Regretfully pursued, he now looks back and considers the poor judgment.
A Collector's Tale: Hubert Turk and His VW Bullis
Hubert Turk, a car mechanic from Emerkingen, Germany, has a unique passion for a classic vehicle - the VW Bulli. At the age of 20, he acquired his first Bulli, a green T2 Westfalia, and his collection has since grown.
His current collection includes three Bullis, one of which is a barn find acquired from a deceased woman on the Swabian Alb. This particular Bulli, a white Westfalia camper from 1967, is all original and remains unchanged, much like it did 50 years ago. It is equipped for travel with a small square table, a refrigerator, and a gas stove, making it perfect for adventures.
The third Bulli, however, has seat belts that have been retrofitted for safety. It can accommodate only two to three people on the front seats due to sleeping places at the back. Despite its limitations, it boasts 50 PS and can reach speeds of up to 100 km/h.
In contrast, Turk's second Bulli, a white-gray bus from 1964, has 70 PS, five seats, and can reach speeds of up to 120 kilometers per hour. This Bulli, like the others, has been modified by Turk with an exchanged engine, a modernized interior, renewed rims, and a lowering of the bus.
The search for Turk's second Bulli was long and difficult, with him even traveling to Slovenia to find it. His diligence paid off, as he was able to expand his Bulli collection with this find.
Today, the Bullis, reminiscent of hippies and students traveling around the world after World War II, have a cult status. On the road, both children and seniors recognise the Bulli and often greet Turk with flashing headlights, waves, or a thumbs-up.
Occasionally, Turk attends VW Bus meets, such as at the Austrian mountain Grossglockner or the Salzburgring, with his two Bullis. These events provide a chance for fellow enthusiasts to admire his collection and share stories of their own adventures with the iconic vehicle.
Repairing the Bulli himself saves Turk money, as spare parts are expensive. A used door without paint, for example, costs around 100 euros. This dedication to preserving the originality of the third Bulli, while modernizing the others, reflects Turk's appreciation for the history and culture of the VW Bulli.
If Hubert Turk had known the value of his first Bulli when he sold it for 500 marks, he might have thought twice. Today, the Bullis cost several tens of thousands of euros, depending on their condition. However, for Turk, the value of these vehicles goes beyond their monetary worth, as they represent a piece of history and a shared cultural heritage.
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