DDK - Die Deutschen Klassiker

I fitted one of those steering wheels to my VW cab.

Mine was originally from a VW Fridolin, but they were also used in the 'standard' split / oval bugs ( the ones without the chrome / fancy fittings etc ). I think they were also used in very early barn door split busses too.

here is mine, although I polished the hub




relatively rare wheel

hi roy my dad owned this car briefly before betty haig and he sold it to her for £25 some time in the late 60s but he can't remember exactly when. he was involved in restoring healys at the time. It was restored at sportwagen in recent years and i think they have some pictures on there site. I would love to see that article on the car and find out more about its early life. my dad had it at his workshop in irthlingborough northamptonshire while he owned it but it came from podington aerodrome the site of santa pod raceway. where abouts in sussex are you. I am currently restoring my 62 b at my workshop in pease pottage.
cheers jason

Hi James and Jason,

First of all thanks James for posting that picture of the VW steering wheel. I sort of guessed that is what is was but never had the proof. Wow, your VW certainly looks the business great finish on the interior must have have taken you ages!!! Very nice photo indeed.

Wow again to Jason! You never know who's looking at the threads and very unusual these days to find someone who had a connection from 40 years ago!!

So, I was a member of PCGB in the sixties and its just possible Betty bought it from your dad in very late 1969. The photos of the car are from 1970 before being restored. I have about 4 "Porsche Posts " with all the stories from finding it to her finishing it in 1972. I will take some digital photos of the text from each magazine and post them on the site soon. You should be able to read them. ( If you wanted then to copy them I could winzip you copies direct to your personal mail if you advise me.)

I don't think PCGB will mind be forwarding copies since they are 40 years old!!

I bet the photos really caught your eye!! Shame your dad did not keep it as these split screen cars are now worth a bit more than £25- ( I wish I still had my 52 coupe!!!)

Roy

Sorry Jason forgot to say I live in Aldwick near Bognor Regis. Its only 40 minutes from Horsham.

Roy

cheers roy anything you have would be great. I wish my dad had have kept it too but at the time who was to know the prices these early cars make these days. I will pm you my personal email
cheers jason

Okay, some pictures with text of the finding and restoration of the Betty Haig 1951 356. I read today she saw the 356 cars first when she was competing in the 1951 Le Mans race in a V12 Ferrari. It must have given her the incentive to own an early car.

The first 5 photos are from the Autumn 1970 Porsche Post and detail the finding of the car and its specification.
[img][img]http://i443.photobucket.com/albums/qq15 ... 120022.jpg[/img][/img]
[img][img]http://i443.photobucket.com/albums/qq15 ... 120023.jpg[/img][/img]
[img][img]http://i443.photobucket.com/albums/qq15 ... 120024.jpg[/img][/img]
[img][img]http://i443.photobucket.com/albums/qq15 ... 120025.jpg[/img][/img]
[img][img]http://i443.photobucket.com/albums/qq15 ... 120026.jpg[/img][/img]

The next text is from the Christmas 1970 post and details progress


[img][img]http://i443.photobucket.com/albums/qq15 ... 120010.jpg[/img][/img]

The next image shows Betty to the far right of the picture with the pretty girl on the 911 bonnet. Both my brother and I were present that day at a very nice Shellingford house picnic at Faringdon. I remember arriving into her gravelled drivway with about 20 people looking at my flat rear tyre! I had no idea when it punctured but was not travelling fast because my dad was in the front and mum was curled up in the back seats. (Rather embarassing that getting out the jack![img][img]http://i443.photobucket.com/albums/qq15 ... 120005.jpg[/img][/img]

Next image letter of progress spring 1972
[img][img]http://i443.photobucket.com/albums/qq15 ... 120004.jpg[/img][/img]

Final image of the car finished to a degree but I don't know with what engine and how it performed on the road.
[img][img]http://i443.photobucket.com/albums/qq15 ... 120002.jpg[/img][/img]

The car then went to the museum and then to AFN ........

Roy

This is exellent roy. I am seeing my dad tonight and can't wait to show him. I'm sure before he told me the name of the guy who he repaired the healys for but I can't remember. He was the guy who told betty about the porsche and put her in contact with my dad. I remember my dad telling me about this when I was a kid and this story is almost certainly the reason for my interest in the 356. Thanks so much this has made my day.

my dad with the car he let slip away. taken a few years back at classics at the castle

Pleased you liked the info!!

Roy