Neil - love this story!
Thanks for posting.
Wasn't there a British Major who received new VW's for his help in saving the company after the
war?
Our first VW - white roof over red. Used '69, I think. Our first set of 4 wheels after my return from Vietnam - and discharge from my 2 yr obligation. As you can see here - they don't need an engine.

Next auto - a new '71 Beetle. Lovely car! My all-time favorite.

Final VW - in 1991 bought a new Vanagon GL - seen here getting prepped for sale 20 yrs on.

Where kid #6 was conceived~! (vacation along Mass. shoreline - romantic lighting from a nearby Dunkin Donuts!)
Said #6, my daughter - hopes I'm joking!
Me? The Sgt Major and I love it!
Photo here is of the 2-seat rear seats folded in a 'Camper' - ours had the full width, 3-seat arrangement.
The rear seat slides forward and then down - abutted to the thick mattress over the engine cover - makes a comfy bed!

Have very quickly sold VW's thru
www.TheSamba.com forum. Offers by the end of the first day!
Massive forum for VW owners.
For decades I swore that if it wasn't a new Honda bike - it'd have to be a new A/C VW for me!
Stig