Arnie, My First Classic: A 1972 VW Beetle
My First Classic
It all started in 1998. I was young, broke, and totally obsessed with air-cooled Volkswagens. That’s when I found him, 1972 VW Beetle sitting waiting to be purchased at a car show. It wasn’t the most glamorous introduction to the classic car world… but it was the start of everything.
His name Arnie (to be explained)
At First Sight
Arnie was originally cream, and back in 1998 VW Beetles weren’t the go to car for a first time owner. It became evident pretty quickly that he needed some TLC. On the look around when I bought him I was 18, didn’t know a huge amount about cars but knew I wanted a Beetle. Barry the owner, showed me around at the car show, and 1 week later I was ready to buy! Based in Kent I arrived ready to take Arnie home. The 3 hour look around and chat ended in Barry’s house to watch a video of Arnie speed around Brands Hatch on a race day! I was sold! he clearly was having second thoughts letting go of the car!
Behind The Wheel
After a quick chat! on price, I handed over my well earned (and scraped together) pounds. Barry said the original owner was crying when Barry drove him off his drive 8 years earlier. His name Arnold! Barry said he named the car Arnie, and would I mind carrying that name on, with tears in his eyes! - absolutely I said - I was a film nerd and this was a match made in heaven. While feeling ever so slightly awkward!
I had never driven a classic before that Saturday in April 1998, but in all honesty it was awesome! Pedals upright, rattles in the back, thumps on the suspension. But above all - turning heads and making people smile while going through the town centres and villages on the way home - pure class, a car with character, and extension of me.
Part Of The Family
By 2000, Arnie got the attention he deserved: a full restoration. We stripped him down, repaired the metal work, and gave him a fresh lease of life. He became my daily driver, my weekend project, and my pride and joy all rolled into one. Check out the matching custom phone!
Trips all over the UK, to music festivals, car meets, including an epic 17 hour journey home from Corwall on January 2nd 2000 - we saw in the millenium - pretty much in my Falcon ! One for the Star Wars fans out there!
Freinds knew Arnie as well as they knew me, warts and all!
He wasn’t perfect, but he had soul. And anyone who’s owned a classic Beetle (any classic car really) knows what I mean when I say that these cars aren’t just transport - they’re characters. Arnie was part of the family, and still is 27 years later.
Full Circle: Time for Another Rebuild
Fast forward to today, and Arnie’s showing his age again. Faded paint, bubbling panels, holes, a few rattles and groans that weren’t there before. He needs another restoration.
And honestly? I’m excited to bring him back to his millenial best!
Because Arnie isn’t just a car. He’s a reminder of how far I’ve come personally. He was my first step into freedom and the classic car world, and now he’s about to get a new chapter. He’ll be back!
Why This Matters
If you’re reading this and wondering if a classic car could be your start (or a new start) - trust me, it can.
Whether it’s your first Beetle, a retro Mini, or a future modern classic from the 2000s, every classic has a story. And if you don’t have yours yet, I’d love to help you find it.
Want help sourcing your first classic read more