Leanne from Limebug’s own car, this stunning patina 66 Beetle was as the name suggests, originally exported to Slovakia. The car came fitted with a rare factory sunroof – which was unfortunately seized when Leanne gained ownership. In need of a full re-work across the whole mechanism, the entire interior was overhauled back to its former glory, with the addition of a Mohair headliner and Patina Cloth style fabric across the seats and door cards. Lastly to complete the look, she added a full square weave carpet set with rubber mats, featuring some re-worked (but on theme) pub carpets turned floor mats. 

The suspension was next on the list (admitably our favourite part) having a full overhaul receiving a number of upgrades from off the shelf here at HQ. The main attraction being the 4″ Narrowed Jawbreaker Elite Series Beam, working alongside the MOA430 Goldtop Air Shocks, Titan 4″ Through Rods and an Ultrarm. Combined with a neat and compact 2-way Tankless digital air management system, aids  the practicality aspect of the bug; making it driveable in any conditions and able to sit just right at any time! Moving towards the rear of the car, we fitted some 2″ Adjustable Spring Plates and a fresh set of MOA Gas Shocks. This dropped the rear arches down just enough, to tuck in the top of the 8″ wide Steels.

Next to be added was a series of other small details, such as aged indicators, new seals all round and all new metal chrome trim throughout the glass. We un-seized the door handle mechs and fitted an external front horn, reminicent of early Beetle models. Steve Parsons (The Patina Blender) was next on hand, to help blend the mismatched front wings, plus a few other localised repairs, allowing the whole visual to look seamless and of age.

The final push included some creature comforts, for the long drives to Car Shows to follow. The dashboard was updated with a Retrosound radio, new glovebox liner, a slightly tatty but perfectly functional original VW under dash shelf, an original Ivory D-Ring Steering wheel, with an upgraded full ring plus an ivory coloured horn push. Finishing touches you may spot include tiny feet pedal pads, trimmed grab handles, and louvered rear vent sun blind.

So what’s next? Leanne’s plan is to lacquer the entire car, to seal in the patina for as long as possible and make the multitude of colours pop.