My dad bought his 1954 VW in the late 60's because he thought it would save him lots of gas money as his second car. It was dusty and dirty when he went to see it, but it started right up and the price was very reasonable. Before then I had no desire to learn to drive, but when I went with my dad to check it out. I immediately fell in love with it!

Dad knew she wouldn't be his long - I had already painted "flower power" daisies on the front fenders and was then so determined to get my driver's license that he taught me how to drive her. Being a wonderful sign painter, he even lettered "Gretchen" ( what I had named her) on the dashboard in beautiful script letters.

I've owned 7 Volkswagens through all my later years, but never once considered selling Gretchen..I stored her in one of my friend's barn until I could afford to have her restored (repainted, semiphores installed, etc. and I'm sure I ordered some of the parts needed from JBugs!). She is now in a small in a small garage that I had bought especially for her, and a sign I had lettered "The Old Volk's Home" is placed above the door. And when the weather has warmed (since she has no heat!), I'm looking forward to cruising around in her again!