Terry Ito Column Vol.60: I bought a rare 1974 VW Cabriolet 1303S

It's truly a miracle car. One owner, 6,800 km, and a Setagaya double-digit license plate. The exterior, interior, and driving condition are all excellent. The driver's and passenger's seats are showing signs of wear, so I'm considering replacing them. VW Beetles are incredibly popular in Japan, so even old parts are readily available. What's most exciting is that the previous owner was the same age as me—a woman, no less. I've heard she acquired this car in 1974, at the age of 24. Considering the economic climate at the time, when the starting salary for a college graduate was 70,000 yen, the price of a Beetle Cabriolet at Yanase, the authorized VW dealer, was around 1 million yen. Considering that would be roughly 5 million yen today, it's impressive how much of a young lady a 24-year-old woman could own this car. What's even more amazing is that all of the original records are still in perfect condition. All maintenance has been done at the Yanase dealership. Looking at the thick maintenance notes brings tears to my eyes. It shows just how well-bred this car was. The previous owner likely gave up her driver's license and sold it due to advancing age. On the day I said goodbye to the car that had been my youthful home, I said, "I hope the next person who drives it will take good care of it." I took those words to heart.

The next day, after the excitement had died down, I was a bit worried. Looking at the car objectively, I saw that it had been stored in a garage for many years, with dents and rust on the body and wheels, and the overall color faded. If I spent money to restore it, it would look like new, but if I put on too much makeup, it would become a completely different car. If that happens, when I bump into the previous owner on the street, they won't recognize my old car. They won't even wave back. That would be so rude. But I still need to do something about the rust. I'm trying to find a balance between these two. I'll probably go with a method that doesn't ruin the current image. In fact, this is the most fun period.

I've already decided where I'll go for my first drive after the restoration is complete. I want to visit the home of the previous owner, who was introduced to me by the car dealer. I want to tell him, "I'm so grateful that you've given me your Beetle Cabriolet, which you've treasured for so many years." I'm a lazy guy who only gets interested in other cars after six months of driving, but this time it's different. I'm sure it will be a lifelong possession. If I give this car away rudely, the car gods will punish me.

I could build a secret base in Yokosuka that could store dozens of cars, but I'd like to give her lots of rides. She's a sheltered girl who's been in a garage for 50 years. She'll probably be amazed at the changes in the sea, mountains, and cities with towering skyscrapers. I'd like to enjoy a drive while talking to my car. A VW Beetle Cabriolet that's emerged from a time capsule. This car is the DeLorean from the movie "Back to the Future."

Terry Ito (director)

Born in Tsukiji, Tokyo in 1949. After attending Waseda Jitsugyo Junior and Senior High School, he graduated from Nihon University's School of Economics.
In March 2023, he completed the Master's program at the Graduate School of Media and Governance at Keio University.
He joined the television production company IVS Television, where he worked on variety shows such as "Tensai Takeshi's Genki ga Deru TV" and "Neruton Benikujidan."
He then went independent and worked on planning and directing a number of television programs, including TV Tokyo's "Asakusabashi Young Clothing Store."
His book "Comedy North Korea" became a bestseller, and he subsequently made numerous media appearances under the name Terry Ito.
In addition to his work as a director, he is also active in a variety of fields as a producer, entertainer, and commentator.
YouTube channelTerry Ito's Comedy Backdrop'
Currently writing a column in LALALA USA
https://lalalausa.com/archives/category/column/terry