The VW Sports Car

In the mid 1950s, with the post World War II economy showing signs of recovery, Volkswagen decided that England shouldn't be the only country making an affordable sports coupe. Enter the natty Karmann-Ghia.With frame, suspension and power train based on the Beetle and a body by Italian coach builders Ghia, the K-G was a huge success on both sides of the Atlantic. And if you've ever driven one you have to admit that it was a blast to pilot.

Beetles at the VW Porsche Family Reunion

Last week I started posting pictures from the VW Porsche Family Reunion and it was all about the Porsche. This week will be nothing but Volkswagen, starting with the iconic "people's car" or as we know it, the Beetle.My first car was a Beetle so I have something of a soft spot for those cars. Here are a few of the Bugs that were on display with many more to follow.

Race Cars At the VW Porsche Family Reunion

There were a handful of Porsche racers on display at this year's VW Porsche Family Reunion. So what better way to end a week than with a little speed.

Front Engine Porsches at the Family Reunion

After the 914 (with its lackluster sales), Porsche really jumped to make a drastic change. With the 924 the - gasp - mounted the engine in the front. This sent traditionalists into a tizzy. But what they were trying to do with with 924, did better with the 944 and ultimately perfected with the 928, was not a replacement for the 911 but to make a true grand touring car that combined power with luxury.

I've always loved this line of Porsches and almost broke down a couple years ago and got a 928. The offer was almost too good to be true and a cursory check of the car showed it to be in at least grade 2 condition. But then, nagging in the back of my mind was a little bird chirping two words over and over, "tuition payment." I didn't buy the car.

Half Breeds at the VW Porsche Family Reunion

VW and Porsche have always been linked throughout their histories. So it made sense that when each brand needed a new car for a specific market share that they would work together. The result, the 914, sold exclusively as a Porsche in the USA, was a much maligned car. But looking back it's easy to see the logic of these two companies and the ultimate success it provided for Porsche here in this country. No, it wasn't a 911 and it was never designed to be but it did allow a nice entry point for the marquee and, let's face it, that little four cylinder engine mounted amidships can be fun to drive.

Some 911s At the VW Porsche Family Reunion

The VW Porsche Family Reunion draws several hundred amazing cars for a weekend long event.  And what would a collection of Porsches be without some 911s. Here are a few that were on hand. Trust me, there were plenty more and I'll be posting more pictures later on.

356s At the VW Porsche Family Reunion

Every year the area Porsche and VW owners and collectors get together for a rousing family reunion. I go (even though I don't have either of those cars; I did in the past, in fact my first car was a VW) because I have a lot of friends who show up and, let's face it, who wouldn't want to see some great VWs and Porsches?

This week I'm going to be posting shots from the Porsche section of the reunion, starting with the car that got the brand rolling, the 356.