There’s something exceptionally disconcerting in knowing your body is atop and ahead of the front wheels. Along with other flat-nosed pickups and vans of the day, this VDub took things a step further: If a head-on collision didn’t do you in, there was always the potential for engine fires from the under-aerated engine, signifying one of the rare occasions when a VW Bus produced any appreciable degree of heat.

Air-cooled cars never heated all that well, especially in the VW Beetle’s day. Some Bug drivers kept their ice scrapers at hand to periodically clear the inside of the windshield while driving. Others opted for the gas heater. Yes, a gasoline heater radiating its goodness throughout the cabin — for those who enjoyed fumes and flammability with their warmth. What’s most interesting about this deadliest car design is not the concern over toxicity at the time, but the worry of the heaters using too much gas that could otherwise power the engines.

I take this as a warning to tailgaters. I’ll stay off your ass if you stay off mine. For the record my buses have never over heated, but then I’m not trying to win a race. Slow and low is the tempo.

So are old VWs deserving of this title? Debate…

PS. From 1992-1995 I owned a Suzuki Samurai (#9) on this list. Seems I had some sort of automotive death wish.

From reader Mitch Petty…

 For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Mitch Petty, I am the founder of Punch Buggy 4 SickKids. Punch Buggy 4 SickKids is a ‘Feel Good’ charity that taps into the enthusiasm and generosity of people like you who love the Volkswagen Beetle to raise money for Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children – SickKids! Each year we invite Volkswagen Beetle & Bus owners from all over Canada bring their Bugs & Busses into Toronto to raise money and show their support for SickKids. We call this gathering the Punch Buggy 4 SickKids Toronto Volkswagen Beetle Invasion! This year our show will take place at Yonge & Dundas Square on May 23, 2009. We are very excited about this year’s event as Yonge and Dundas Square is one of the most prestigious event locations in Toronto!

Each year our goal is to fill the streets of Toronto with the distinct sights and sounds of Volkswagen Beetles strutting their stuff for a good cause. The rare spectacle of so many Volkswagen Beetles generates an enormous amount of visibility and interest for our event. The attention these classic cars get is unbelievable! TV, Radio, and News Papers cannot resist this ‘feel good’ story. Last year our event got overwhelming media attention and was covered by EZ Rock, CityTV, CP24, and CTV!

Last year we were able to raise over $12,000 for SickKids and we are doing it again this year and are hoping to raise $20,000!

Please mark MAY 23, 2009 on your calendars and start raising money! Don’t miss this one – it is going to be a VERY fun day!

 We will have food and LIVE MUSIC all day and the Main Stage! Your cars will have a VIP parking space at the front door of Toronto’s Eaton Center within a stones throw of movie theaters, restaurants, and shopping! We will also be holding a ‘Silent Auction’ of donated goodies!

Start Raising money NOW and become the 2009 Punch Buggy 4 SickKids Champion! The owners of the car (or bus) that raises the most money will become  the 2009 Punch Buggy 4 SickKids Champion! This years champion will get a  Trophy, and will be showered with great prises (to be determined!)

 If you know of anyone who would be interested in becoming a ‘Corporate Sponsor’ please let me know and I will send them a proposal. If they  become a sponsor, we will count their sponsorship money towards your total!

 For more information check out punchbuggy4sickkids.com or join our Facebook group Punch Buggy for SickKids.

 Please feel free to contact me with any questions!

 Best Regards,

 Mitch Petty
 Punch Buggy 4 SickKids