There is a lot to be said of a clean, daily driven, stock bug. There is also a lot to be said about non-stock, daily driven, bug and today we see the latter. I see these beetles on the way to my local 7-11 when I need a break from editing and the computer. Since they are parked in front of two neighboring houses, I always wonder if they belong to the same person? With the inclusion of the Jetta in the driveway, I am inclined to believe that they probably do. Unless the sickness has spread amongst neighbors which happens often.

As much as I love a clean vehicle, I very much admire patina or even rust. Anything that denotes a car that is used and driven gains my utmost respect. I am sure that it may bother(the temptation to use bug was strong) some people but for me mismatched panels, rust, dings, and dents all hold a special place in my heart. It is like a well worn floor or leather, sure it may be discolored in some places or have scratches in others, but it signifies history and a journey. It could be the journey of sourcing parts and fixing your car, the journey your mind takes when you sit in a certain car(vintage BMW leather will always take me back to my E12), or even the journeys your car takes you on. There is something to be said about stock or non-stock, clean or rusted, and hopefully as collective automotive enthusiasts we can agree on one thing, that we can see that passion abounds in all circles of this automotive life.

Where I live seems to be a reflection of my personality. I live in an older neighborhood which hearkens back to a time where quality and craftsmanship seemed paramount and things were used and lovingly worn. Everything in this neighborhood has withstood the test of time. The houses, the trees, the sheds, the garages, and most importantly, the cars. If you are like me then this is no accident, I choose to live where I do based on its surroundings and those surroundings meeting my needs. Call me crazy, but the old cars that people continue to drive have partly influenced my decision to live here. When I drive to the local store or gas station I am constantly scanning the roads for cars and I mentally note where they are so that I can return and admire. Needing a free moment away from the computer, I picked up my camera to document these mental notes.

Like everything in life there is a bit of ebb and flow when it comes to the cars that speak the most to me at a particular moment. In these particular moments the sights and sounds of air cooled vehicles have been at the forefront of the brain. My desire is to pick up a VW Beetle, lower it, and cruise around to the unique and beautiful sound that radiates from the back have constantly been swirling around my head. These days we are gearing up for our trip around the country so these ideas and passions must be put on hold. The next best thing to do is pick up the camera and document those who are currently fulfilling my dream. Here is part one in “The Study of Beetles”.