2332cc ’64 BEETLE
It has a nice rake, enhanced with big ’n’ little tyres. It has sports-orientated rims and a 2.3-litre motor fed by Weber 48IDAs. It retains a subdued appearance with a de-chromed body, t-bars and no fancy accessories.
Based on this description, Nick Romero’s ’64 Beetle has all the elements of a true California Look VW, the likes of which roamed the streets of Orange County during the 1970s. Yet we know some hardcore fans of the trend may get upset if we call it so. So, what gives?
Well, the California Look has evolved during the last half a century. This gradual evolution applies to other segments of the automotive hobby, too, including hot rodding. A 1930 Ford Model A roadster modified in the 1940s would likely have had subdued paint, steel wheels and a Ford Flathead V8 engine, yet one built in the 1960s looks quite different, usually sporting aluminium or mag’ wheels, bright paint and an overhead valve V8. Ultimately, technological advances, as well as fashion, dictated these changes.
