!

Dream Car: 1955 two door Chev, 1934 Willy coupe, HK Monaro, WRX STI 2003 model and mine with a WRX motor slapped in her!

Projects: I have a 1971 Beetle just for stripping but my house, wife and son Joshua are my biggest projects! Currently working on a late Bay Kombi for some more room!

Other VWs owned: 1971 Beetle, late Bay Kombi

Chit Chat: I'd like to thank my wife Kerrie for the support that she has given me. Also my 4 year old who has helped out now and then in the rebuild. to Mike Kristen, Jeff and all the gang at CBB at Penrith, CC Tyres at Penrith and everyone at Flat Four for accepting me into the Club, thanks! In the Club we have so much fun cruising to events. It's a great sight to see all these old cars restored and in uniform together. It's great, I recommend anybody to join, a good feeling to be part of a Vee Dub club. The Legend Never Dies!