Aircooled VW South Africa

I recently had the opportunity to visit the AP, finally.

To be frank, I headed there expecting to be slight disappointed, knowing VW's general attitude towards their history, having read reports of the museum in Germany and having come across a lot of info' on VWSA over the years. It was a lot worse than I expected though, and I left very disappointed.

There was precious little info' on the full story of VW in this country, of the unique models built here, of the plethora of accessories, the culture, etc.. If they cared, they would probably be astounded at the collections of some locals.

My first encounter with 'something old' was an Austin A40. Is that part of a game? Guess why there's an Austin at the AP? I know my history, but 99% of the people going through the doors there know far less. Hooray for the seemingly random SAMAD link.

Imagine my shock when I rounded the corner from the parking lot to discover half of the museum's fleet on display in the parking lot... Did I forget to mention that all of this was going on in the pouring rain? The Swiss camper is showing noticeable signs of rust issues, no doubt as a result of their prolonged foray outside.

Photography inside is extremely difficult, due to poor lighting and cramped spaces.

Perhaps the neatest display is the dissected New Beetle, but even if was a little lacklustre, due to the whining cry for some lubrication.

Baron von Oertzen's Jagdwagen, my primary reason for visiting, is a disagrace. With VW's resources, it should be a far better and more accurate restoration. There was no information available on it, which is shocking, considering its importance.

I sought out the curator, but he, or she, was absent.

Leaving out a few details, that should get my point across.

I'd complain to VW, but I know from past experience that expecting feedback is wishful thinking.

AP...what a disappointment.

Is there no way of engaging VWSA on this, we dont care who gets the credit as long as the heritage is secured.

I couldn't agree more. What I find the most pathetic is that VWSA couldnt even do a proper rebuild of a car themselves. You would think that VW would be able to use original parts or get hold of them, but it seems Pro-auto rubber, Midas etc was more than good enough for the parts on their cars.

The fellow that did their spray painting must have been some clown spraying out in the elements. Its really an embarrassment.

Worst of all is the cars standing outside. I was there about 8 months ago and that poor split was also left out in the rain.

Yes, the AP is aimed more at school tours than enthusiasts.

And the curator couldn't care less about VW history and heritage. He was Audi's press relations person until he retired and this gig is just easy retirement funding for him.

so it's not worthwhile driving thru from George just to go and see it?

we started talking on Wednesday to make a trip down to go and see it.

fig wrote:Yes, the AP is aimed more at school tours than enthusiasts.

And the curator couldn't care less about VW history and heritage. He was Audi's press relations person until he retired and this gig is just easy retirement funding for him.

Fig,

The chap I think you have in mind retired in FEB last year, according to the AP receptionist. I have the name and number of the new Curator, but haven't gotten around to making a call as yet.

bigboy777,

I went to the AP with specific intentions. I can't make the call for you. It wasn't what I wanted to see, but everyone looks for something different.

N.

If one of you chaps happens to have a suitable contact within VW, or VWSA, perhaps a well-supported petition might wake them up...

As a suggestion, I tender the following:

VWSA,

Please, for the sake of what's left in your AutoPavilion, close it.

Allowing half of the museum fleet to rust out in the rain, the lack of accurate documentation, the severely sub-par restorations and the complete lack of the culture involved with your local heritage is doing no-one any favours.

I'd have passed on my comments to the AP directly, but they don't seem to respond to comments and quite frankly, don't seem to care.

Heritage is about pride in what you've achieved, not marketing your new products to ignorant school tours.

Yours sincerely,

The greater (concerned) VW community

When we visited and made it clear that we were from Orkney the woman there just shrugged us off and said they were closed due to a staff meeting. Some guy however took pity and showed us the factory instead which was really amazing.
The cars outside were horrible.
Armand

Any pics of the cars parked outside ? Are these vehicles donated to the museum ?

jolas wrote:Any pics of the cars parked outside ? Are these vehicles donated to the museum ?

I was a little rushed and only took photos of von Oertzen's bus. Anyone else?

Some have been donated. The others, I'm not sure.

This was donated by some Swiss travellers after they drove it across Africa. I took this pic in 2009:

This was in 2010

Fig you beat me to it. I have just found all the pictures you have just posted in my collection of my 2010 AP visit. And all the vehicles are exactly the same and in the same place.

Hi
A long time ago I had a hand into that 67s deck lid the mod was done in the early 70s using a Renault deck lid it was leaded on both sides and looked almost factory I just repainted it for Hermann Ortlepp who was the owner then. Later it was restored by Kobus and Drona Greyling who sold it to the factory
Armand

Not saying you guys are wrong, but maybe a bit hard on the Auto Pavilion.

The guys looking after it, are Employees, not enthusiasts.

You will not find a "Aircooled Fan" there, regardless how hard you look.

When I went to see the Black Fastback for the 1st time, I told the guys how un-original it was,and that the paint work was junk.

They took my comment to hart, and sent the car for rebuild, now looks 100% better.

These cars where donated, or bought. They will be restored, when the funds are there, as they are self financed.

Some cars where donated with the request not to be restored. but to be kept as is.

VW does not build cars.... Not any of the car brands Build cars..... They all only Assemble cars.


So for them to personalty restore a car, is impossible.

The last Beetle was sent to a Body Shop to restore, and even The AP said that it was a disaster, more could have been done to have it more original.

But....

The rebuild instruction was not clear, and it was put together in the true panel beater style.

Yes we can all say that the display could be better, but why not drop them a line, and place your concern, I think you would be shocked to see that they will make an effort.

After all, which other maker has a public display of their heritage.

Maybe give John Lemon a call, he has a lot to do with the history at Pavilion.

OMO

Herman