OpenRoad Driver Volume 13 Issue 1 | Page 41

Volume 13 Issue 1 » 41 EXTRAS Das Auto 1952 CANADA’S ORIGINAL 1952 BEETLE Words by Benjamin Yong Photos by Matt Kwok Photography » On the road today, it can be a rare sight to spot a car that’s even 15 or 20 years old. Rarer still is to find one in good condition. So imagine how many heads would turn whenever lifelong Volkswagen enthusiast, Brian Wawzonek, took his pristine, factory-spec pastel green car for a spin: a stunning 1952 VW Beetle. He says his story with Volkswagens dates back to childhood, long before he ever first set eyes on this particular ’52. The ’52 Bug was part of the first shipment into Canada over 60 years ago. The jury is out on whether this particular car is the second, third, or some other slot among the original eight that made their voyage over from Wolfsburg, Germany. Regardless, Wawzonek has had a colourful journey with the vehicle after taking ownership in 2009. That culminated in restoring it into show condition to take part in Volkswagen Canada’s 60th anniversary celebration in 2012.