1 minute read
AutoUrge Reader’s Rides
from AutoUrge May 2020
by Autourge
Locally Owned 1965 VW 1200 - of St. Charles, MO
The 1965 VW Deluxe Sedan was purchased on June 30, 1965, from Roy Bridges Motors of Birmingham, Alabama by Clyde and Pauline Johnson — parents of Clyde Jr. and grandparents of Tom & Jon Johnson. The purchase price was $1,820.17 which included $22.32 in taxes and $7.00 in the license plate and fuel cost. The car was well equipped with #518 Java Green paint, #83 Mesh Grey Leatherette upholstery, push out rear windows, seal beam headlights, a Sapphire I radio, and rear fender guards. The VW 1200 was an air-cooled 1192 CC, 40 horsepower engine with a four-speed transmission.
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Pauline used the car as a “grocery getter” and as a symbol of her independence until her passing in August 1988. Clyde Jr. brought the car to its present residence in St. Charles, MO. The car is driven usually once a week and has been shown on many cruise nights, “Show and Shines” and Easter Car Shows. In 2018 it won “Air Cooled Antique Choice” at the annual Schafley Air-Cooled Car Show.
The VW remains totally stock and the only changes other than normal maintenance have been a clutch replacement as well as an intake manifold that replaced a rusted out unit. In the late 1960s, the car was repainted due to color fade with the original color. The car has never been involved in an accident and currently has 56,947 miles on the odometer.
The car has been a family favorite and has provided many happy memories. This car will remain in the family for generations to come.
By Clyde & Tom Johnson Photos provided by the car owner
