1955
Keith Vipond bought this 1955 Standard model with two friends for just £50.
Admittedly
this was over 25-years ago and the car didn't look quite like it does today.
Since then it has been restored twice, the second occasion being in the early
Nineties. Although the majority of Standard models were finished in Jupiter
Grey at this time, this car looks resplendent in the rich hues of VW's lack-lustre
description of the alternative shade on offer, namely Mid Blue, L37 in reality
a light navy. Today, when sunroofs tend to be offered on all but the base
model of a range, why VW always considered it appropriate to give Standard
customers the choice remains a mystery. The sunroof on XHA is the original,
while the interior cloth upholstery was replaced in the second restoration,
proving to be the most harassing experience of the entire operation. Apart
from collecting a series of Concours rosettes at the shows, Keith's main aim
is to drive the car. With navigator Ian Bates the car has successfully completed
the Lands End to John o' Groats run under trial conditions, returning a very
creditable 33½-mpg in the process. (Due to be featured in a recent issue of VW Motoring)
1956
In 1956 PM Tseriotis
Ltd, the official VW dealers and distributors in Cyprus sold Police Inspector
John Dawson his brand new Beetle
for £510. Finished in black, with a red interior it was built on June 9th 1956,
shipped to Cyprus via the SS Babitonga on the 27th and delivered to its owner
on July 19th. 
Fast forward to the early Eighties and the car was to be seen
deteriorating outside the Dawson's bungalow in rural Lancashire. John Cross,
a local builder and craftsman joiner, acquired the car and set about a restoration
programme that kept him occupied on and off for the best part of the next
20-years. Boxes of labelled parts adorned the house, while John welded, preserved
and painted his pride and joy. Apart from scouring the obsolete parts bins
of many a VW dealer, Mr C was to be seen at many of the shows gradually amassing
all the parts he required. John did all the work himself, even re-stitching
the seat covers and piping. 'This upholstery business was a first to me' he
said. 'I used the wife's sewing machine, but soon realised I needed strong
needles and thread'. Perseverance paid off and after about six bobbins and
a week of bloodied fingers, he was happy with result. UXB is a great credit
to John, although he is far too modest to admit that he has re-created a Fifties
masterpiece. (Featured in the former 'Vintage Volkswagen' periodical)